March 2017
Vol. 07. No. 03
MOVING VOLVO TRUCKS FORWARD Looking to retain the brand’s frontrunner position
ROAD TO RAIL
Re-opening of the Elandsfontein Intermodal Terminal
iCAM VIDEO TELEMATICS Revolutionising fleet management
IMPROVED DRIVING PERFORMANCE Boost fleet efficiency with predictive real-time driving advice that empowers employees to improve driving behaviour. With petrol costs shooting through the roof, the good news is that companies can improve their fuel consumption with OptiDrive 360 from TomTom Telematics. The next generation of WEBFLEET OptiDrive now includes predictive real-time driving advice. Pre-trip, OptiDrive 360 provides motorists with best practice advice on how to drive more safely and fuel efficiently. Direct feedback and driving advice is offered in real-time during the trip to actively coach the driver. The system uses vehicle and map data to advise drivers when to take their foot off the accelerator or shift gear and what their optimum speed should be. After the trip a snapshot analysis is available to review the trip statistics. All information is displayed via the driver terminal. OptiDrive 360 scores drivers based on a total of eight performance indicators - speeding, driving events, idling, fuel consumption, green speed, coasting (where you release the accelerator pedal in gear), gear shifting and constant speed - which can be used as the basis for performance reviews, training and driver benchmarking. WEBFLEET provides managers with dashboards that allow them to highlight trends in driving behaviour. A series of in-depth reports then enables them to drill deeper for greater analysis and to compare the whole fleet. BENEFITS OF OPTIDRIVE 360 • Reduced costs Can help to reduce fuel, maintenance and insurance costs, lowering the total vehicle ownership costs. • Increased sustainability Can contribute towards proving your environmental responsibility by demonstrating your effort to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. • With increased driver safety in mind Real-time feedback and advice on safer driving contributes towards fewer accidents and maintenance downtime. • More relaxed drivers With a better driving style drivers will arrive at the customer relaxed and ready to work. HOW OPTIDRIVE 360 WORKS OptiDrive 360 helps drivers adopt a responsible driving style. It provides valuable insights to both the fleet manager and the driver — delivering direct feedback to drivers before, during and after their trip. Responsible driving helps you to lower fuel, maintenance and insurance premiums, thus helping to reduce the total costs of vehicle ownership for your business. DRIVING PERFORMANCE INSIGHTS OptiDrive 360 actively provides real-time feedback and advice to improve driving performance. Fleet managers and drivers get tailored driving insights on up to eight OptiDrive performance indicators. SPEEDING Information about what the speed limit is, and if drivers are driving within it. DRIVING EVENTS Reports on harsh steering and sudden breaking. IDLING Information on idling time and associated fuel waste. FUEL Real-time and average fuel consumption. CONSTANT SPEED Reports on speed fluctuations in driving performance. COASTING (WHERE YOU RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN GEAR) Drivers can be advised to release the accelerator when approaching a coasting zone. GREEN SPEED Get an advised speed, based on fuel efficiency and the speed limit. GEAR SHIFT Advice on how appropriate gear changing can optimise vehicle efficiency. ABOUT TOMTOM TELEMATICS TomTom Telematics is a Business Unit of TomTom dedicated to fleet management, vehicle telematics and connected car services. WEBFLEET is a Software-as-a-Service solution, used by small to large businesses to improve vehicle performance, save fuel, support drivers and increase overall fleet efficiency. The company services drivers in more than 60 countries, giving them the industry’s strongest local support network and widest range of sector-specific third party applications and integrations. More than 40 000 customers benefit every day from the high standards of confidentiality, integrity and availability of its ISO 27001:2013 certified service, re-audited in November 2015.
COMPANY: TomTom Telematics TWITTER: @TomTomWEBFLEET VISIT: business.tomtom.com/en_za/
Contents INTERVIEW 14
Torbjörn Christensson, president of Volvo Group Southern Africa, aims to maintain the company’s frontrunner position in the region’s commercial vehicle market
DEVELOPMENTS 18
Insight into Fortress Income Fund’s R650-million Louwlardia Logistics Park development
LOGISTICS 21
ArcelorMittal SA moves from road to rail at the official re-opening of Transnet’s Elandsfontein Intermodal Hub
TRUCKX HALL OF FAME 22
The hunt is on for South Africa’s best truck drivers. Enter yours now
COVER STORY 24
According to iCAM Video Telematics managing director Gary Wels, modern telematics systems are charting the path for the future of mobility
INSURANCE 34
Automatic trucks right for fleet owners
MODEL REVIEW 36
JMC’s Carrying SWB is worth its weight
COURIER 38 DHL Express notes growth prospects for South
African retailers
FINANCE 40
Commercial vehicle sales on the rise
UPDATES 6 News 12 Products 42 People Moving Up 42 Million Kilometre Club Publisher Editor-in-Chief Production
Richard Lendrum Wynter Murdoch Mabel Ramafoko
Editor Ryan de Smidt ryan@thefuture.co.za Sub-editor
Reuben van Niekerk reuben@thefuture.co.za
Design & Layout Heinz Bawa heinz@thefuture.co.za Advertising Enver Lawangi enver@thefuture.co.za Cell: 083 300 6003 Vinny Reddy vinny@thefuture.co.za Cell: 083 348 8272
Editor’s Note Telematics in real time
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elematics plays a crucial role in not only monitoring factors such as fuel consumption but, as I observed on a recent trip to Durban, the technology is a boon to regulating driver behaviour. At least, it served to keep me on the straight and narrow. The unit I was using included a facility to film the road ahead and, on the return trip to Johannesburg, my family and I recorded two instances of driver negligence – the first involving a truck and the second a bus. Both were overtaking other vehicles, clocking speeds in excess of 130km/h in zones limited to 100km/h. I forwarded the footage to the companies whose names had been emblazoned on the vehicles. Though I received no response from the truck entity, an immediate reply came from a representative of the bus company. He indicated that information obtained from the vehicle’s telematics system corroborated my footage, and that disciplinary action would be taken against the driver. I use the story to illustrate yet another instance where telematics technology can be useful in helping to improve road safety levels – one of the focus points of this edition of Future Trucking & Logistics. The issue highlights the value of telematics and tracking systems in a variety of applications, with representatives from companies such as iCam, TomTom Telematics, Ctrack and Eqstra explaining the technology they have developed, how it works and how it can be of benefit customers. Moreover, we hear from Torbjörn Christensson, president of Volvo Group Southern Africa, regarding his plans to keep the brand in the upper echelons of the sales charts. There’s insight, too, into ArcelorMittal’s road to rail initiative and the Fortress Income Fund’s R650-million Louwlardia Logistics Park development in Centurion. I trust that you will enjoy the issue. Ryan de Smidt Editor
Future Trucking & Logistics is published monthly by: Future Publishing (Pty) Ltd 247 Jan Smuts Avenue, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg. P O Box 3355 Rivonia 2128 011 327 6023 © Copyright. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to Future Trucking & Logistics. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, neither the editor, proprietors, nor the publishers, can accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions, or any effect arising therefrom.
Follow us on Twitter at @FutureTrucking: www.twitter.com/futuretrucking
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NEWS >>
Upgraded premises for Hino Kuilsrivier in South Africa,” he said. “We have very few open areas so the focus is on expanding and upgrading existing facilities where necessary.” Trautmann said Hino’s product range would be enhanced significantly over the next four years. “We are focussed on lowering the cost of ownership for operators of Hino trucks. We have restructured our head office staff to support this aim and the latest development is a two-year warranty on service and maintenance parts fitted by a Hino dealer.”
Hino Kuilsrivier, part of the Barloworld Group, has enlarged and upgraded its premises in the Western Cape at a cost of more than R23-million. The upgrade is in line with Hino South Africa’s Total Support strategy to provide better customer satisfaction in a highly competitive market. The facility, located in a strategically important industrial area, ranks as a Barloworld flagship. Speaking at the recent official opening of the dealership, Ernie Trautmann, the Vice President of Hino South Africa, said the investment represented another vote of trust and confidence in the truck brand. “The improvement of existing dealerships is an important component in our Vision 2020 strategy, the objective being to make Hino the top-selling truck brand
At Hino Kuilsrivier, major emphasis has been placed on improving service and parts operations, the upgraded facility incorporating nine work bays as opposed to the previous three, with two making use of pits. Moreover, the workshop includes a dedicated diagnostics bay, an engine repair bay and roller testers for vehicle brake services. A large parts department has been incorporated in the upgrade and it now serves as a distribution centre for other Barloworld dealers. Servicing hours have been extended and there is night servicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Average daily throughput is 15 units, increasing to 24-plus with night servicing. Hino Kuilsrivier’s plan is to grow the numbers. Further, the dealership operates a mobile service van which travels as far as Clanwilliam and Bredasdorp. In addition, there are several off-site service operations for big fleet customers, including Shoprite and G4S, where servicing and vehicle checks start from 06h00.
Mahle opens offices in Gauteng Port Elizabeth based Mahle, a supplier of technologically innovative solutions for automotive applications, has expanded its footprint in South Africa with the opening of an office and warehouse in Midrand, Gauteng. The decision was taken because of a need for a central point of contact for clients situated in the Gauteng region. Being closer to customers will allow the company to be more responsive to needs. Georges Mourad, Mahle’s head of the EMEA region, used the occasion to thank Chris Stanbridge for his contribution to the brand’s success in South Africa. Stanbridge, who has decided to leave the company, was responsible for re-introducing the Mahle name to the country about three years ago. After the ceremonial ribbon cutting to open the office, Mourad and Richard Clarke, head of aftermarket for subSaharan Africa, declared the facility open for business.
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Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
Outside Mahle’s Midrand offices, from left: Georges Mourad, Chris Stanbridge, Henk Pretorius, Richard Clarke and Muhammed Sayed
Henk Pretorius and Muhammed Sayed have been tasked with running the Gauteng operation, while Clarke will continue to be based in Port Elizabeth.
Toyota Dyna moves to LCV category Since its introduction to South Africa in 1965, Toyota’s Dyna model has been classified as a medium commercial vehicle. Now, with a redesigned chassis that’s 50kg lighter than that of its predecessors, the latest model has been reclassified as a light commercial. Ernie Trautmann, Vice President of Hino South Africa, says the change came about because the Dyna’s normallyaspirated 3,0-litre diesel engine lacks electronic control, a factor which prevents the fitment of a tamperproof speed limiter as required by law. “The alternative to changing the Dyna’s category would have been to withdraw it from our range,” he says. In addition to the reconfigured chassis, Toyota has upgraded the latest derivative – which has a GVM of 3 500kg – by introducing ABS, replacing the three-piece front panel with a one-piece unit that incorporates a new grille and bumper design and equipping the headlamps with halogen globes and multi reflectors. “There is also a new design for the interior with a restyled dashboard, improved seat material and cup holders for the driver and front passenger,” says Trautmann. He says that the Dyna’s reclassification means it can be driven by anyone who holds a Code B drivers’ licence. Also, the truck will no longer have to undergo annual certificate of fitness testing, which is perceived as a further benefit for operators.
