Author:focus-on-transport

Old tyres – ticking time bomb?

Can a tyre expire and, if so, should vehicles and warehouses be checked to identify any potentially aged tyres that might constitute a problem? LIANA SHAW investigates Much is being said in the international press on the alleged “dangers” of fitting old tyres to one’s vehicle, and by old they are not referring to worn or partially used tyres, but, rather, to a manufactured tyre that has supposedly passed its expiry date. Brian Ross, investigative reporter for ABC News, recently […]

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Road-to-rail debate continues

Speaking at the recent SAPICS Conference, Transnet’s chief customer officer, Mike Fanucchi, acknowledged that trust and predictability were the big issues to be overcome in the road-to-rail debate. “Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) recognises the increasingly critical need for a predictable rail service that will support and enhance its drive to build successful partnerships with industry and third-party logistics service providers (3PLs),” he noted. “TFR has prioritised collaboration and partnerships with 3PLs in order to drive supply chain costs down and […]

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Max-out with Titan Cargo Maxx

Fuchs Lubricants Premium Maxx Performance engine oil now includes Fuchs XTL-Technology, specially developed for vehicles with modern exhaust after-treatment systems and turbochargers. It provides ageing stability and improved fuel-economy over the entire drain interval, due to oxidation stability. “The improvement in fuel economy over the drain interval is based on Fuchs XTL technology, compared with quality engine oils of the same SAE viscosity grade. It prevents deposits in engines and turbochargers and improves oil consumption by up to 27-percent, while […]

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Cargo Carriers continues to jump-start skills development

Supply-chain solutions specialist Cargo Carriers has of late invested heavily into skills development and training. In the 2018 financial year, the company’s apprenticeship programme attracted four diesel mechanics, who will significantly bolster the company’s existing team of highly competent technicians. These critical skills fulfil a vital role in the company’s strict fleet-maintenance regime, which has helped reduce operating costs and the carbon footprint by lowering fuel consumption and prolonging truck-replacement cycles. Meanwhile, the Cargo Carriers internship programme has been just […]

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Mercedes-Benz Trucks welcomes Maretha Gerber to the head of the table

On July 1, Daimler Trucks & Buses (DT&B) Southern Africa welcomed Maretha Gerber as the new head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks for Southern Africa. Gerber has held several leadership positions within Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) and brings with her a combination of retail experience within sales and marketing in various roles, as well as leadership skills. “Maretha is no stranger to the automotive sector and she has proved that she is invaluable to any team she has been a part of. […]

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Following up on fleet management

The South African fleet-management industry has kicked off 2018 with a bang. FOCUS finds out what the major players have to crow about It seems as though the first six months of 2018 have been all about fleet management, with most fleet-management service providers having much to talk about. In the last issue we covered news from Ctrack and Autotrack – and here’s even more… TomTom Telematics “Fleet Telematics Company of the Year” TomTom Telematics has been named 2018 European Fleet […]

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Secret to a superb fleet

Well known for its role in transporting hazardous goods, Cargo Carriers also moves steel, sugar and mining aggregates and offers supply chain solutions. With such a diverse portfolio, how does this operator keep on top of it all? The Cargo Carriers fleet currently consists of 250 truck tractors and a trailing fleet of 158 tri-axle trailers, 55 interlinks and other specialised trailing units. These vehicles serve customers across eight specialised logistics units and, considering most of them require the transportation […]

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EXCLUSIVE: We drive the Actros in South Africa

The new Actros has arrived in South Africa – finally! FOCUS is the one and only South African magazine to have put the vehicle to the test on South African roads. CHARLEEN CLARKE drove the truck – and reports that, at the end of the drive, she had new respect for the truck and truck drivers, too. I bet that local operators must be really chuffed that the Actros is here at last. I say this because it offers a […]

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Power statement

Amazing things can happen when such a committed relationship exists between customer and supplier – they can be created, too… GAVIN MYERS finds out how the home-grown, Scania-inspired R900 Kivara came into being. The relationship between Scania South Africa and Time Link Cargo is a model for any successful customer/supplier relationship. It began in 2003 when CEO Kamal Mitoo established the company. He chose the Scania brand back then, and hasn’t bought any other brand of vehicle since. A die-hard […]

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IoT will transform supply chain!

Global logistics providers see the Internet of Things (IoT) as a top priority for transforming the supply chain, with 79 percent expecting it to deliver greater insight and efficiencies The latest research from Inmarsat shows that transport companies are actively exploring a wide range of associated technologies, including machine learning, robotics and 3D printing, to help them improve their operations and offer a greater level of service to customers. Transport and logistics businesses are investing in internet-based smart technologies to […]

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