Author:charleen-clarke
It’s time to break the silence November 19, 2024 Truck drivers in South Africa belong to a profession defined by long hours, relentless pressure, and immense responsibility. Yet, one of the most pressing issues plaguing the industry remains shrouded in silence: the mental health of these drivers. As society becomes increasingly aware of mental health issues, truck drivers remain underserved, under-supported, and often left alone to grapple with the profound challenges of their profession. A recent survey in the UK […]
75 years of DAF Trucks in a single day November 15, 2024 It is exactly 75 years since DAF Trucks built its first truck! ARJAN VELTHOVEN celebrates the anniversary by driving one of the company’s trucks from “back then” and one from “today”. DAF’s history is well known, but let’s recap briefly. The foundation of the company was laid in 1928 and in its early years, Eindhoven knew the company as “Van Doorne’s Machinefabriek” (Van Doorne’s Machine Factory). When brothers […]
A Tesla Cybertruck for Cops? Only in SA’s dreams! October 23, 2024 The end of the year is nigh! So, I’ve decided to have a bit of fun with my editor’s column this month. I am going to tell you about the goings on in the city of Irvine, California, where they have done something rather remarkable – and I must admit, a little enviable. They’ve just deployed the first-ever Tesla Cybertruck as a fully outfitted police vehicle. Yes, you […]
Is the South African used truck market in crisis? November 13, 2024 Rumours have circulated within South Africa’s commercial vehicle industry for months, suggesting a massive oversupply of used trucks. But is this really the case? CHARLEEN CLARKE asked industry insiders to shed light on whether the market is truly in a crisis – and what is driving current trends. “It’s a bloodbath out there. I cannot remember when last we had this number of used trucks in stock.” That […]
Dancing with death September 30, 2024 Let’s face it: truck drivers in South Africa often get a raw deal. They’re the backbone of our transport and logistics industries, responsible for moving goods across the country. Yet time and time again, their health, safety, and basic dignity are thrown under the bus – or in this case, under the truck. According to research by the Department of Transport (DoT), truck drivers in South Africa face numerous challenges, from excessive hours to […]
IAA smashes records October 18, 2024 The 2024 IAA Transportation, which took place from 17 to 22 September in Hanover, Germany, grew by 10% from the previous edition. This year it attracted around 145,000 visitors, and CHARLEEN CLARKE was one of them. This year IAA smashed a number of records. There were nearly 1,700 exhibitors from 41 countries, a 21% increase compared to 2022. International participation soared to a record 72%, and over 145 world and European premieres took place. […]
National truck stop framework study underway September 10, 2024 Truck drivers in South Africa spend an inordinate amount of time at truck stops, but there is no central source of information or database of truck stops across the country. Sometimes, this means truck drivers face perilous conditions. A new study aims to change this… The study, which was unpacked at a Transport Forum meeting on 5 September, is a collaborative effort between the SaferStops Association, the Department of Transport (DoT), […]
Hyundai: Hooked on hydrogen? September 18, 2024 All over the world, truck producers are launching battery-electric trucks. South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Company, on the other hand, is doggedly pursuing fuel cell technology for its heavy commercial vehicles. CHARLEEN CLARKE travels to Hwaseong in South Korea to find out why. It’s 6.30am when I arrive at Hyundai’s enormous headquarters in Seoul, South Korea – which is a somewhat unusual time to arrive for a meeting in most countries. Not in Seoul, […]
Volvo’s New VNL: Groundbreaking innovation or pure marketing hype? September 5, 2024 Volvo claims that its new VNL is “designed to change everything”. Is this valid? Or is the claim pure marketing conjecture? CHARLEEN CLARKE flew to Dublin, Virginia, to find out. With an investment of US$400 million in a new state-of-the-art cab plant and various upgrades at the New River Valley plant, Volvo Trucks North America is certainly throwing big dollars into the new truck. But does the new […]
Let’s hear it for the ladies! August 12, 2024 This month, we’re celebrating the achievements of leading ladies within South Africa’s transport and logistics industry. When I first joined this industry, it was populated by men; women were hardly ever seen. I raised many a stare – purely because I was a woman working in a males-only industry. Rude and sometimes stupid comments were made. For instance, once I was flying to Sun City for a truck launch as a […]
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