Author:vic-oliver

Maintaining a competitive and profitable transport business means keeping careful watch on a host of key performance factors, says VIC OLIVER The start of the New Year is a good time for road transport operators to re-examine the management of their business’s key performance areas. Good management saves money and increases profits – but practices and processes need to be continually monitored, refreshed and upgraded, especially given the type of tough, competitive market environment that has been forecast for this […]

Overloaded goods vehicles do considerable damage to road infrastructure – but understanding how permissible maximum combination mass is determined will help truck operators to stay within the law. VIC OLIVIER explains Confusion and a lack of understanding with regard to the permissible maximum combination mass rating of a truck tractor is common in the trucking industry, since the information is not displayed on a vehicle’s data plate. The information cannot be stamped on the data plate as it is determined […]

Truck owners would be well advised to train their drivers in the art of advanced driving, as there are many benefits to be reaped Following recent observation of the driving skills of truck drivers, I have come to the conclusion that the majority of long-distance, extra-heavy vehicle drivers display far more professionalism than those who drive small delivery trucks. In my experience, the majority of long-distance drivers seem well versed in advanced driving skills; they abide by road traffic regulations […]

Maximise the life of your truck and reap the economic rewards In the tough economic environment in which today’s road transport owners operate, it has become essential to extract the full lifespan potential from a vehicle at the lowest possible maintenance cost in order to retain a healthy profit margin and remain competitive. In order to do so, transport operators need to avoid expensive repairs to, or replacement of, major components such as engines, transmissions and drivetrains. Although it might […]

When it comes to buying an extra-heavy commercial vehicle, it’s wise to know the difference between models that feature single-axle reduction, and those that rely on hub reduction. Vic Oliver explains the difference Potential buyers of extra-heavy commercial vehicles have the choice of a variety of different models and specifications. Included in the selection is the choice between single-axle reduction and hub-reduction rear-drive axles. In order to ensure that the vehicle is suitable for the job to be undertaken, it […]

Provided the vehicle purchased is right for the job and has been well maintained, even high-mileage used trucks can prove to be exceedingly durable Good sales to customers north of the South African border are helping to keep the country’s used-truck market healthy. A number of dealers recently canvassed by FOCUS indicate that about 70 percent of sales are to customers who live outside South Africa. Although the market is supported by a wide selection of used heavy vehicles that […]

Overloading and incorrect load placement on a truck can be extremely dangerous, and can result in expensive mechanical repairs All truck manufacturers design their vehicles to safely carry the specified load as illustrated on the vehicle data plate. In calculating these loads, the manufacturer assumes that the operator will correctly load the vehicle with an evenly distributed load, without overloading any axle, or exceeding the maximum gross vehicle mass, or gross combination mass rating. Many heavy loads are incorrectly positioned […]

Selecting a truck or bus for a transport application without first examining all aspects that contribute to high vehicle productivity is a common mistake made by operators Following my previous report on the need to micromanage all vehicle operating and fixed costs in order to maximise profits in tough economic times, it is also necessary to optimise vehicle productivity. In real terms, vehicle productivity is the ability of a suitable means of transport to continuously move goods or people within […]

Operating a commercial vehicle in South Africa has become a tough business with continual rising costs and lower profit margins      To minimise a drop in profits it has become necessary to micromanage one’s business by constantly and accurately recording and examining all fixed and variable vehicle cost factors, and taking immediate action to rectify any cost that is higher than a set benchmark. Fuel is one of the major operating cost factors in a transport operation (especially on […]

It is important for trucks and drivers to be ready to handle harsh winter driving conditions Driving a truck in winter conditions can be a challenging task, especially if the vehicle and driver are not ready and equipped for the unforeseen harsh driving conditions. With the abnormal amount of rain and the strange weather patterns that the country has experienced lately, we can expect some unseasonal weather this winter. To avoid unnecessary and costly roadside vehicle breakdowns, ensure that all […]