Another win for IVECO IVECO has won two categories in the recent Sustainable Truck of the Year awards. The awards were inaugurated this year in response to growing awareness of the importance of sustainability in the transport sector. They celebrate the most eco-friendly goods transport vehicles that are available on the market in the Tractor, Distribution and Van categories. IVECO was the only brand with a product nominated in each category, the Stralis NP (Natural Power) in the Tractor category, the Eurocargo CNG for Distribution and the Daily Electric in the Van category. In the Distribution category the nameplate’s Eurocargo CNG, which runs on compressed natural gas, was named Sustainable Truck of the Year. The model is equipped with an IVECO Tector 6 natural gas engine that produces 210 horsepower. The unit is engineered by FPT Industrial, the powertrain brand of CNH Industrial. The engine offers significant advantages in terms of emissions as well as efficiency, along with easy maintenance. Further, the brand’s Daily Electric took home the Sustainable Truck of the Year award in the Van category thanks to its use of high efficiency auxiliary electric systems, low gross vehicle weight, low energy consumption, 20% higher battery life on a 100% recyclable battery and an increased payload of some 100kg.
PTV Group sets sights on Africa The PTV Group has announced the expansion of its logistics software business in Africa with the establishment of an office in Johannesburg. The newly created PTV Africa branch is aimed at boosting the German company’s footprint using local expertise. The CEO of the PTV Group, Vincent Kobesen, says Africa is an interesting sales market. “We have long been active in the region but now, with our own branch office
and locally experienced personnel, we can support our customers more effectively.” The company – which aims at delivering solutions to mobility and transport operations by optimising the movement of people and goods – now has offices on all continents. The Africa branch will be headed by Charl Schickerling, previously managing director of DPS South Africa, a company which PTV recently acquired.
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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NEWS >>
Volvo Trucks helps farmers in need In association with South Africa’s Boere in Nood organisation, three heavy commercial vehicles donated by Volvo Trucks have helped to alleviate drought-related problems experienced by the country’s farmers. Named Boytjie, Boertjie and Die Lady, the trucks have travelled a distance of 443 557km and delivered to drought-stricken areas over 12 000 bales of hay weighing a total of 3 456 tons. “We realise that while the drought has taken its toll on a lot of communities, the people who feel the impact first hand are very often our customers – farmers. To this end we investigated various ways in which Volvo Trucks Southern Africa could help them,” says Valentia Hobbs, the company’s General Manager of Marketing and Communications.
Accordingly, Volvo Trucks not only provided the vehicles, but also the drivers and fuel. “We are proud of our association with the farming community and the impact that we have been able to make in collaboration with Boere in Nood. Though the work is far from over, it has been a privilege to have been able to help to make a real difference,” says Hobbs.
Daimler debuts Actros with Telligent technology
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz’s Actros model in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Daimler recently launched a special edition unit, equipping it with a number of innovative technologies. According to a statement issued by the company, the 3844 S 6x4 Actros brings the manufacturer’s proprietary driver assistance technologies to the region for the first time; including innovations such as Active Brake Assist, Telligent Lane Assist, Telligent Proximity Control, antilock braking and acceleration skid control. “In a region where road accidents involving heavy commercial vehicles are frequent and with high fatality rates, the adoption of the technologies is all aimed at
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Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
increasing road safety,” the statement says. It notes slow but eventual adoption of automated transmissions in the region, with the uptake attributed to increased awareness surrounding the lower cost of ownership that goes hand in hand with a significant reduction in gearbox and clutch wear. The special edition Actros has been fitted with MercedesBenz’ Power-Shift 16-speed automated gearshift, hydraulic retarder, and a V6, Euro 3-compliant engine that delivers 435hp and 2 100Nm of torque. In addition, the vehicle’s striking livery includes a carbon black paint finish with silver stripes, an LED-lit MercedesBenz star, chrome finished air-horns and a ‘20 Years Actros’ emblem.
Zero emissions from eTruck Mercedes-Benz Trucks is planning customer trials of its small series, heavy-duty eTruck for short-radius distribution. Part of Daimler Trucks’ electric vehicle initiative, the trial involves handing over the new trucks to selected customers from different industry sectors throughout Europe. Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ global head, Stefan Buchner, says the plan follows the successful premiere of the vehicle at the International Commercial Vehicle Show in Germany in September last year. “We are currently talking to around 20 potential customers from the disposal, foodstuffs and logistics sector,” Buchner says. “With the e-Truck we are rapidly taking the next step towards a series product. By 2020 we want to be on the market with the production version.”
Orlens Transport succeeds with DAF
With zero emissions, no noise pollution and a payload of 12,8 tons, the Urban eTruck offers an impressive economical and environmentally friendly concept. “The vehicle will initially go for trials to customers in Germany – and later to those in Europe too.”
Sastri Rapiti, owner of Kwa-Zulu Natal-based Orlens Transport, credits DAF Trucks and Babcock for playing a fundamental role in the company’s highly successful logistics operation.
Buchner adds that the aim of the trials is to use actual application scenarios and requirement profiles to optimise the vehicle’s capabilities and system configurations. “The tests will include use in shift operation, charging times plus battery and range management,” he says. He says that in order to meet various application possibilities, the eTruck could be configured with a refrigerated body, as a dry box body or as a platform vehicle. The trial trucks will be handed over to customers to use for a period of 12 months, supported by Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ road testing department. The company will record the areas of application during the trial to gather data for comparison. Buchner adds that the Urban eTruck is part of Daimler’s broader electric truck initiative, which will see 150 lightduty Fuso eCanter trucks handed over for tests to selected customers in Europe, Japan and the United States.
Orlens began operations about five years ago using a couple of second-hand DAF trucks, which quickly increased in number until 90% of the fleet was made up of DAF units. As the company was servicing sub-Saharan Africa, new units were purchased on a regular basis to keep up with the expanding operations. Mark Gavin, sales director of transport solutions for Babcock, says that the beauty of DAF Trucks lies in their outstanding and uncompromised quality that is then customised to ideally suit African environmental and road conditions. “The fact that DAF Trucks are built in Europe and designed for Africa is a major drawcard for Babcock and our customers,” he says. “Babcock has established an excellent, mutually beneficial relationship with Rapiti and Orlens Transport. In fact, every DAF truck purchased by the company since its inception is still in operation – a testament to DAF’s precise standards of European engineering.” A great attraction for Rapiti is Babcock’s personal service. “If I have a problem, I can call Mark or one of his salespeople and they will immediately try to help. Other companies tend to use call centres to deploy assistance,” he says. As a result of perseverance, hard work and hands-on involvement from Rapiti, Orlens Transport has built up long-term contracts with a number of blue chip customers in the packaging, beverages and other transport sectors, and operates throughout sub-Saharan Africa, proudly flying the DAF banner in the process.
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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NEWS >>
Boosting values-driven education (ECD) to teachers and principals of ECD Centres. The second stage involves support for identified ECD centres, partnering with principals to improve the standard of education.
Barloworld Logistics recently partnered with the Love Trust – a local non-profit organisation established in 2009 to bring hope to young children in under-resourced communities – by providing and supporting valuesdriven education. Love Trust’s vision is to develop a generation of leaders by improving the quality of programmes in limited resource communities, and to promote children’s rights to advance their full cognitive, emotional and physical capabilities. According to the organisation, every journey of hope starts with early childhood development, beginning with the teacher as the central lever for change. “As a company, we are deeply committed to supporting ongoing learning and education” says Shirley Duma, Human Resources Director at Barloworld Logistics. “Critically, we understand that quality education is the cornerstone of our society and begins at the grassroots level, far earlier than when someone enters the workplace. “We believe that true sustainability means that our company’s success should contribute to addressing social challenges and improving quality of life in the communities in which we work and live.” Moreover, the Love Trust provides SAQA accredited NQF Level 4 training in Early Childhood Development
“We understand that quality education and training are one of the key solutions in solving the country’s unemployment crisis, and forward-looking organisations such as Love Trust – which aspires to developing successful entrepreneurs through value based education – need to be supported through partnerships with the private sector,” says Duma. Duma notes that Barloworld Logistics will be supporting the Love Trust’s Teacher’s Academy in Alexandra, where a class of 58 teachers will complete their training in Early Childhood Development. According to the Love Trust, studies have shown that enthusiastic, ethical, inspiring and informed teachers are one of the most important influences in a young child’s life. The organisation says that teachers who are trained by the Love Trust will continue to operate their own preschools in their communities, but that they will now have the correct training, theory and practical experience to run their centre more effectively. “These teachers are trained to use key child development techniques to ensure that they stimulate the language development, social skills, emotional, cognitive abilities and physical skills of their young students,” adds Duma. “The true impact of such an initiative is exponential because, if 58 teachers educate 20 children a year for five years, thousands of children will enter primary education with the foundation necessary to position themselves for success in their future education. “We are tremendously excited to be a part of this project, and look forward to supporting the expansion of the Teacher Training Academy and connecting with burgeoning schools in future.”
Ford appoints Toyota’s Kruger to top position Casper Kruger has been appointed Managing Director of Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa with effect from April 1. Kruger was previously Vice President of Vehicle Sales and Dealer Network at Toyota South Africa Motors, a position to which he was appointed in 2014. Previously, he headed up Toyota’s Hino truck Division as Vice-President for five years. It will not be the first time that Kruger finds himself working for Ford. He served the company between
10 Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
2007 and 2009. Now he is set to join the Southern African leadership team with responibility for all of Ford’s business operations in the Sub-Saharan region. According to Jacques Brent, President of Ford Middle East and Africa, Kruger’s extensive experience and expertise in sales and marketing, together with his deep experience of working closely with dealers and their customers, will be a great asset to further strengthen Ford’s business in the region. A company statement says current President and CEO Jeff Nemeth will return to the United States on July 1. In the interim he will oversee the transition process.
Slashing vehicle recovery times in SA South Africa’s hijackers are facing a challenge which has the potential to make it more difficult for them to get away with their crimes.
Red Bull Racing
New technology has been introduced aimed at drastically reducing the amount of time during which an alert for a hijacked or stolen car is issued.
continues collaboration with Renault Trucks
Pro-Active South Africa has an intelligence sharing database, which distributes pre-loaded information on any hijacked or stolen vehicle via their website to 137 security service providers and enforcers.
