Author:focus-on-transport

Flyte: redefining transport in Southern Africa April 22, 2026 South African-born Flyte, formerly MzansiGo, is pushing the boundaries of logistics by combining human expertise with cutting-edge technology. “We’re not SpaceX; we’re not launching a rocket. What gives us credibility is passion and solving real industry problems,” emphasises CEO and founder, Thinus Pretorius. The company describes itself as a modern transport orchestration platform, connecting shippers and transporters in a single, transparent workflow from sourcing to delivery to settlement. Unlike traditional brokers, […]

Fuel shock: Africa feels the heat April 7, 2026 As global tensions disrupt oil flows, fuel prices across Africa are rising sharply, exposing the continent’s dependence on imported energy and the fragility of its supply chains. Fuel prices across Africa are climbing at an alarming pace, driven by supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The surge is once again highlighting the continent’s vulnerability to global energy shocks beyond its control. Impact Newswire reports that, in several countries, […]

Fuel prices tighten their grip on South Africa’s economy April 6, 2026 Fuel prices are no longer just rising – they are destabilising South Africa’s entire logistics system, squeezing trade, fuelling inflation and exposing deep structural weaknesses in an already fragile economy. The latest Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) | BUSA Cargo Movement Update – authored by Dr Jacob Van Rensburg, head of research and development at the SAAFF – notes that fuel prices have always been a sensitive […]

From price shock to panic buying: record demand for fuel April 6, 2026 For 12 consecutive days in March this year, fuel stations across the country recorded sustained, escalating stop volumes – a pattern without precedent in seven years of continuous tracking by Lightstone Retail. From 16 to 27 March 2026, diesel volumes exceeded February levels every day, with the first surge peaking at 10 to 12% above the prior week. Instead of stabilising, demand accelerated again, culminating in volumes […]

AdBlue under scrutiny: why QC is critical for SCR performance March 30, 2026 As emissions standards tighten, proper AdBlue management and quality control are becoming essential. From storage to testing, fleets must treat this fluid carefully to avoid costly failures and protect Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system performance. The correct management of AdBlue is fast becoming a fleet maintenance priority as South Africa’s transport sector adapts to tighter emissions expectations and the wider use of SCR systems. AdBlue, also known […]

More than telematics: Connected Services driving uptime and value March 26, 2026 At UD Trucks Southern Africa (UDTSA), the evolution of UD Connected Services is guided by Gemba, a Japanese philosophy rooted in understanding real-world operations at the source. As explained by Amith Singh, General Manager responsible for Connected Services, this ensures solutions are shaped by the realities of customers’ day-to-day operations. Gemba is all about going to the place where value is created to gain firsthand understanding of real […]

Sinotruk steps onto the F1 stage in Shanghai April 13, 2026 The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix was not only about speed on track, but also about the logistics behind it, where Sinotruk played a visible supporting role. The Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix is known for speed, precision and spectacle. Yet behind the scenes, the event depends on a complex logistical operation that often goes unnoticed. In 2026, Sinotruk stepped into that space, taking on a more visible role during […]

IToY turns 50: 1982 to 1986’s winners April 10, 2026 The International Truck of the Year (IToY) is 50 years old! In celebration of this, RICHARD STANIER is paying tribute to all the winners over the years. We kicked off the tribute in FOCUS March 2026, with the first five winners (1977 to 1981). Here are the next five, from 1982 to 1986. 1982: Ford Cargo For 1982, two more judges – and they were now regarded as judges as […]

130 years on the road: How Mercedes-Benz Trucks shaped global transport April 20, 2026 From the first motorised truck to today’s intelligent heavy-duty vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Trucks marks 130 years of innovation, engineering excellence and global influence across transport. In 1896, Gottlieb Daimler presented the world’s first motorised truck: the two-cylinder “Phoenix”. The rear-mounted engine delivered four horsepower with a displacement of 1.06 litres and drove the rear axle via a belt system. Coil springs protected the sensitive engine from vibrations, […]