SAAFF endorses Truck Test 2026

The Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) has officially endorsed Truck Test 2026, reinforcing the event’s position as a benchmark initiative for the transport and logistics sector in South Africa and across the continent.

The endorsement marks a significant milestone for Truck Test, which continues to grow in credibility and industry relevance. Scheduled to take place from 3 to 5 November 2026, the event brings together leading truck manufacturers to evaluate extra-heavy commercial vehicles under real-world operating conditions.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Charleen Clarke, editorial director of FOCUS on Transport & Logistics (which organises Truck Test), highlighted both the timing and the importance of the endorsement. “It could not be coming at a better time,” she said. “With fuel prices escalating at an alarming rate, operators are under immense pressure to extract maximum efficiency from every litre. Truck Test provides exactly the kind of independent, real-world data the industry needs right now.”

Clarke also welcomed SAAFF’s involvement: “We are absolutely delighted by the endorsement from SAAFF. Their support adds enormous weight to the initiative and reinforces the importance of transparency, credibility and industry collaboration.”

Truck Test 2026 will feature entries from leading global manufacturers including Daewoo, DAF, FAW, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Powerstar, Scania, Shacman, Sinotruk and Volvo Trucks. These brands will compete in a rigorous evaluation focused on fuel efficiency, productivity, safety and overall operational performance.

For SAAFF, the decision to endorse the event aligns closely with its strategic priorities. Juanita Maree, CEO of SAAFF, emphasised the broader significance of the partnership. “It is our pleasure to confirm SAAFF’s acceptance of this endorsement role with excitement and appreciation,” Maree stated. “It is a privilege for SAAFF to endorse and support Truck Test, which stands as an important, open industry scrutiny event and a credible benchmark for South Africa’s transport landscape and, indeed, across the continent.”

She underscored the importance of independent evaluation in a sector where operational efficiency is critical. “The independent and practical evaluation of commercial vehicles under real-world operating conditions aligns strongly with the priorities of our members and the broader logistics ecosystem,” she said. “In a sector where asset performance, cost efficiency, safety and reliability are central to success, the value of transparent, comparative insights cannot be overstated.”

Maree further noted that SAAFF’s endorsement is rooted in its commitment to advancing industry standards. “Our support is grounded in enabling informed decision-making and reinforcing the role of transport as a critical enabler of trade and economic growth,” she explained.

Beyond endorsement, SAAFF plans to play an active role in shaping and amplifying the impact of Truck Test 2026. “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate closely with the organisers to ensure the continued success and relevance of this initiative,” Maree elaborated. “This includes contributing thought leadership, supporting performance standards and extending the reach of Truck Test outcomes across our membership and stakeholder communities.”

She also highlighted the strategic value of positioning Truck Test within the broader logistics context, noting: “There is a clear interdependence between vehicle performance and supply chain efficiency. Truck Test provides a platform to highlight this relationship and to elevate industry understanding.”

Clarke believes that this collaboration will elevate the event to new heights. “Having SAAFF on board strengthens the bridge between vehicle performance and the broader logistics ecosystem,” she said. “Ultimately, this is about equipping the industry with meaningful insights that drive smarter decisions.”

As Truck Test 2026 approaches, the combination of manufacturer participation and strong institutional backing signals a compelling and highly relevant event. With rising costs, evolving technology and increasing pressure on transport operators, the need for objective, real-world evaluation has never been greater.

With SAAFF’s endorsement now confirmed, Truck Test 2026 is poised to deliver exactly that.