The Red Bull International Motorsports team continues its collaboration with Renault Trucks and has just taken over three additional Renault T 520s trucks. These vehicles, which bring the total number of Renault T trucks in the team to 12, will help Red Bull transport its infrastructure.
If your vehicle is stolen or hijacked, you can enter information using your PC, or use the GPS co-ordinates when you use your smartphone. The information is circulated within seven seconds of being entered. The MD of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, commends the technology and its potential to put more power in the hands of motorists.
Seven of these trucks are an integral part of Red Bull Racing’s logistics network and travel across Europe from one F1 Grand Prix to another. They carry the containers that hold the entire Red Bull Tree House, the extended pit stop garage for the Formula One team. Out of a total of seven containers, four serve as mobile workshops. Apart from the conventional tools, a 3D printer is also available, ready to instantly print the required parts. The remaining three containers are used as mobile offices and can accommodate 35 people. As for the other five Renault Trucks T 520 Highs in the team’s fleet, they travel throughout Europe for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, a race series specially created for young talent aged between 13 and 17, which last year celebrated its 10th anniversary.
“It is for this reason that we have joined forces with Pro-Active and encourage everyone to seriously consider empowering themselves and their employees with this technology. If we can considerably reduce the time it takes to put security forces on high alert, this could positively impact South Africa’s crime levels.” The MD of Pro-Active, Ryno Schutte, is excited about what the future holds. “By working together with a company which takes the safety of motorists seriously, we have the potential to bring about change to the hijacking crisis South Africans face. The more people empower themselves with us, the greater the potential for change. “As other crimes, such as house burglaries and armed robberies are often connected to hijackers, the effects will be far-reaching. For companies that operate fleets, possible recovery of vehicles can reduce the impact on productivity and the financial loss hijacking and theft causes them.”
Daimler on top Daimler commercial vehicle brands once again secured first place in five categories – trucks, vans, telematics, rental/leasing and fuel cards – at German magazine Verkehrs Rundschau’s annual Image Awards ceremony held recently in Munich. It was the fourth consecutive time that the MercedesBenz brand has been honoured with the Image Awards for the truck and van categories, with 500 logistics decision makers within German industrial and commercial enterprises also commending
the brand as the top service performer, with awards presented to the company’s FleetBoard, CharterWay and MercedesServiceCard products. The awards honour activities of companies deemed to be offering the best commercial vehicles and services with regard to efficiency, safety and networking.
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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INTERVIEW>> >> INTERVIEW
Moving Volvo forward Torbjörn Christensson, president of Volvo Group Southern Africa, aims to ensure that the company retains its frontrunner position in the region’s commercial vehicle market. Ryan de Smidt reports
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orbjörn Christensson has worn a number of hats in the Scandinavian automotive arena, beginning his career with SAAB – then a prominent Swedish passenger car manufacturer – before moving into the commercial vehicle sector by joining Volvo Trucks.
with 1 957 units sold, claimed a 15,6% share of the local commercial vehicle market. “With responsibility for over 1 000 employees, I oversee all aspects of the business; ensuring that we do our utmost to maintain the prominence the brands enjoy in Southern Africa,” he says.
During his five years at the helm, Christensson has focused on improving Volvo Trucks’ customer satisfaction ratings as well as on increasing the There he rose through the ranks number of dealerships across Southern Africa. to become Managing Director of Volvo Trucks Denmark before He believes that 2017 will see the group taking a being transferred to South Africa to head up the brand’s larger market share thanks to products which have a local operations. reputation for being among the best in the industry and which are currently enjoying high demand. “As president of the Volvo Group in Southern Africa I am responsible for day-to-day operations, “Competition is tough,” he admits, “but we are encompassing all of our trucks brands including Volvo making inroads. Our CSI ratings have improved Trucks, Volvo Penta, Volvo Bus, UD Trucks, and Renault significantly over the past year.” Trucks,” explains Christensson. On that score, Volvo Trucks moved from third to first During 2016, the group managed to grow its net sales position in the CSI sales category with a 98,5% rating. by 1,2% despite challenging market conditions and, Its service index improved to 94,86%, elevating the
14 Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
brand from 12th position to fourth, while its parts CSI improved to 94,46% to secure a move from eighth place to fourth.
telematics system which enables a range of vehicle monitoring functions, including that of driver behaviour and fuel consumption.
“The combined scores are encouraging,” says Christensson. “We may do business with other companies, but it is people who make the decisions. Trust and relationships are as important as the products and services we offer. In the end, by striving to bring together the best of everything, our customers ultimately reap the rewards of a profitable and successful business.”
However, he says customers also value the fact that, through the system, Volvo dealerships are able to forewarn them about impending service or maintenance tasks, picking up potential problems before they manifest.
According to Christensson, Volvo Trucks now has 19 dealerships which operate across the Southern African region, each strategically positioned within the expanded distribution network to offer greater opportunities to service current and future customers. “Furthermore, with the right people in the right places, I believe we are now in a perfect position to expand and grow our market share,” he says. Christensson’s relocation to South Africa has not been without challenges. Since he hadn’t visited the country before his appointment, he was unsure of what to expect. Now that he’s familiar with the region, he sees the South African commercial transport market as being similar to that of Europe’s, with local professional operators equally concerned about fuel consumption, downtime, safety systems and technology. In other regions of Southern Africa, however, trends differ. “Some African markets in which I work are not as developed as the one here, with more used vehicles being purchased as opposed to a few new. So, from a business perspective, we don’t use a homogenous approach across the region – each country has different needs and demands depending on its stage of development.” From a technology perspective – for which Volvo products are renowned – Christensson says South African customers have lauded the brand’s Dynafleet
On the safety front, Christensson says local demand is for more and more assistance features and, for this reason, Volvo Trucks has decided to introduce additional measures to its vehicles. Electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane keeping assist as well as driver alert support are among the features he names – all aimed at improving safety as well as enhancing the overall driving experience. The work will be carried out by Volvo Trucks at its Durban plant, which was recently renovated at a cost of more than R6,5-million to enable the fitting of the specialised technology. On the subject of fuel quality in Southern Africa, Christensson says Volvo will introduce Euro 6 compliant engines to its local range if clean diesel becomes available. “We are at the cutting edge when it comes to engine technology,” he says. “We are poised to start supplying cleaner engines – but it’s a question of when the local market will be ready. In my view there has to be a partnership between government, fuel suppliers and vehicle manufacturers to enable clean fuel to be brought to consumers. “Once legislation is in place, the importation of Euro 6 derivatives will be that much easier. We are now working with older technology – but we want to offer our customers the best that Volvo has to offer.” However, Christensson adds that even if clean fuel is introduced locally, obtaining similar quality fuel
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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INTERVIEW >>
in neighbouring countries could pose a problem for transport operators. “Many of our customers are involved in cross-border operations. They will be lucky to find low-sulphur fuel to the north,” he says. On the subject of autonomous drive vehicles and truck platooning gaining impetus in South Africa, Christensson says though the benefits are justifiable and the technology is there to make the concepts reality, regulatory and legal aspects may prove difficult to implement. For the moment he advocates a greater need for proper driver training – a subject about which he is passionate. “It is our duty as an industry to promote road safety,” he says. “Good, responsible drivers remain a somewhat scarce resource in South Africa. We must do all in our power to uplift skills.” Accordingly, Volvo Trucks is planning to launch a driving academy which will offer a variety of courses, the goal being to produce properly certified, competent and responsible drivers. “The idea is to develop the skills of anyone who shows an aptitude for driving, with a view to producing valuable assets for any transport operation,” he says. In similar vein, the company has also renewed its commitment to Star for Life, a non-profit organisation that aims to provide young people in Southern Africa with essential life skills, sport training and health education. Over the next three years it will invest R8,1million in the project which encompasses learners at 17 schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The programme has already reached more than 100 000 children and equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge to help them to become productive members of society.
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“Star for Life is an exemplary project that creates new opportunities for young people in South Africa,” says Christensson. “We are proud to be associated with it because it helps to foster upliftment while at the same time bringing economic benefits.” Further, the company is continuing its commitment to the development of its staff and dealer employees. Last year, Volvo Trucks invested R25-million in its Diesel Technician Apprenticeship Programme, several learnerships, and bursaries – impacting a total of 2 308 people. Christensson’s enthusiasm in heading up the company is evident. He sees himself remaining at the helm for many years to come, with the goal being to ensure that Volvo Trucks becomes the most prominent OEM in Southern Africa.
OE PEDIGREE
ACROSS THE BOARD
DEVELOPMENTS >>
Fortress launches R650-million logistics park T
he JSE listed Fortress Income Fund has officially launched the Louwlardia Logistics Park, a R650 million A Grade logistics facility that is under development alongside the N1 in Centurion. Speaking at the launch, executive director Andrew Teixeira said that Louwlardia was part of the onemillion square metres of warehousing that is due to be developed by Fortress over the next five years. This equates to a combined investment of an estimated R8-billion in South Africa’s logistics sector during that period. Fortress Income Fund has become a powerhouse in the South African property industry since listing in 2009. Innovative asset management and a diverse property portfolio have seen the fund showing positive growth every year. The fund focuses on development of prime logistic warehousing, retail centres and strategic offshore investments. Fortress owned 336 investment properties valued at R28,7-billion at the end of December 2016 and has one of the largest logistics property development pipelines in South Africa. Louwlardia, which will see approximately 90 000m2 of warehousing developed on the 16,7 hectare site, is expected to be completed within the next 24 months. The first phase, which comprises a 21 785m2
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warehouse with 1 843sqm offices, is complete and ready for occupancy. It has already drawn a great deal of interest from prospective blue chip tenants. National leasing manager, Grant Lewington, said that Louwlardia was an example of the Grade A logistics facilities that the fund is developing in three major nodes – Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban. The Fortress Income Fund’s portfolio is strongly weighted towards logistics facilities located in prime locations. These are let to corporate tenants on long leases. The focus on logistics is due to ever increasing demand for these sorts of facilities from companies operating in a highly competitive economy that is driven by imports, primarily through Africa’s busiest container port, Durban. South Africa’s economy is transport intensive and imports destined for South Africa as well as neighbouring countries are expected to grow. Already logistics is one of the fastest growing service sectors in the economy, ensuring a strong income stream for the fund going forward. Teixeira emphasised that, as long term holders of property, Fortress is focussed on delivering a quality product and was setting new trends in the
Andrew Teixeira
development of logistics facilities in South Africa. “In a tough economy where cost containment and efficiency are king, we are actually providing AGrade logistics at a lower cost. With properties that offer high tech design that includes the likes of solar and natural light to reduce power consumption, strategic locations that make for more efficient distribution and properties that provide easy access and better turnaround times, we are effectively lowering the cost per pallet,” he explained. Lewington noted that Fortress continued to strengthen its position as the preferred developer of logistics warehouses by delivering a technically superior product that, together with the group’s strategically located land, would ensure a sustainable development pipeline. He emphasised that all of Fortress’s parks were developed according to global best practice and to the highest standards. They include the provision of adequate internal height, flat floors, large loading areas with hard wearing concrete surfaces as well as good access to freeways and arterial routes. The newly launched warehouse at Louwlardia has a height of 13,5m to the underside of the eaves which offers efficiencies of scale and an FM2 floor which provides a solid platform for the erection
of racking and easy movement of mechanised machinery with a 38m yard. It also provides a secure park environment with 24 hour security, a central gate and electric fence as well as a fire system with central pumps and tanks that will serve the entire park. Green building best practice is incorporated via features such as low maintenance indigenous landscaping that is fully irrigated and buildings that can accommodate photo voltaic cells for the production of electricity. However, the key draw card remains Louwlardia’s prime location with excellent highway visibility and accessibility to road, rail and domestic and international air freight hubs. “It is well situated adjacent to the N1 highway between Johannesburg and Pretoria with access from the N1 via Brakfontein and Nellmapius Roads. It is also well connected to two major alternative routes (the R21 and N14) and provides easy access to both the OR Tambo and Lanseria Airports as well as major centres,” he explained. He added that the N1 frontage was a prime location with excellent highway visibility for signage and branding.
