Author:focus-on-transport
LIANA SHAW explores how vehicle manufacturers and service providers are enhancing and adapting their service offerings to this important market segment The primary agricultural sector in South Africa has grown by an average of about 2,2 percent per annum since 1994. Despite its relatively small share of the total gross domestic product (GDP), primary agriculture is an important sector in the economy. It is a significant provider of employment, especially in the rural areas, and is a major earner of […]
Nampo 2019 is set to be the biggest – ever! No matter the current political or economic climate, drought or other adversarial considerations – the annual Grain SA Nampo Agricultural Trade Show seems to grow each and every year. Indeed, despite some nationwide challenges last year, the 2018 event was the biggest yet… Exactly 82 817 visitors made their way to Nampo Park just outside Bothaville in the Free State, to engage with 746 exhibitors (who, you may be interested […]
When it comes to trailers, the agricultural market is both general and specialised at the same time… While certain everyday units – such as flat-decks or van bodies – can be used to transport goods from the farm to market, for example, other activities require specialised solutions. GAVIN MYERS gets acquainted with one of the latest While most farmers could run a trailer like a flat-deck or a tipper, not many transporters could have a use for a cattle carrier, […]
In order to provide comfort and control for the driver, while preventing damage to cargo and the vehicle, manufacturers design vehicles with suspension. GARETH GREATHEAD asks what differentiates quality suspension components from cheaper alternatives Andre Cilliers, MD of BPW Axles, says that 90 percent of trailers sold in South Africa use air suspension. “There are a number of reasons why air suspension has become the standard. Chief among these is that leaf springs work best when loaded, while the ‘spring […]
South African operators of the Volkswagen Crafter appreciate this large van for its versatility and ability to be converted for use in any number of applications – from ambulances and mobile clinics to tour buses and motor homes. In the United Kingdom (UK), Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has revealed another interesting conversion – that of a police riot van. Revealed at the UK’s Commercial Vehicle Show 2019 last week, the unique Police Support Unit (PSU) features new Kasiglas “unbreakable” plastic for […]
According to a 2018 report on retailing trends by global management consulting firm Deloitte, customer service is one of the four most important things young consumers look for in a retail experience (along with quality, sustainability and omnichannel). It’s therefore not surprising that in the logistics sector there’s a discernible link between customer service and bottom-line profitability. Logistics firm Bidvest Panalpina Logistics (BPL) provides a case study in how an emphasis on customer service can create a competitive advantage. Listening […]
The annual Grain SA Nampo Agricultural Show takes place next week – and so agriculture is top of mind in the wider transport industry. However, with another rise in the fuel price at the beginning of May, so are diesel costs. Marthinus Loock, AgriBusiness senior manager at Standard Bank, comments that South African farmers are facing a “perfect storm” of costs from increased global oil demand, higher oil prices, a weak rand-dollar exchange rate, increasing taxes, an inefficiently applied fuel […]
Seventy-eight percent – that’s the projected number by which loads transported between Bloemfontein and Upington will be reduced, with the use of the 44-pallet performance-based standard (PBS) trailer that has been added to the Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) fleet. The PBS trailer is 27,9-m long and can transport 44 pallets, compared to the conventional 30-pallet trailer. “This five-year pilot project is part of an ongoing programme for CCBSA to continuously develop new ways of delivering to our customers, while […]
April saw the highest fuel price hikes yet, as South African motorists were compelled to absorb sharp increases in the price of both petrol and diesel. This poses a huge threat to a transportation sector that is already under pressure. LIANA SHAW explores alternative fuel options available locally. Gareth Jones, head of technical sales, Tetra4, says: “With respect to diesel prices in South Africa, the only certainty is uncertainty. The two main drivers influencing the diesel pump price are the […]
Hino has announced a comprehensive plan to meet the objectives of its vision for 2025 and beyond. We went face to face with Yoshio Shimo, president and CEO of Hino Motors, to find out more “Envisioning 2025” is driven by Hino’s corporate mission: “Making the world a better place in which to live by helping people and goods to get where they need to go”. How will you achieve this? Today, human transportation and logistics are increasingly affected by social […]
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