Author:focus-on-transport

Engen: the progressive energy partner enriching lives

Engen: the progressive energy partner enriching lives February 2, 2023 As an Africa-based energy company, Engen’s focus is on the downstream refined petroleum products market and related businesses. The company’s core functions include marketing primary refined petroleum products and providing convenience services via an extensive retail network. Engen’s products are exported to more than 30 countries – mostly in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands – and the company has approximately 1 500 service stations in these regions. Engen offers […]

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Does the 21-day grace period apply to truck licences?

Does the 21-day grace period apply to truck licences? February 3, 2023 The 21-day grace period after a motor vehicle licence expires applies to heavy motor vehicles exceeding 3 500 kg gross vehicle mass (GVM)/gross combination mass (GCM) too, says Kevin van der Merwe, executive manager: certification and operations, at the Road Freight Association (RFA). In recent months, the Association has on numerous occasions been contacted by operator members for assistance and clarity on the grace period applicable when a […]

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To park or not to park

To park or not to park February 6, 2023 Where can and cannot a truck park? Kevin van der Merwe, executive manager: certification & operations at the Road Freight Association (RFA), explains. As conveyors of goods on a public road, operators have experienced that traffic officers and other law enforcement officers derive some level of satisfaction from fining drivers and vehicles for various “parking” transgressions that occur while collecting goods from consignors and delivering them to consignees. We will look […]

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RTMS unravelled

RTMS unravelled February 6, 2023 What is the RTMS (Road Transport Management System) and how does it benefit your organisation and the industry? RTMS is an industry-led, government-supported, voluntary, self-regulation scheme that is based on the SANS 1395-1, being a national standard, published by the South African Bureau of Standards. At its essence, the standard – if implemented correctly – will provide a guideline for organisations to implement internal processes that are compliant with the Road Traffic Regulations Act and which […]

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Scania charges ahead!

Scania charges ahead! February 2, 2023   Scania Southern Africa is leading the charge towards electric vehicles in an industry-first trial together with the Shoprite Group. The launch in South Africa of Scania’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) promises to open the door to the electrified transport landscape for many progressive customers. Electric trucks hold the potential to reinvigorate South Africa’s transport industry. Not only do they provide a solution to the damage fossil fuels are inflicting on the environment, but […]

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Electric vehicles: preferred by pooches

EVs: preferred by pooches January 31, 2023 E-mobility is on the mind of many transport operators… and it would certainly be the first choice for pooches too! A first-of-its-kind study has revealed that dogs prefer electric vehicles (EVs) over vehicles with diesel engines. The study – conducted by the University of Lincoln and CarGurus – was commissioned to investigate the effects of travelling in EVs versus diesel vehicles on dog behaviour and welfare. During the study, dogs were taken on […]

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Strange but true: vehicle interiors made of coffee

Strange but true: vehicle interiors made of coffee January 31, 2023 Your next vehicle could contain an interior made out of coffee, eggs, walnuts, rice, and lentils! These foodstuffs could just as likely be found in your future vehicle’s interior as your shopping basket, according to a new study by design and engineering consultancy CALLUM. The design study – led by CALLUM’s head of materials and sustainability Charlotte Jones and co-founder Ian Callum – identified coffee pulp, eggshells, red lentils, […]

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Revealed: trucks not to blame for accidents

Revealed: trucks not to blame for accidents January 26, 2023 A Webfleet report reveals that trucks are not the primary cause of accidents on South Africa’s roads. The Road Safety Report reveals that while an overwhelming majority of transport companies – operating a variety of commercial vehicles ranging from small vans to large trucks – experienced road crashes in the past year, other road users seem to be the primary cause. Out of a total of over 14 000 vehicles […]

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“The MAN lion is going to roar loudly in 2023!”

“The MAN lion is going to roar loudly in 2023!” January 23, 2023 While 2022 was a challenging year for many truck and bus suppliers, the MAN Automotive team is convinced that 2023 will be a year to remember… for all the right reasons. “An incredible year in terms of truck sales.” That’s how Philip Kalil-Zackey, head of truck sales and product at MAN Automotive SA, describes 2022. “Last year was one of the biggest growth markets we’ve ever seen in terms […]

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Understanding permissible maximum combination mass

Understanding permissible maximum combination mass January 18, 2023 https://focusontransport.co.za/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-17427.mp3?cb=1677567899.mp3 Overloaded goods vehicles cause considerable damage to road infrastructure – but understanding how permissible maximum combination mass is determined will help truck operators to stay within the law. VIC OLIVER and NICK PORÉE explain. Confusion and a lack of understanding regarding the permissible maximum combination mass rating of a truck tractor are common in the trucking industry since this information is not displayed on a vehicle’s data plate. The information cannot […]

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