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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LOGISTICS >>
Pushing the envelope
With 103 vehicles in its fleet – and more expected to join the line-up – Renico Plant Hire and Construction is going from strength to strength. Ryan de Smidt reports
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stablished in 1998, Renico Plant Hire and Construction has established itself as one of the leading companies of its type in the country. Due to the forward thinking leadership of managing director and founder, Nico Louw, what started as a small hire company using a well-used 1989 CASE 580K (TLB) machine, has evolved to include an extensive fleet of MAN, Fuso and Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, as well as a range of 300 pieces of construction equipment, including TLBs, excavators, and graders. Situated on Johannesburg’s West Rand, the company prides itself in making use of current and modern machinery, with its truck fleet being rotated on a regular basis. Presently, the vehicle count numbers 103, comprised of 58 Mercedes-Benz Axor models, 21 Fusos and 24 MANs. Most are fitted with flat-beds in order to transport construction equipment, while others are fitted with tipper units to transport building material such as sand and stone, as well as building rubble. Louw
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says his decision to purchase mainly Mercedes-Benz and its accompanying Fuso products was based on a combination of the relationships he had established with people within the company, the products, the finance options available and after sales service. “There are not many bad products on the market any longer,” Louw says. “It is, however, comforting to deal with a manufacturer that is constantly improving on already great product offerings. We have always enjoyed the German engineering and precision expertise associated with the products.” Renico purchases its vehicles exclusively from Sandown Commercial Vehicles Roodepoort, where Louw deals with sales executive Carel Jobobsz. “His service is exemplary – we couldn’t ask for anything more,” says Louw. He adds that the company’s fleet will most certainly expand the future, explaining that Renico Earthworks and Civils recently received a contract for Phase 2 of the Steyn City Parklands Residence Internal services worth R280-million – a clear sign that fleet expansion will be necessary.
South Africa’s Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies (third from right) with AccelorMittal’s Wim de Klerk (left) and dignitaries at the re-opening of Transnet’s Intermodal Terminal
From road to rail ArcelorMittal South Africa, Transnet Freight Rail and Barloworld Logistics are among a number of companies which have collaborated recently to launch a ground-breaking initiative to convert road traffic to rail. Ryan de Smidt reports
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he re-opening last month of the Elandsfontein Intermodal Terminal at Isando, Johannesburg, is said to mark the start of a new era in migrating the transport of steel from road to rail. As a result of the six-month long project, the facility recently received railed cargo for the first time in almost four years. “The initiative is the result of a successful collaborative effort between key players, each a leader in respective sectors, combined with ArcelorMittal’s willingness to take the first step,” says Mathys Enslin, Managing Executive of Barloworld Logistics. He says that with the rail terminal fully operational, annual delivery of about 700 000 tons of ArcelorMittal’s output – representing 80% of products from its Newcastle Works in KwaZulu Natal and 20% from its Saldanha Works in the Western Cape – will result in a reduction of over 42 000 longhaul road vehicle movements. “Through the implementation of well managed rail supply chain solutions, service delivery will be enhanced and the time to market will be significantly reduced,” says Enslin. “In addition, carbon emissions and road congestion around key industrial locations will be dramatically decreased.” ArcelorMittal’s CEO, Wim de Klerk, says the initiative is likely to increase Transnet’s share of steel on rail from 13% or 400kt in 2016/17 to 34% or 1Mt by 2018. He adds that the opening of the terminal has created 52 new permanent jobs, with more opportunities envisaged when volume throughput increases.
The terminal represents a three-year interim solution to bulk freight transportation, with a permanent centre costing about R140-million under construction in Denver, Johannesburg. Its establishment is the first stage in a long term strategic initiative to migrate all domestic steel dispatches from road to rail. In terms of the current joint initiative, deliveries from ArcelorMittal’s production facilities will be transported by rail to the Elandsfontein hub, from where they will be dispatched by road to customers around Gauteng. Warehousing services have been provided by Grindrod. Enslin says that while opting for rail will result in numerous cost, road safety and environmental benefits, in his view the most important benefit “is the fact that we are making South Africa more competitive by enhancing and developing the nation’s freight system.”
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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Worthy of Hall of Fame honour? There’s R20 000 to be won by the commercial vehicle driver judged to be South Africa’s best Road safety is an integral part of transport operations and, with this in mind, MasterDrive – in association with TruckX 2017 – has launched a Hall of Fame initiative to honour the country’s top commercial truck drivers. Eugene Herbert, managing director of MasterDrive – one of South Africa’s top driving academies – says driver behaviour significantly influences risk management, with traffic accidents costing South Africa about R300-billion annually. “By working to elevate levels of road safety and encouraging drivers to set good examples to other road users, the accident rate could be reduced significantly,” he says. The aim of the Hall of Fame is to recognise and reward drivers who adhere to traffic regulations; who drive responsibly and safely; and who set good examples for their peers and other road users.
“It’s up to employers at transport companies to nominate them,” says Herbert. “They know who their best drivers are – the men and women on the road who they can rely on to always drive safely, courteously and responsibly. We want to recognise and reward those heroes.” To nominate the drivers you think are worthy of TruckX Hall of Fame status, log on to: www.truckx.co.za and click on the TruckX Hall of Fame Nomination form. Alternatively, use this hard copy, scan or photograph the completed form and e-mail it to Gray Clackworthy at gary@masterdrive.co.za. Drivers inducted will be awarded certificates at the TruckX 2017 Conference and Expo to be held on July 12 and 13 at Kyalami Race Track, Johannesburg, with the driver judged the best in terms of an assessment by MasterDrive winning R20 000.
NOMINATE YOUR BEST DRIVERS FOR TRUCKX 2017’S HALL OF FAME Simply complete the questionnaire below and e-mail it to Gary Clackworthy at gary@masterdrive.co.za. The information you supply will be regarded as confidential. In terms of the scores you allocate, drivers deemed worthy of further assessment for induction into the TruckX Hall of Fame – and a chance of winning R20 000 – will be evaluated by MasterDrive. The nomination form must be verified by a company director to confirm that details regarding the nominee are correct. COMPANY DETAILS: Company Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Type of Industry: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Tel No: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ NOMINATED DRIVER’S DETAILS: Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ID No: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Driver’s Licence No: ______________________________________ Driver’s Licence Code: ________________________________ Driver’s Licence Expiry Date: _______________________________ PrDP Expiry Date: ____________________________________ Length of service: ______________________(years) Approx number of kilometres driven:________________________________ DETAILS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE NOMINATION: Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Designation: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email Address: ________________________________________________ Tel No: ________________________________________ VERIFIED BY: Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Designation: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email Address: ________________________________________________ Tel No: ________________________________________
22 Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
Please complete all questions and indicate your score for each with an X 1
Pre-Trip Inspection: Exterior and Interior Vehicle Checks
Explanation:
If your company has a vehicle check list that drivers are required to complete before and after any trip, do you believe that your nominee is principled, providing the company with accurate information regarding the vehicle’s condition? If there is not a vehicle check list does the driver report any defects timeously? Mark with an X out of 10 (1 Poor, 10 Excellent)
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March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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COVER STORY >>
REVOLUTIONISING fleet management As the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data begins to integrate with fleets, telematics and fleet management will evolve to new heights of productivity, real-time analytics and ROI, says Gary Wels, managing director of iCAM Video Telematics
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ary Wels, managing director of iCAM Video Telematics, says fleet management systems are being rapidly enhanced by technological revolution. While modern telematics systems can already analyse driving style and provide comprehensive feedback to fleet owners and drivers, Wels says that soon drivers will have tools that correct their behaviour in real-time, in addition to maps that provide live, accurate data that allow behavioural monitoring systems to become even more intuitive. “This intelligence will ensure that vehicle driving systems react automatically when they detect that drivers are going too fast or are at risk on a specific section of road or in a specific travelling environment,” he says. While these advances are in development by OEM manufacturers, after-market telematics products – together with managed bureau services – have been advancing at a rapid rate, with latest products incorporating video in the telematics solution. According to Wels, iCAM Video Telematics provides its customers with the next generation product in the evolution of vehicle telematics, specifically aimed at fleet optimisation, productivity and risk management.
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“This evolution has been ongoing since simple tracking devices were introduced to the market in the mid-90s with the invention of GPS and commercialisation of cellular network systems,” he says. Wels maintains that iCAM’s Video Telematics device moves the ball to a new playing field, bringing with it a unified device capable of offering ‘One Solution’ to the logistics and transport sector covering tracking, video, driver behaviour, fleet monitoring and proactive risk control. “The iCAM One Solution benefits all role players in the logistics and transport environment – the customers, the drivers, the fleet owners, the risk and insurance partners and, where applicable, the passengers,” he says.
According to Wels, by mitigating risks, fleet owners can ensure better incident management, reduce vehicle downtime and improve productivity. More importantly, factual visual evidence of an event means reduced theft and pilferage, reduced time to settle insurance claims and a decrease in accident claims. “Incident video footage is of utmost importance to insurance partners to reduce overall risk and potential third claims, thereby improving the fleet owner’s overall risk profile, ultimately resulting in reduced losses and better premiums,” he says.
