Author:focus-on-transport

Like Muscles in the Body November 10, 2025 A vehicle’s transmission works hard and can take a beating from inexperienced drivers, often resulting in the need for reconditioning or a rebuild. William George looks into the factors that vehicle operators should bear in mind when taking a transmission to an aftermarket workshop.  The primary function of a transmission, or gearbox, is to transmit power from the engine to the driving wheels – much like muscles in a body transmit energy […]

Can data predict the future? March 4, 2025 Businesses have long relied on data to analyse the past. But now, data offers something even more powerful: foresight. TATENDA GWESHE writes that organisations are increasingly able to confidently infer valuable data signals regarding their employees’ plans and intentions. Predictive analytics can improve employee engagement, reduce costs and boost morale. If your top talent were considering leaving, wouldn’t you want to know? If a wave of disengagement was coming, wouldn’t you want […]

Freight Operations Management Demystified November 10, 2025 It is extremely challenging to manage freight transport. Nick Porée demystifies the process with some easy-to-follow pointers. The transport of goods is the part of the production process that takes place in the public space instead of inside business premises. The management of freight transport is challenging due to regulations pertaining to the vehicles, drivers and operations designed to protect the infrastructure and ensure road safety. The management process is complicated by the […]

Inspect the unexpected November 10, 2025 Regular 30-minute inspections of fleet vehicles will lower maintenance costs and reduce unnecessary and costly roadside breakdowns, writes Vic Oliver. Most truck manufacturers marketing heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) in South Africa have extended the service intervals of the vehicles they sell. In recent years, service intervals for long-distance trucks have extended to over 50,000km in South Africa. In some global markets under ideal conditions – and on selected new-generation models – intervals can reach […]

Fuels Technical Committee Advisory: Hydrogen Sulphide in Imported Fuels December 9, 2025 Regulations for certain hazardous chemical agents (HCAs) have been in place since March 2021. PHILA MZAMO, head of communication at the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA), explains the danger posed by hydrogen sulphide coming into the country. Regulations gazetted by the Minister of Employment and Labour in March 2021 under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act regulate the levels of various HCAs in the workplace. […]

Transporting dangerous goods: a shared responsibility December 8, 2025 While operators and drivers must be properly licensed and permitted to safely transport dangerous goods, there is also a need for increased awareness among general road users on the risks posed by hazardous materials and potential incidents that can affect general road safety. Arrivealive.co.za offers some valuable insights. Permits and licensing The major requirements of the transportation of dangerous goods are, amongst others: duties of the operator, consignor, consignee and the […]

Driver training that optimises fleet performance December 9, 2025 In the transport world, success on the road – from safety to productivity – begins with the people operating the vehicles. At UD Trucks Southern Africa (UDTSA), driver development is a core component of the brand’s value offering. Starting from vehicle handover, structured training and real-time coaching are central to long-term fleet performance. UDTSA’s philosophy is simple: give drivers the knowledge, tools and confidence they need to unlock the full capability […]

SA’s tyre market: key drivers, trends and challenges December 15, 2025 We look at how current trends are influencing the evolution of the local tyre market. According to a market report published in Q3 2025 by New York-based TechSci Research (TSR), this surge has led to an increase in tyre replacements, alongside a rise in demand for advanced tyre technologies. In 2024, SA’s overall tyre market was valued at US$1.2 billion (R20.24 billion). TSR projects 6.8% compound annual growth rate […]