Author:focus-on-transport

Crafter on the beat

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 […]

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The logistics of customer service

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 […]

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Reducing the impact of fuel costs on agricultural production

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 […]

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Coca-Cola refreshed with smart trucks

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 […]

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Natural gas – a cheaper alternative to diesel?

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 […]

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Face to face with Hino’s Yoshio Shimo

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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UK commercial vehicle industry on a high

If the Commercial Vehicle Show 2019 – the largest commercial vehicle event in the United Kingdom – is anything to go by, the nation’s commercial vehicle sector is very healthy indeed. Having opened its doors today (and running until May 2), the show has sold out for the fifth successive year. Rob Skelton, CV Show director, says: “The 2019 CV Show is great indicator of the ongoing strength of the UK commercial vehicle industry. In times of potential uncertainty in […]

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Stay up to speed with health, safety and security!

Among the many aspects of business a transport and logistics operator can’t ignore are security, fire safety and occupational health and safety. The 26th edition of Securex – Africa’s leading security and fire trade expo – takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from May 14 to 16. It promises to be a show not to be missed. Among the highlights for Securex 2019 are: The new 4Sight Cybersecurity Pavilion: This will focus on the state of cybersecurity in […]

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Study: transport and logistics businesses vulnerable to cybersecurity risks!

Almost two-thirds of companies in the transport and logistics sector agree that they must strengthen their cyber-defence capabilities, but say they lack the skills and technology to do so. This is the overall picture painted by the latest study undertaken on behalf of Inmarsat, a world leader in global, mobile satellite communications. The study adds that businesses recognise their approaches to cybersecurity must be strengthened, but are not yet taking the practical steps to safeguard the deployment of their industrial […]

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Bandag advances the art of the retread

At its recent 2019 national franchise conference, Bandag Southern Africa revealed an array of new products and its new corporate branding. In keeping with global alignment, the rebranded company – the largest independent retreading franchise network in southern Africa – has been positioned as “forward-thinking, contemporary and modern”. “Bandag’s new tagline is Built for Better. Bandag continues to invest in building the best retreaded tyres and does this by focusing on sustainability, reliability and profitability,” the company states. To support […]

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