The iCAM One Solution starts with what’s ‘In the Box’.
According to Wels, the modern era of visual videobased telematics not only ensures improved driver safety, optimised asset protection and use, improved customer service and reduced insurance claims, but fleet owners can now increase driver productivity, reduce fuel theft and increase load frequency with reduced turnaround times. “Driver coaching can now be done by factual video evidence,” he says. “Not only does this ensure safer and more responsible driving, but it can also prove the innocence of drivers in the event of an accident and reduce third party insurance claims. “Drivers can feel safe on their journeys knowing that they have handsfree microphone and speaker communication with fleet controllers, as well as access to a panic button in case of an emergency.” Wels says a recent study by the US Department of Transport shows that using video telematics can save fleet owners up to 20% on fuel, tyres, brakes and general maintenance. “This is good news for fleet owners who want to optimise the use of their valuable vehicle assets,” he says. “Reduced costs increase efficiencies and thereby allow fleet owners to offer competitive rates to attract additional business. “These hi-tech systems also help to improve driver skills, resulting in increased driver safety and productivity.”
This impressive collection of hardware and firmware sends continuous data to iCAM’s servers where the information is displayed on a user-friendly platform for the various system users. Fleet owners can track vehicles in real-time, do trip playbacks, save routes, set up geo-zones and POIs and more. Video footage can be obtained by live stream video from a moving vehicle via a cellular sign, historical footage recovered by date and time and incident/ event footage directly from iCam’s server.
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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rules of engagement dependent on the type and severity of the incident.
The iCAM 852 is a locally produced video streaming and fleet management product, designed for safety and driving analysis through video technology. It has been designed from the ground up, with scalability in mind in order to support any sized fleet. Fleet owners can now manage vehicles and administer the entire system over the air via a webbased secure login. The solution includes video embedded with mapping location, speed, date, time and back-end systems. Video recording on all events or triggered incidents such as speeding, no-go zones, panic button, tampering and accelerometer are tracked and uploaded to the secure server for investigation and viewing. Other triggers could include cabin doors, driver fatigue system, fuel probes and battery disconnection. The iCAM 852 offers peace of mind and provides factual evidence. It has real-time live capability on 3G streaming, the GPS accuracy and tracking data together with G Force measurement provides highly reliable impact speeds and force, making challenges to the validity of data difficult. Fleet owners can choose to receive immediate email alerts upon exceptions or triggers and one has direct contact with the driver via auto answer microphone and speaker. The solution includes detailed reporting, a huge benefit for fleet owners, drivers, customers and insurance partners. iCAM Video Telematics also offers managed services via its Bureau Services. Clients who are usually bombarded with information from telematics devices can now use iCAM’s Bureau services to filter and decipher data. The service includes daily snapshots of the customer’s fleet in a dashboard format. The range of Bureau Services starts with basic, but all important, recovery services including panic alerts, vehicle battery disconnects and hijacking or any other emergency incident. The Bureau will contact designated representatives to obtain instruction on what actions to perform, alternatively follow pre-set
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A further Bureau offering is event and video monitoring, where customers nominate video events to be monitored such as speeding, passenger door, no-go zone and the like, together with specific instructions on the process to be followed should the video clip result in a positive need for action. This relieves the fleet owners of sifting through reams of footage unnecessarily. iCAM also offers a managed incident solution that includes the full bouquet of services as well as full incident management. Customers set rules in line with insurance and business policies and iCAM’s Bureau actions these rules. Rules can be set per incident type or standardised across incident types. This includes services such as guarding, hazmat, emergency services and the like. The Bureau service is accompanied by an audit trail function outlining all calls, steps taken and actions performed by operators, including date and time stamps. The next-generation of telematics has arrived. With the development and adoption of an automotive operating system, a bundle of standards and software that will enable drivers to plug-and-play new applications and gizmos into their vehicles, many are hoping it will give fleet owners a brighter future. The challenge is to unlock the value of telematics for users by coming up with desirable applications that end users will want and that they can benefit from – like automatic emergency call, assistance, concierge services, access control, dynamic navigation, traffic information, location-based services, news and weather. Fleets are fast becoming hubs of information, with the safety and performance of drivers being tracked not just by speed and hard braking, but also heart rate and even eye movements. As the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data begins to integrate with fleets, telematics and fleet management will evolve to new heights of productivity, real-time analytics and ROI. For more information, contact iCAM on 08611 58527 or visit www.icamvideo.co.za.
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Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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CASE STUDY >>
A life and death difference By integrating TomTom Telematics solutions into its vehicles, Community Medics in Cape Town has improved its ability to reach medical emergencies faster than ever before, says Ian Austin, a trustee of the organisation
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ow do people in need of urgent care get help as quickly as possible? How can we take our current approach and disrupt it to help save more lives? These are the questions we ask at Community Medics as we fulfil our mandate to provide free emergency medical care to those who need it. As a volunteer-based emergency response service, Community Medics aims to get help to those who need it, faster. We get to the scene of an accident before an ambulance does, and use our skills to stabilise patients while they wait for help. Since our inception, the average emergency response time in Camps Bay has been reduced significantly. In fact, we have achieved response times that go beyond accepted international standards – achieving an average of eight minutes, compared to the international standard of 10 minutes. This is particularly vital when rapid emergency response is a matter of life and death. And this is where our use of world-leading integrated
technology helps us make a real impact on the community we serve. We use TomTom Telematics and RapidDeploy, which gives us a platform that simplifies the complexity of emergency services dispatch. This platform integrates several information partners, including TomTom Telematics, which was a natural choice because of its real time tracking and integration with our vehicle GPS units. Community Medics is powered by over 90 volunteers, meaning they give freely of their time to be on call for emergencies that take place. They work 24-hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year to save the lives of others. Our contact centre is available 24-hours a day to field any medical emergency, and all our medics are professionally trained and registered with Health Professionals Council of South Africa. The team includes doctors, advanced life support, intermediate life support and basic life support medics.
Improving operational efficiencies Obtaining relevant and pertinent information from telematics systems helps fleet owners to make timeous decisions that promote operational efficiency, says Hein Jordt, Managing Director of Ctrack Management Solutions
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elematics and fleet management play a pivotal role in transport operations. Logistics managers either make use of their own control rooms, or outsource the function to fleet monitoring professionals with the goal of increasing turnaround time, optimising route assignments and ultimately decreasing the downtime of their vehicles. One such specialist offering a fully outsourced fleet monitoring service is Ctrack by Inseego. The company has a rich history in the industry, coupled
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with highly trained staff members who are passionate about their work. Their expertise speaks volumes for the services they deliver to customers. “When we render fleet monitoring services we are ultimately assisting our customers in managing their vehicles’ characteristics, from the speed at which they travel to the way in which brakes are applied. “These factors generally have direct impact not only on unnecessary costs such as replacement parts, but also the time intervals between vehicle services,” says Hein Jordt, MD of Ctrack Fleet Management Solutions. “Ultimately, our solutions monitor these attributes and dramatically decrease the downtime for our customers.”
We currently have five response vehicles covering our areas of operation. We use the platform to dispatch all our Community Medics responders. We also track our vehicles in real time through integration with our TomTom Telematics WEBFLEET system. Each of our emergency response vehicles is fitted with TomTom Telematics navigation and tracking units, namely the LINK 510, PRO 7250 and ecoPlus devices. Our dispatch teams work entirely off the system, where incident details are captured, updated and relayed back to the vehicles in real time through the TomTom solution. Since we started using TomTom Telematics and RapidDeploy in December 2014, Community Medics has facilitated over 7 000 medical emergencies. STAYING ON TOP OF VALUABLE DATA Our dispatch teams work entirely off the RapidDeploy CAD system, where incident details are captured, updated and relayed back to the vehicles in real time through the TomTom Telematics solution. In turn, the TomTom Telematics solution provides feedback to our CAD, to update incident status. The impact of using the right technology has been enormous. We have reduced our response times considerably. This is thanks to the ability to allocate the closest available resource and reducing the time taken to locate the correct address in the navigation unit.
As the system is automated, it reduces the risk of human error. We now have added intelligence on our driver behaviour, and can monitor any unnecessary speeding or other misuse of emergency vehicles. This is critical to our success, as our response vehicles need to be maintained properly in order for our service to be effective. The telematics information, real time tracking and instant navigation features offered by TomTom Telematics, along with the status updates helps ensure that we can provide emergency services quickly and efficiently in situations that are, quite literally, life and death. Together, we will continue to get there faster. Visit wwwtomtom.com/telematics for more information.
Moreover, Jordt explains the benefits associated with ensuring optimal uptime, including the increase in uptime which leads directly to an improvement in load capacity, particularly in short-haul operations.
A recent case study on prominent transporter Loubser Bulk Services saw a 4% saving in fuel costs alone within the first month of implementing Ctrack’s Fleet Monitoring Services.
Additionally, Ctrack Fleet Management Solutions assists with route planning to ensure that drivers make use of the shortest and most efficient means to get from points A to B while taking into consideration the quickest turnaround time to render optimal service for the customer.
Ctrack’s latest division managed the fleet’s overall speed and excessive idling – both factors being integral in reducing Loubser Bulk Services’ fuel consumption figures.
“Making use of telematics has many advantages. These revolve around providing the insight, the hindsight and the foresight of our customers’ daily operations,” Jordt maintains. “Fleet owners and operators are able to monitor their fleets at any given time – they are able to see where each vehicle has been, if they are on time or running late, and are able to plan in advance to make their operations more efficient.”
According to Jordt, Ctrack continuously investigates avenues to ensure that customers receive the best value for their money, as well as investing in the further development of its product offerings. “Moreover, we proactively look at how we collect, analyse and present telematics data to our customers. “It needs to be relevant and pertinent information to assist with timeous decision making on even the smallest of characteristics, such as individual route profitability,” Jordt says.
