Author:focus-on-transport

Breaks according to needs, not to law

Mexican truck drivers have to manage 1 800 km of loneliness when driving between Tijuana or Mexicali and the southern tip of the peninsula, Baja California. They calculate some 24 hours of driving time for the stretch – breaks not included – but sometimes they make it in one straight rush. Obviously, they don’t grumble about speed limits, writes RICHARD KIENBERGER. Whenever photographers meet uniformed officers in countries far away, they switch to alert mode. Experience tells them that there […]

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Technology that puts customer convenience first

Technology remains the biggest disruptor in the transport industry. FOCUS looks at current and new technology that threatens to change how the transport industry operates, but makes customer convenience a priority. Whether it is new technology being introduced or improvements on old technology, the transport industry is ripe for disruptions from the technology sector. One of the biggest disruptors involves the networking of devices, which enables them to connect and exchange data. This leads to the streamlining of communication and […]

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Stronger than steel

It is often thought that steel is stronger than aluminium. However, with the correct manufacturing approach, aluminium rims can be stronger, lighter and better for the transport industry than those made from steel. Aluminium rims are formed by forging or casting the metal. During the forging process, the wheel is manufactured from a single block, which is heated up and pushed into a mould at a pressure of 800 000 t. Casting requires the aluminium to be melted and poured into […]

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CLA for construction

MAN Automotive has refreshed its CLA model range, and is specifically targeting the construction industry. GAVIN MYERS joined the team as it introduced the new range to customers. The venue was the formidable ride and handling track at the Gerotek vehicle testing facility outside Pretoria. Lined up were some CLA 15.220 4×2 6 m3 tippers and CLA 26.280 6×4 10 m3 tippers – full to the brim with sand – and a CLA 26.280 6×4 with a drop-side body and […]

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Mining possibilities and constructing growth

As a company positively building its presence in the mining and construction industries, Scania South Africa knew that Bauma Conexpo Africa was the place to be. GAVIN MYERS spoke to its dedicated mining and construction managers to find out more. Theuns Naude, segment manager construction/public and special, and Reuben Govender, segment manager mining, are determined to achieve a similar goal in their respective areas of expertise: to show that Scania has what it takes to gatecrash the construction/mining party, as […]

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LCVs greener on the other side

More companies are turning to environmentally friendly options when selecting their vehicles, and the international light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment is one of the favourites. WILLIAM GEORGE looks at how “green” LCVs are contributing to transport businesses and the environment in which they operate. Many businesses use LCVs for deliveries, as they are ideal for cutting costs and improving efficiency. A “green” vehicle is normally propelled by alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas, fuel cells and electricity. According to […]

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Solar project resolves power problems in Malawian hospitals

A solar energy project, which is ensuring that patients at hospitals in Malawi are not compromised by power outages, is the latest healthcare supply chain solution delivered in the region by Resolve Solution Partners – an Imperial Logistics company. As part of its plan to develop healthcare infrastructure in Malawi, the country’s Ministry of Health embarked on a US$ 3,7-million (R43,8 million) project to install solar energy at 85 health facilities nationwide. “The Ministry of Health contracted non-profit  organisation, the […]

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Scanning the globe

While it is often said that South Africa is at the forefront of the global tracking and telematics industry, it is interesting to see what others are doing. NKOSINI NGWENYA explores some current global fleet-management trends. The South African trucking industry has over the years struggled with the epidemic of vehicle theft. According to a recent report by Avis Fleet Management: “Nissan and Scania trucks are most targeted by criminals followed by Hino, Isuzu, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi and Toyota.” This […]

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Weighing in log by log

Operating in the timber industry is not for the faint-hearted. GAVIN MYERS chats to T3 Timber and Transport and one of its suppliers, Loadtech, to find out how they approach the task. Transportation within the timber industry is a highly specialised field that requires vehicles and equipment suited to the task. Large amounts of off-road and on-highway work is required – so trucks and trailers need to be suited to both environments, drivers need to be adept in all manner […]

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Daewoo roars into town!

The Koreans are coming! Expect to see lots of Daewoo-badged trucks on our roads soon!  Daewoo Trucks has introduced the new-generation Maximus 6×4 truck tractor in South Africa. This model is ergonomically and aesthetically designed and has been well received by the early adopters. With a revenue of US$ 1 billion (R11,9 billion), Daewoo Trucks – a heavy and extra-heavy truck manufacturer – is based in South Korea with an assembly plant in Gunsan, South Korea. In addition, the company […]

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