Author:charleen-clarke
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 […]
One company, many solutions August 22, 2024 Last month, MAN Truck & Bus invited the world’s transport media to Austria. The purpose? To give journalists a sneak peek at the vehicles it will display at the IAA. CHARLEEN CLARKE jetted to the Austrian Alps to drive the vehicles, and she reports that while MAN may be just one company, it’s offering many solutions. We all know that climate change is a massive issue and that something has to be done. […]
On with the show! August 23, 2024 The IAA Transportation takes place in Germany next month. CHARLEEN CLARKE says that visitors will be able to see, experience, and learn all about some incredible products, services, and technologies. Every two years, the captains of the transport industry pack their bags and head to Hannover, Germany, for the IAA, which was renamed the IAA Transportation two years ago. This year, it takes place from 17 to 22 September, and over 1,500 exhibitors […]
Face to face with Maretha Gerber August 26, 2024 History was made earlier this year when Maretha Gerber was appointed group CEO and president of Daimler Truck Southern Africa. This was the first time that a woman had ever been appointed into this position, and CHARLEEN CLARKE reports that transformation at Daimler Truck is not limited to senior management… From selling photocopying machines to heading up Daimler Truck Southern Africa, Gerber’s career reads like a real rags to riches story. […]
Wild claims or realistic promises? July 16, 2024 In one of her first official appearances since being appointed, our new Minister of Transport has promised to achieve much. Are these wild claims, or are her promises realistic – and achievable? Our new Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, has been handed a bit of a hospital pass. She has a lot to do. South Africa’s transport infrastructure – vital for economic growth and social development – requires significant upgrades and better […]
Transpotec Logitec delivers the goods June 14, 2024 Transpotec Logitec is well known to European transport operators, but we attended the exhibition for the first time this year. It turned out to be a huge surprise! CHARLEEN CLARKE reveals that it’s an excellent exhibition, well worth a visit. We travelled to Milan, Italy, with subdued expectations. Honestly, we were not expecting much – just a smattering of Italian exhibitors at what we fully expected to be an event that was […]
Metallic makes musical magic: Nothing Else Matters June 13, 2024 I love my job. One of many reasons why is the opportunity to enjoy new experiences. Recently, that new experience involved being surrounded by men with black nail varnish. I’ve done all sorts of bonkers things in my time as a journalist. Being in a helicopter when the pilot deliberately cut the engine and we tumbled out of the sky was possibly the scariest (and the most idiotic). I’ve also […]
Air cargo impacted by black swan event May 3, 2024 Conflict in the red sea disrupting ocean freight services has been an immensely impactful “black swan” event for air cargo. Charleen Clarke reports that there have been +11% increases in global air freight demand for the fourth straight month, partially as a result of the unrest. The global air cargo market is on the boil! According to Global Market Insights, the global air cargo market was estimated at US$200 billion […]
When good truckers go bad May 14, 2024 A shocking book has revealed a gruesome pattern of women being murdered by truck drivers! Regular readers know that I’m a big fan of truck drivers. I think they’re generally underappreciated, and I feel sorry for them (especially those poor chaps who queue for days at border posts). However, a new book has made me view some truckers in a whole new light (please note the inclusion of the word, “some”. I’m […]
Driven: the BMW X1 May 15, 2024 South Africans are absolutely besotted with sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs). And we’re treated to a gazillion different SUV and SAV options. Some are cheap and cheerful; others are premium. The BMW X1 sDrive18i definitely falls into the latter category – but is it any good? The car in a nutshell BMW is one of the most successful automotive companies on the planet. With a total of 2,253,835 vehicles […]
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