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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TELEMATICS >>
Name:
AMAROK (HSF061EC)
To Date:
Total Driving Distance:
3901.65 km
Maximum Speed :
116 km/h
Total Driving Time:
77h40
Total Idle Time:
2h19
Thu 19 May 2016, 11:59 PM
80km/h Speeding
60km/h Speeding
100km/h Speeding
120km/h Speeding
GPS Tracking Solutions launches GPS Lite 4 %
25 %
7 %
0 %
MaxSunSpeed : 116km/h 1 May 2016, 12:00 AM
Max Speed : 116km/h
Vehicle Speeding Scorecard Report Thu 19 May 2016
Max Speed : 104km/h
Report Details
Max Speed : 106km/h Vehicle Speeding Scorecard From Date:
New smart phone app and tracking system introduced to monitor driver behaviour Report Type:
Report
Name:
AMAROK (HSF061EC)
To Date:
Thu 19 May 2016, 11:59 PM
Total Driving Distance:
3901.65 km
Maximum Speed :
116 km/h
Total Driving Time: Idle Time: 2h19 80km/h77h40 Offences perTotal Hour 100km/h Offences per Hour 60km/h Offences per Hour Vehicle Speeding Scorecard Report 80km/h Speeding 100km/h Speeding 60km/h Speeding Vehicle Scorecard Report ThuSpeeding 19 May120km/h 2016Speeding Vehicle Speeding Scorecard Report
120km/h Offences per Hour
Thu 19 May 2016
Thu 19 May 2016
Vehicle Speeding Scorecard Report Thu 19 May 2016 Report Details Report Details 4 %
25 %
4
18
Report Details
Report Type:Report Type: 7 % Report Type:
Name:
Name: Report TotalType: Driving Distance: Name:
Speeding Scorecard From Date: VehicleVehicle Speeding Scorecard 0 % From Date: ReportReport Vehicle SpeedingReport ScorecardDetails From Date:
4 3901.65 km(HSF061EC) AMAROK AMAROK Report (HSF061EC)
AMAROK (HSF061EC) Vehicle Speeding Scorecard
Total DrivingTotal Distance: Driving Time:
Reportkm 3901.65 77h40
Total Driving Time: Total Driving Time:
77h40 77h40
Total Driving Distance: Name:
Total Driving Distance:
Sun 1 May 2016, 12:002016, AM Sun 1 May
3901.65 km AMAROK (HSF061EC)
Maximum Speed Total Idle Time: Maximum Speed : To Date:
3901.65 km
Maximum Speed :
0
Thu 19 May 2016, 11:59 PM Thu 19AM May 2016, 11:59 Sun 1 116 MayThu 2016, km/h 19 12:00 May 2016, 11:59 PM
:
116 km/h
60km/h Offences per Hour
Speeding Speeding 60km/h Speeding 80km/h Speeding 100km/h Speeding 60km/hper Speeding 80km/h Offences Hour 100km/h Offences per80km/h Hour 120km/h Offences per 100km/h Hour
Speeding Instances : 147 Time : 10h30 / 36h45
4
Max Speed : 116km/h Max Speed : 116km/h Total Driving Time: 77h40 2h19 80km/h Speeding Total Idle Time:100km/h Speeding 60km/h Speeding
2h192h19
Max Speed : 106km/h
80km/h Speeding
Speeding Instances : 78 Time : 6h41 / 4h27 18
4 %
4 %
4 %
25 %
4
Time : 8h18 25 %/ 19h08
Time : 10h30 / 36h45
T
0
25 %
25 %
Max Speed : 104km/h
Speeding Instances : 147
100km/h Speeding
Speeding Instances : 75
4 %
Max Speed : 106km/h
7 %
120km/h Speeding
120km/h Speeding 120km/h Speedin
120km/h Speeding
Speeding Instances : 0 0 %
Time : 0h00 / 4h11 0 %
7 %
7 %
PM
116 km/h 2h19 116 km/h11:59 PM Thu 19 May 2016,
Total Time: Total Idle Idle Time:
Max Speed : 104km/h
60km/h Speeding
12:00 AM
Sun 1 May 2016, 12:00 AM
To Date: To Date: FromMaximum Date: To Date:Speed :
0 %
7 %
Max Speed : 116km/h
0 %
Max Speed : 116km/h
Max Speed 104km/h Max Speed : 106km/h Max Speed : 116km/h Max: Speed : 116km/h Max Speed : :104km/h Speed : 106km/h Speed : Offences 116km/h Max 120km/h Speed 116km/h 80km/h Offences per Hour Max100km/h per Hour Offences per Hour 60km/h Offences per Hour Max Speeding Instances : 78 Speeding Instances : 75 Speeding Instances : 0
Time : Max 6h41 Speed / 4h2760km/h Timeper : 8h18 /Max 19h08 Time 0h00 / 4h11 80km/h Offences per :Hour 100km/h Offences per Hour 120km/h120km/h Offences per Hour per Offences Hour 80km/h Offences per Hour 100km/h Offences per Hour Hour 60km/h Offences per Hour : 104km/h Speed : 106km/h Max Speed : 116km/h MaxOffences Speed : 116km
60km/h Offences per Hour
Final Score o help insurance companies minimise risk ratios,
80km/h Offences per Hour
4
100km/h Offences per Hour
18
4
18
4
120km/h Offences p
4 4
18
0 0
4
0
Score GPS Tracking Solutions, a division Final of Eqstra Speeding Instances : 147 Speeding Instances : 78 Speeding Instances : 75 Speeding Instances : 0 Fleet Management & Logistics, has launched GPS 4 Time : 10h30 8 0 / 36h45 Time 1 : Instances 6h41 / 4h27 Time Instances : 8h18 /419h08 TimeInstances : 0h00 / 4h11 Speeding Instances : 147 Speeding : 78 Speeding : 75 Speeding :0 Speeding Instances Speeding : 78 TimeSpeeding Instances : 75 Time : 0h00 Speeding Time : 10h30 / 36h45: 147 Time : 6h41 /Instances 4h27 : 8h18 / 19h08 / 4h11Instances : 0 Lite – a tracking system and smartphone app which Time : 10h30 / 36h45 Time : 6h41 / 4h27 Time : 8h18 / 19h08 Time : 0h00 / 4h11 Zone Speeding Percentage: produces a driver profile and scorecard to highlight 7% Bad Driving Zone Speeding Percentage: Offences Per Instances Hour: Speeding Instances : 147 Speeding : 78time spentSpeeding : 75 Instances (Total over speedInstances limit per zone / Total timeSpeeding spent in speeding, excessive idling and harsh braking. A 93% Good DrivingScore Final 7% Bad Driving speed zone)*100 Time : 10h30 / 36h45 Time : 6h41 / 4h27 Time : 8h18 / 19h08 Time : 0h00 / 4h11 Final Score Final Score: SARS compliant logbook is included in the app. Offences Per Hour: (Total time spent over speed limit per zone / Total time spent in speed zone)*100
Total Speeding occurrences / Number of hours spent in zone
The tracking unit, which measures 67mm by 33,8mm by 11,5mm, weighs only 40g and has a working currency of 20mA@12V. It utilises both GPS and GPRS location accuracy. Features include GPS positioning to track a vehicle’s location, speed and routes through either a phone or a computer. Alerts regarding vehicle speed, harsh braking or excessive idling are sent to the driver’s phone while speed governing can be included should an insurance company or driver choose the option. In addition, should the vehicle be stolen, the driver can activate ACC ignition detection which will alert him or her to the status of the vehicle. The engine can be cut remotely provided the vehicle is moving at under 20km/h or is stationary, while the GPS tracking system will alert both the driver and insurer of the vehicle’s geographical position. The unit also includes an accelerometer which detects excessive g-force and will send out notification of a possible impact if triggered. It and can therefore be linked to emergency roadside services.
30 Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
Final Score 93% Good Driving
Average of total speeding time percentage & speeding time per zone percentage (120kmh zone speeding percentage + 100kmh zone speeding percentage + 80kmh zone speeding percentage + 60kmh zone speeding percentage)/4
Total Speeding occurrences / Number of hours spent in zone
Please Note: Values on the Scorecard Reports may differ from values on other Reports. Values on Speeding Scorecards represents all data gathered through the system and includes trips that is seen as 'Insignificant Trips'
Final Score:
Zone Speeding Percentage: (Total time spent over speed limit per zone / Total time spent in
Speeding Percentage: speed zone)*100 Average7% of Bad totalDriving speedingZone time percentage & (Total time spent over speed limit per zone / Total time spent in 7% Bad zone percentage speed zone)*100 N.B. Total Driving Time might not be speeding always equal to time theDriving sumper of Offences (120kmh Per Hour: zone speeding time spent inside speed zones. However the total93% sum of+ time percentage 100kmh zone speeding percentage + of80kmh Good Driving Speeding TotalZone Speeding occurrencesPercentage: / Number hours spentzone in zone spent inside speed zones must be less than Total Driving Time. Offences Per Hour: speeding percentage zonetimespeeding percentage)/4 (Total spent over speed limit per zone / Total time spent in 93% Good Driving + 60kmh Total Speeding occurrences / Number of hours spent in zone
Total Driving Time:
Final Score
7% Bad Driving
speed zone)*100 Final Score:
Average of total speeding time percentage &
FinalScorecard Score: Offences Per Please Note: Values on the may differ speeding time perReports zone Hour: percentage (120kmh zonefrom speeding percentage + 100kmh speeding Average of total speeding timezone percentage & percentage + 80kmh zone Good Driving values on93% other Reports. Values on Speeding Scorecards Total Speeding occurrences / Number ofpercentage)/4 hours spent in zone speeding percentage + 60kmh zone speeding speeding time per zone percentage (120kmh zone speeding percentage + 100kmhthe zone speeding percentage + 80kmh zone trips represents all data gathered through system and includes speeding percentage + 60kmh speeding percentage)/4 Please Note:Score: Values onzone the Scorecard Reports may differ from Final that is seen as 'Insignificant Trips' values on other Reports. Values on Speeding Scorecards
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that is seenspeeding as 'Insignificant Trips' percentage zone speeding percentage)/4 Zone Speeding Total Driving Time: Total Driving Time:+ 60kmh Percentage:
Total Driving Time: Please Note: Values on the Scorecard Reports may differ from N.B. Total Time might not be equal to the time spent inside speed zones. However totalsum sum of of time 7%Driving Bad Driving speed zone)*100 values on always other Reports. Values on the Speeding Scorecards N.B. Total Driving might not must be always equal toTotal the sum of Time. spent insideTime speed zones bethrough less than Driving data gathered the time spent inside speed zones. However the total ofofsystem time time spent represents inside speedall zones. However thesum total sum time and includes trips that is seen asmust 'Insignificant Trips' inside speed zones less than Total Driving Time. spent inside speed zonesspent must be less thanbePer Total Driving Time. Offences Hour: N.B. Total Driving Timespent might not bespeed always equal thezone sum of (Total time over limit to per / Total
93% Good Driving
time spent
Total Driving Time: Total Speeding occurrences / Number of hours spent in zone N.B. Total Driving Time might not be always equal to the sum of time spent inside speed zones. However the total sum of time Final Score: spent inside speed zones must be less than Total Driving Time.
