Author:focus-on-transport

Counterfeit parts rock South Africa’s trucking industry November 19, 2024 A shadow looms over South Africa’s trucking sector, as a flood of counterfeit rocker, equaliser, and torque arm bushes threatens to unleash chaos on the roads. These substandard parts, masquerading as high-quality polyurethane components, pose a grave danger to truck operators and other road users alike, leading to catastrophic suspension failures and potentially devastating consequences. Rob Russell, managing director of Polyflex Urethanes – the original pioneer of polyurethane suspension bushes […]

Transforming driver behaviour for safer roads November 18, 2024 Optix’s Safe&Sound programme is tackling the root causes of unsafe driving in South Africa. By empowering drivers and supporting businesses, this innovative solution aligns with global safety goals to reduce accidents and create safer roads for all. Human factors are responsible for the vast majority of road accidents in South Africa, with estimates indicating that 80% of fatalities result from human error. Despite this alarming figure, there has been little progress […]

Is black going green? November 19, 2024 Korean tyre maker Hankook has begun mass production of tyres using environmentally friendly, ISCC PLUS-certified carbon black. CHARLEEN CLARKE wonders if this is a sign of green things to come for the tyre sector. Tyres play an essential role in modern transportation, but they present a major environmental challenge when they reach the end of their life. Millions of tyres are discarded each year and, due to their composition, they are not easy […]

Astec cold planer breaks ground in SA November 6, 2024 A robust and powerful machine is making waves in local road construction, setting a new benchmark for both durability and performance. The Astec RX-600ex cold planer has made its debut on the rehabilitation of Gauteng’s R21 highway, marking the first time this advanced machine has been used in South Africa – where many roads are in less-than-perfect condition. Cold planing, or asphalt milling, is the process of removing layers of […]

AI to the rescue: Solving Germany’s truck parking crisis September 4, 2024 Truck drivers in Germany face a daily struggle: finding parking spaces at highway rest stops. With limited spaces available, the search for parking often becomes a time-consuming and stressful task. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is set to change all of this, providing a much-needed solution to this ongoing problem. In Germany, truck drivers are legally required to take regular rest breaks to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. […]

LCVs in the US: from zero to hero August 30, 2024 Bakkies – or pickup trucks, as they’re called in the United States – have come a long way since their inception in the early 20th century. Originally designed for utility and work purposes, these vehicles have evolved into versatile machines that cater to a broad range of consumers, from farmers and construction workers to families and off-road enthusiasts. Pickup trucks were born out of necessity. The first production pickup, […]

Robots on the move: Scania redefines last-mile deliveries November 22, 2024 Scania is exploring the transformative potential of robots in last-mile deliveries, aiming to revolutionise urban logistics. Partnering with innovators like Dyno Robotics, the company envisions autonomous trucks paired with robots to streamline goods unloading and distribution. In modern logistics, truck drivers spend a significant amount of time outside their vehicles, unloading goods by hand. Scania, a global leader in sustainable transport, is challenging this norm by exploring robotics for […]

Protect the equipment driving you forward November 26, 2024 For fleet managers in South Africa, keeping trucks moving safely and efficiently is an ongoing challenge. Rising fuel costs, deteriorating road conditions, and an increase in road hazards make tyre reliability a critical factor for success in the road freight industry. Managing these challenges is essential in a sector that moves over 70% of the country’s goods; fleet managers need to be innovative to minimise unplanned expenses and maintain operations efficiently. […]

Driving Growth: Sinotruk shines at Futuroad November 22, 2024 Sinotruk has long been a steady presence in South Africa’s trucking industry. However, COLIN WINDELL reports that a recent milestone – a major 300-unit deal – has propelled the Chinese manufacturer from twilight into full sunlight as a significant force in the market. The deal, secured through one dealer in its expansive national network, highlights growing confidence in Sinotruk’s capabilities. Adding to this momentum was Sinotruk’s strong presence at the Futuroad […]

Which are the safest trucks? November 21, 2024 Renowned automotive safety testing body, Euro NCAP, has named Volvo’s FM and FH Aero the safest trucks on the market. GEORGE BARROW reports. The first Truck Safe 2024 test results for new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) awarded the maximum five-star rating to the two Volvo models. The Scania G-series and Renault Trucks T tractor units were awarded a four-star rating, while the Mercedes-Benz Actros L, Scania R-series, MAN TGX, and DAF XF […]