“Both drivers and insurers will benefit from GPS Lite,” says Graeme Steyn, director of GPS Tracking Solutions. “The comprehensive scorecard highlights Total Driving Time: bad driving which allows drivers to monitor their own driving behaviour, eliminate speeding fines and reduce insurance risks.
Average of total speeding time percentage & speeding time per zone percentage (120kmh zone speeding percentage + 100kmh zone speeding percentage + 80kmh zo speeding percentage + 60kmh zone speeding percentage)/4
Please Note: Values on the Scorecard Reports may differ from values on other Reports. Values on Speeding Scorecards represents all data gathered through the system and includes that is seen as 'Insignificant Trips'
N.B. Total Driving Time might not be always equal to the sum time spent inside speed zones. However the total sum of time spent inside speed zones must be less than Total Driving Tim
“Similarly, the system allows insurers to reward low risk drivers and to shift focus on high risk drivers. The GPS Lite system also allows insurance companies to run the report on their entire customer base to determine their risk exposure.” For further information about GPS Lite contact Dwayne Porter, Operations Manager at GPS Tracking Solutions on 011 458 7555.
Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
31
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LOGISTICS >>
RTMS-accredited Goldfields to operate KZN’s first PBS tautliner A
n Imperial Logistics group company, Goldfields, has been awarded a permit to operate the first Performance Based Standards (PBS) tautliner in KwaZulu-Natal and has also obtained Road Transport Management System (RTMS) accreditation. These achievements reflect the company’s commitment to being part of the important safety and environmental advances in the transport industry, comments Imperial Logistics chief strategy officer Cobus Rossouw. “There are positive changes taking place in terms of road safety, fuel efficiency, the Cobus Rossouw optimisation of payloads and the reduction of CO2 emissions. Goldfields is proud to be contributing to these drives.” RTMS is an industry-led, voluntary self-regulatory procedure that encourages consignees, consignors and transport operators engaged in road transport logistics to implement a vehicle management system that preserves road infrastructure, improves road safety and increases the productivity of the logistics value chain. “The system recognises sustainable, high standards in driver behaviour and fleet maintenance. It measures loyalty and dedication to customers and staff as well as national legislation compliance through load control, driver wellness and vehicle fitness. All these factors impact the way in which we, as a logistics service provider, behave on the road,” explains Rossouw. He reveals that when Goldfields Logistics began exploring the benefits of PBS vehicles, it worked closely with client Sappi.
32 Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
“The increased payload of a PBS truck means that fewer trips are required to move the same volumes, therefore there are less C02 emissions and less damage to the road infrastructure. It will also deliver cost savings and improved service levels for our client.” After months of consultation and collaboration with relevant role players, Goldfields has been awarded a permit to operate the first PBS tautliner in KwaZulu-Natal. The permit was issued to operate on dedicated routes between Sappi’s Stanger and Tugela mills to the Goldfields Logistics distribution centre in Pinetown and the Freightmax distribution centre at Durban harbour. “Due to the dimensions of the PBS combination, it has a legal payload capability of 49,5 tons,” Rossouw notes. “The vehicle is also equipped with load sensors on each axel which monitor the actual weight loaded. This is supported by an in-cab printing facility, which ensure that the vehicle does not exceed the maximum legal payload.” Sappi Paper Packaging’s Supply Chain Manager, Markie Janse van Rensburg, says the company welcomes the opportunity to grow its partnership with Goldfields Logistics through the addition of the PBS vehicle to the fleet. “This initiative promises cost savings, and we also welcome the environmental benefits offered by the new PBS vehicle. “We have already seen substantial benefit versus the standard fixed fleet vehicles. We will monitor the PBS performance closely for the first quarter of 2017, and look forward to growing the PBS fleet on this route.” Echoing the sentiment, Rossouw says that Goldfields’ long-term vision is to increase the number of PBS vehicles on the dedicated Sappi route. He adds that the company will also explore any other opportunities where a PBS vehicle can be operated successfully. “It is very heartening to see the partnership between Sappi and Goldfields Logistics delivering innovations that are boosting productivity and benefiting the environment,” he concludes.
“In Polkowice, Imperial will continue to provide logistics support for the Volkswagen engine factory in the town,” explains Rossouw. “In the city of Poznań, which is Imperial’s largest business location in Poland, Volkswagen has also extended its logistics partnership with the group. “As a result of the new contract in Győr and the extension of our agreements in Győr, Polkowice and Poznań, our activities in Eastern Europe form a major pillar in Imperial’s growth strategy.” As part of the group’s response to the growing transport market which is developing in Hungary and neighbouring countries such as Slovakia, Slovenia and Croatia, Imperial has been operating a new freight forwarding department in Győr since October last year.
Imperial expands in Eastern Europe A
t the Audi AG plant in Győr in Hungary, Imperial has been awarded a contract to operate internal factory logistics for vehicle assembly processes. As part of the contract, the company will take over the employees who currently work for a competitor, reveals Imperial Logistics chief strategy officer, Cobus Rossouw. Further, Imperial’s contract for the management of the logistics optimisation centre at the plant – which it has held for three years – has also been renewed. More than 1 100 employees, working both externally and in the factory, ensure a flow of materials and goods for vehicle assembly operations when the plant is working to full capacity. In addition to its burgeoning partnership with Audi, Imperial has had automotive industry contracts renewed at two different Volkswagen plants in Poland.
Both Audi and Daimler are currently introducing new models at their Hungarian factories and Rossouw says this demands new capacities in transport logistics for the automobile manufacturers as well as their suppliers. Imperial’s goal is to capitalise on the opportunities with the support of its local sales teams. Imperial is a logistics partner for the automobile industry at five business locations in Poland and Hungary. More than 1 000 people work at the three Polish automobile sites in Poznań, Polkowice and Gliwice. They manage the precise supplies of car and engine components to assembly lines, handle incoming and outgoing goods, sequencing and preassembly work. Moreover, they clean and maintain parts containers and manage empties; take care of repackaging and goods transportation; and coordinate the supply, packaging and dispatch of steel coils and metal sheeting to a press shop. Rossouw says that in addition to automotive logistics, Imperial is expanding its range of services in Poland to include engineering and plant construction as well as retail and consumer goods.
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
33
INSURANCE >>
‘Auto trucks right for fleet owners’ Morné Stoltz, Head of Business Insurance at MiWay, says it makes sense for fleet owners to keep up with technology to improve vehicle fuel efficiency, reduce wear and tear, and provide better working conditions for drivers
I
n South Africa, twopedal trucks account for approximately half of all truck sales nationally, according to figures from Lightstone, a marketing intelligence company. In other markets, such as Australia, sales of automatic trucks are also close to those of manual transmissions. The trend mirrors what is happening in multiple industries: the use of smarter technologies reduces costs and drives business efficiency.
efficiency as well as wear and tear on the engine and drivetrain. With both fuel and parts increasingly pricey, this is a real incentive for fleet owners.
The move to some form of automatic transmission for trucks is also in line with the trend towards more automatic cars. A primary cause of the shift is the growing sophistication of automatic and automated manual transmissions.
There are benefits, too, for drivers. Operating the clutch over long periods of time notably increases the physical strain of driving, particularly in heavy traffic. More comfortable driving conditions are likely to mean that drivers are more inclined to pay attention to their driving, with possible safety benefits – and thus, potentially, fewer insurance claims.
Such technologies now offer closer approximations of skilled drivers – for example, it is claimed that by reducing momentum lost when changing a large truck’s gears, anything from four to seven seconds may be gained for every 400 metres travelled – a saving of time and fuel that can add up over long journeys. Automatic transmissions are only the start. For example, technological advances such as Idle, Stop, Start, which are just beginning to make the transition from cars to trucks, can also reduce fuel consumption and engine wear and tear. The technology automatically shuts down the engine after a short period of idling, typically in traffic and at busy intersections, in order to save fuel and reduce engine overuse. When the driver lifts his foot off the brake, the engine automatically starts up again. For fleet owners, the arguments for automatic trucks are making more and more sense. For one thing, auto gearboxes reduce the impact of unskilled drivers on fuel
34 Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
Another consideration is that clutches wear out the more they are used. Time spent in the repair bay is dead time for fleet-owners – an important consideration in South Africa where road transport is by far the most important part of the logistics mix. Removing the clutch also means that driving becomes less of a skilled operation. At a practical level, fleet owners can draw on a wider pool of drivers.
Trucks with automatic gearboxes would also be a reason for a particular fleet owner to become an employer of choice for the best drivers. In general, MiWay believes that it makes sense for fleet owners to keep up with the technology curve to improve fuel efficiency, reduce wear and tear, and better the working conditions of their drivers. In the long run, these improvements are likely to have a positive impact on their bottom lines — and could even translate into a more cost-effective insurance profile as technology improves human performance on the road. For more information on commercial vehicle insurance visit www.miway.co.za. MiWay is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (Licence No: 33970)
MODEL REVIEW >>
Worth its weight T
he light commercial vehicle sector has a number of manufacturers vying to garner popularity by producing vehicles that incorporate two main deciding factors in any workhorse purchase – robustness and affordability. JMC’s Carrying SWB has been designed to meet these criteria and more, offering ease of operation as well as cargo carrying capability that helps to position the model in the upper echelons of the sector. Some might argue whether the purchase of a Chinese-built model meets business strategy requirements. However, a careful look at not only the overall price difference between the JMC and its competitors – but also the fact that its power is supplied by a Japanese manufactured Isuzu engine – adds credence to the Carrying’s promise of reliably returning on investment. The 2,8-litre turbocharged unit offers a respectable 84kW of power and 250Nm of torque, making it effective as well as efficient in workhorse applications. In a test of the model I found it to be comfortable and easy to drive, the ratios in its fivespeed manual gearbox well-spaced in the interests of smooth, steady progress. There’s zest in its power delivery that makes it surprisingly sprightly off the line, while on highways it cruises with aplomb at the national speed limit. Brakes are good and steering is accurate. According to the manufacturer, the engine has been a popular choice for Chinese automakers for the past 12 years, its credentials established globally thanks to export markets that number more than 100 countries. The Carrying range offers a host of cargo configurations, including drop side, van body or tipper – all of which have been developed to make the vehicle appealing to small business owners. Load capacity is rated at a formidable 1,6 tons.
36 Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
The interior boasts sizeable storage compartments throughout. While the robust nature of materials and plastics reinforces durability aspects, the look remains tasteful and cleanly executed. Instruments are large and legible and visibility from the cabin is good. A small turning circle – listed at 5,2 metres – makes the Carrying a cinch to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Backed by first-rate parts and service support, JMC’s Carrying SWB is sold with a three-year / 90 000km service plan, a five-year/120 000km warranty and a four-year roadside assistance package. Best of all, though, is the price tag, the entry-level derivative retailing for R231 880 with, for a limited period, a R5 000 fuel voucher. In my view the JMC Carrying is well-positioned to become a South African favourite in the small businesses sector – low-cost, capable and dependable. From this perspective it’s the kind of workhorse that convinces in terms of its no-frills ability to deliver.
FUEL FOR THOUGHT!
GET A
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Pictures for illustrative purposes. Ts and Cs apply.
JMCSA HEAD OFFICE 011 668 0300
www.jmcsa.co.za
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
37
DRIVEN BY EXPERIENCE.
COURIER >>
Growth prospect for sub-Saharan Africa retailers D
HL Express has recently published research highlighting a significant growth opportunity for retailers and manufacturers with an international online product offering. The report – The 21st Century Spice Trade: A Guide to the Cross-Border E-Commerce Opportunity – looks in detail at the markets and products that offer the highest growth potential, the motivations and preferences of customers making international online purchases and the success factors for online retailers that wish to expand overseas. It focuses in particular on the opportunity for premium products and service offerings, with higher basket values accounting for a significantly higher proportion of orders in cross-border transactions. The report reveals that cross-border e-commerce offers aggregate growth rates not available in most other retail markets: cross-border retail volumes are predicted to increase at an annual average rate of 25% between 2015 and 2020 (from $300-billion to $900-billion) – twice the pace of domestic e-commerce growth.
Online retailers are also boosting sales by 10 to15% on average simply by extending their offering to international customers. An additional boost comes from including a premium service offering: retailers and manufacturers that incorporated a faster shipping option into their online stores grew 1,6 times faster on average than other players. “Contrary to what many retailers think, crossborder shipping is actually simple and retailers in sub-Saharan Africa are perfectly positioned to take advantage of international opportunities,” says Hennie Heymans, CEO for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa. Her points out that Brand Africa has increased exponentially in popularity in recent years. “It’s time for retailers to remove the boundaries and open up their business to seamless international trade,” he maintains. According to Heymans, retailers often choose not to promote their businesses internationally and, worse yet, will turn down international sales interests due to the misconception that it’s too difficult to manage and deliver.
Growing Africa’s entrepreneurs D HL Express recently launched its Growing Beyond Borders entrepreneurial training program in sub-Saharan Africa – an innovative program specifically designed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) understand the economic potential of international trade and the subsequent benefits to their businesses.
Since its launch, the program has been rolled out in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Nigeria. The first official session in South Africa has been held in Johannesburg. Several other markets in SSA have also launched the program, including Uganda, Mauritius, Kenya and Ghana.
38 Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
John Lucas, Managing Director for DHL Express South Africa, says SMEs are considered the engines for growth in the country and in the SSA region. “If we can empower SMEs to seize international opportunities, this will further stimulate much needed economic growth. SMEs can have an advantage over larger, more established companies, as they are more agile and flexible in adapting to changing circumstances. Sustainable SME growth and performance also aids job creation, which is critical for the country.” Usually, SMEs start developing their businesses with the domestic market in mind and, often, they miss opportunities that international trade represents. “It’s actually easier than one thinks to trade internationally
“Globally, our experience is that virtually every product category has the potential to upgrade to become premium, both by developing higher quality luxury editions and by offering superior levels of service quality to meet the demands of less price-sensitive customers.
The report says manufacturers are increasingly taking advantage of e-commerce to move to direct retail models – bypassing the middleman and offering their products online to the end customer – and expect to grow 30% faster in crossborder e-commerce than other retailer groups.
“From the DHL standpoint, the opportunity to go global and go premium is available to retailers in all markets and our international door-to-door time definite network is well-positioned to support retailers looking to develop a premium service offering or directly reach world markets without the need to invest in distribution or warehousing.”
Customers in many markets are also becoming more discerning, citing product availability and trust, as well as attractive offers, as the motivating factors for shopping with overseas online retailers.
Heymans says the opportunity for intra African trade should not be ignored. “Going global does not only mean trading outside of Africa – the continent is home to one of the world’s fastest growing middle classes, with an appetite for quality products and services. “There are also a number of trade blocs in place to support intra Africa trade growth and retailers should take advantage of this captive market.” According to Heymans, the DHL report is based primarily on research and in-depth interviews conducted by a leading global management consultancy, as well as more than 1 800 responses to a proprietary exporter survey of retailers and manufacturers in six countries.
The main challenges highlighted by consumers to cross-border purchases relate to logistics, trust, price and customer experience. At the same time, online retailers can take a number of relatively easy steps to identify, cultivate and service demand from abroad. The report notes that the e-commerce trend has given birth to a new eco-system of facilitators and off-the-shelf solutions (such as payment providers and programs that localise a website’s check-out experience for the visitor), helping retailers to adapt their offering to the digital world and to transact with customers in foreign markets.
It casts a light on the evolving face of e-commerce, with both supply and demand becoming more sophisticated.
Global logistics partners can provide support in identifying the right trade-off between centralised and local warehousing and fulfillment, while fast, reliable and flexible delivery options can be an important tool in turning speculative interest into long-term customer loyalty.
and our Growing Beyond Borders program is aimed at dispelling the myths about international trade. Ultimately, we want to enable, encourage and empower SMEs to grow,” says Lucas.
which has seen nearly 4 000 DHL employees in 51 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and 90 000 employees globally, receive comprehensive training on the fundamentals of international shipping.
The free of charge workshop explores areas around importing and exporting in new markets, provides guidance on how to find key geographical opportunities for specific products and services, as well as how to identify different marketing avenues and ways to build successful long-term relationships with their target customers.
“DHL has been shipping across the globe since 1969, and was set up in South Africa in 1978. We have drawn on our own entrepreneurial history and extensive experience with thousands of customers across the globe across all sectors to build the foundation of this program.
Lucas explains that the program is unique in that it was borne out of the same vein as the DHL Express Certified International Specialist (CIS) program – an internal cultural change program
“We too, experienced the challenges that SMEs face when we started out, but with a pioneering spirit and our international focus, we have grown to become the world’s most international company. I truly believe that the future is bright for SMEs in South Africa,” says Lucas.
March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
39
MARKET >>
F
ebruary’s total new vehicle sales saw a negligible year-onyear decline of 0,1%, with sales of 48 113 units. According to the latest aggregated sales data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) sales growth was seen in a number of segments, including light commercial vehicles (9,7%), medium commercial vehicles (8,5%) and heavy commercial vehicles (27,0%).
“The growth in the rental channel and commercial vehicle segments is indicative of these businesses entering their replacement cycles, acquiring new assets to refresh their fleets,” said Rudolf Mahoney, Head of Brand and Communications at WesBank.
Despite growth in the commercial segments, total passenger car sales fell 4,4%, year-on-year. Passenger car sales through the dealer channel slumped 5,0% – a shortfall that could not be counteracted by growth of 26,0% for passenger cars through the rental channel.
Consumers who did finance vehicles also paid more – the average deal value for a new car was 8,8% higher, while the average car was 9,0% more expensive yearon-year.
Total sales through the rental channel grew 32,5%, year-on-year. Sales through the government channel also contributed to this month’s result – with buying activity in light- medium- and heavy commercial vehicle segments contributing to growth of 33,0%.
40 Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
“Passenger car sales are still struggling, though. Household budgets remain under pressure and consumers are choosing to hold onto their cars for longer.” WesBank’s internal data reflects the trends seen in the consumer space. February saw demand for new vehicles drop 8,4%, year-on-year. Demand for used vehicles also slowed, with 5,3% fewer applications received for finance compared with February last year.
“This is the first decline in demand we’ve seen for used vehicles and we will need more data to see if this is a trend for the year. A number of factors influence this and we will be sure to watch it closely,” said Mahoney. He added that consumer demand for used vehicles continued to outpace new vehicles by a factor of 2,4:1.
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APPOINTMENTS >>
People moving up... Recent appointments made within South Africa’s automotive sector... Toyota Motor Corporation
Dr Johan van Zyl, Chairman of Toyota South Africa Motors and President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, has been promoted to Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation. He is the first African to hold the position. The appointment becomes effective on April 1.
Fuchs Lubricants
Fuchs Lubricants South Africa has announced the appointment of Fatima Moolla as product manager for its Automotive Division. She replaces John Anderson, who has relocated to the United States.
Standard Bank
Standard Bank has announced the appointment of Simphiwe Nghona as Group Head for Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF). In addition, he joins the Standard Bank Personal and Business Banking Group Executive Committee.
CNG Holdings
CNG Holdings has appointed Peter Kolarik as the company’s Group Sales and Marketing Manager. Kolarik has extensive background in the industry, previously having been involved with EasiGas and Shell.
Barloworld Logistics Barloworld Logistics has appointed Kamogelo Mmutlana as its chief executive officer. An industrial engineer by trade, Mmutlana has over 21 years of senior business experience in logistical operations and management.
CNG Holdings
CNG Holdings has appointed Walter Mogapi as the company’s Technical and Compliance Manager. Mogapi, who has 13 years of experience in the gas environment, previously worked at Air Products SA and at the SABS.
MILLION KM CLUB >>
Beyond reliability H
aving always been a fan of International Eagles as well as Cummins engines, Bulldog Hauliers makes use of a fleet of these tried and trusted workhorses, with one truck in particular standing out. The 2009 model International Eagle 9800e has predominantly been used for long-haul routes within the country, coupled with a tautliner link trailer loaded with a maximum of 18 tons of cargo.
Bulldog Hauliers workshop foreman Johan Potgieter pictured with the International Eagle which has clocked up more than two million kilometres
“Previously this vehicle was used on the Johannesburg to Cape Town route,” says Joseph. “However due to the ever-increasing mileage, we have opted to move the vehicle to local deliveries within Johannesburg, pulling a rig designed for light loads.”
Moreover, Joseph says the company trains its drivers to identify potential vehicle problems before they become serious, effectively communicating issues observed to both the operations and workshops teams. This he says is integral in service scheduling and uptime.
A team of Cummins specialists under Bulldog Hauliers workshop foreman Johan Potgieter and company owner Desmond Joseph ensure that all vehicles in the fleet are well maintained and serviced regularly to ensure longevity.
“The vehicle has served us well, and is as reliable as the day we bought her,” he says. “It comes down to ensuring that proper maintenance is performed. As long as the vehicle remains viable to the daily operations of the company, we will keep her on the road.”
Company director Jono Joseph estimates that the truck covers around 22 000km a month – and it has so far racked up a staggering 2 174 921,8km.
42 Future Trucking & Logistics / March 2017
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March 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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