Future Trucking & Logistics December/January by Future Publishing

December/January 2017

Vol. 07. No. 01

FLEET TIPS

Advantages of outsourcing

NEW HEAD FOR MBSA

Arno van der Merwe moves to China

DAKAR CONQUEROR Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO aims for third win

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

Editor’s Note

COVER STORY: DAKAR CONQUEROR 12 For the past seven years, Iveco has been the

official sponsor of Dakar Rally competitor Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO, with team leader Gerard De Rooy taking victory twice. Now the Dutch driver is looking to succeed for a third time FT&L’S TRUCKING DIRECTORY 2017 19 Brands, models, dealerships and contact details ENTREPRENEURSHIP 20 Pieter Hamman, managing director of Freightcor

Logistic Solutions, is an entrepreneur who can be justifiably proud of his success, says truck supplier Hino TRAINING 22 To show customers that its drivers meet the

highest standards, fuel distributor Sebokeng Fuels recently put them to public test in its first annual driver training event INSURANCE 24 Insuring goods in transit WAREHOUSING 25 Famous Brands introduces a high performance

warehouse solution NEW MODELS 26 Hilux SRX bult sy spiere

Fortuner blink ’n bietjie meer New features for Tata workhorse

REPAIR 29 An insight into one of the country’s most

prominent commercial vehicle repair centres – Interbilt Truck Repairs FINANCE 30 Advantages of fleet outsourcing UPDATES 6 News 10 Products 21 Million Kilometre Club 32 People moving up 34 Tailpiece: Challenges facing the fuel industry 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

Time to reflect W

ith 2016 almost in our rear view mirrors, it’s time to reflect on achievements and to make plans for the future. Future Trucking & Logistics has accomplished a lot in 2016 – increasing its readership; introducing a refreshed look and feel; reporting on topics of wide interest to the transport industry and, importantly, changing its publication frequency from bi-monthly to monthly. Additionally, the Future Trucking & Logistics website and weekly newsletters are proving popular and our YouTube channel is scheduled to air early in 2017. Moreover, one of the magazine’s major projects for 2017 – TruckX – is quickly being perceived as THE transport event to attend in 2017. Scheduled for July 12 and 13 at the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit, TruckX has grown in concept and in stature since its inception three years ago. You’ll be hearing more of the event in the New Year. With the road network congested at an annual high, travel safe and have a wonderful festive season.

Ryan de Smidt Editor

Future Trucking & Logistics is published bi-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.

NEWS >>

Solid performance by Babcock Babcock has successfully completed its first year as official Southern Africa distributor of Scottish-built, Volvo-owned Terex Trucks – off-highway, rigid and articulated vehicles that are used in mining, quarrying and heavy construction applications. The company attributes its success not only to increased sales performance, but to the customer care and aftersales service it offers. Earlier this year, Babcock opened a new state-of-the-art branch in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, that serves as the official headquarters for Terex Trucks in Southern Africa. The facility is equipped with 12 purpose-built workshop bays to accommodate the largest vehicles in the Terex range, as well as specialised components and tools. It includes a 1615 m2 warehouse that can hold full stock lines, with Babcock making a considerable investment to ensure high availability of components. David Vaughan, Sales Director for Babcock’s equipment business, says the Middelburg facility is fully prepared to support Terex in terms of infrastructure, spare parts, equipment and trained staff, and has already seen sales of a number of vehicles. “We have just had a team return from the Terex Trucks factory in Scotland where they spent a week being

brought up to speed on latest developments in product lines,” adds Vaughan. He explains that skilled personnel are vital to Babcock’s support services, the company maintaining a firm commitment to training. Erik Lundberg, the brand’s Business Manager for subSaharan Africa, says since the association with Babcock in October 2015, sales have increased, particularly in the articulated dump truck (ADT) range. He maintains that one of the main advantages that Terex has over its competitors is the support that is now available for the trucks through Babcock, not only in terms of components, qualified service technicians and appropriate maintenance facilities, but also with regard to service contracts and extended warranties.

Serco powers into the New Year with new technology Achieving year-on-year growth in tough trading conditions, Serco is aiming to continue its innovative market offerings with the announcement of a supply partnership with Dutch cargocontrol company Loadlok. Appointed as the official Southern African distributor for Loadlok’s products – including load securing accessories and multi-temp dividers – Serco aims to make its products even more appealing to transporters. Moreover, the company’s recently expanded its facility at Phoenix Industrial Park near Durban to accommodate new state-of-the-art machinery for injection panel manufacturing – a first for locally manufactured refrigerated trailers in South Africa. Moreover, Serco MD Clinton Holcroft describes the company’s introduction of injected polyurethane (PUR) foam panel manufacturing technology as an industry-leading innovation, further emphasising Serco’s standards of product quality.

Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

Volvo Trucks opens new Alrode dealership Volvo Trucks has opened a dedicated service and parts dealership in Alrode, Alberton, bringing the company’s dealer footprint across the country to 20 outlets. Strategically positioned within the industrial area, the new dealership is easily accessible from major roads, including the N3, N12, and R59 routes. Moreover, the location is perceived to be well positioned from a location perspective, since many of Volvo Trucks’ major fleet customers are headquartered in the area. The new dealership boasts a staff compliment of 10. It has 18 service bays and a stocked parts facility. Construction is underway on 12 additional bays, which are scheduled to be completed at the end of the first quarter of 2017.

The art of flight Volvo recently completed the latest instalment in its increasingly popular truck-test series, using a Volvo FH to tow a paraglider up a mountain pass to promote the benefits of the vehicle’s I-Shift Dual Clutch powertrain. Dubbed The Flying Passenger, a video made of the event shows the truck negotiating a mountain pass in the Dinaric Alps in Croatia with the paraglider, who is attached to the vehicle via a cable, following behind. The object of the promotion was to show how easy it was for the truck to maintain required speeds to keep the paraglider at a safe height above the road when negotiating hairpin bends – or even an overhanging bridge. Volvo Trucks president Claes Nilsson said the stunt demonstrated the ability of the I-Shift system to ensure that the vehicle maintained optimum momentum under tough conditions. “Meeting deadlines and keeping fuel consumption low, even when driving uphill and on winding roads, are key elements to success for many of our customers,” he said. “This test illustrated in a very concrete and visual way what Volvo Trucks’ performance and driveability is all about.”

Uber launches Uber Freight Following its acquisition of selfdriving truck company, Otto, earlier this year, Uber in the United States aims to service the long-haul sector with a new division dubbed Uber Freight. Uber’s CEO and co-founder, Travis Kalamick, says the immediate aim is to eliminate the need for a middleman in the transportation process. “Typically, most shipping companies operate through a brokerage firm which arranges transportation of goods, usually taking a commission of between 15% and 20%,” he says. In the long term the company aims to run a fleet of autonomous vehicles equipped with Otto’s self-driving kits, further reducing costs. Otto’s expertise lies in the retrofitting of radar, camera and laser systems that enable a wide variety of truck brands to be autonomously driven. The company recently completed its first autonomous delivery of Budweiser beer, traveling from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs at an average speed of 89km/h. Though a driver was in the cab, the majority of the 190km journey was completed without his intervention. “He took control only in inner city environs and on highway on- and off-ramps. For the rest of the time, the truck drove itself,” says Otto’s co-founder, Anthony Levandowski, a former self-driving engineer at Google. A spokesman for Budweiser, part of the Anheuser-Busch group, says the experiment shows that autonomous drive technology can work effectively in the real world. “We will certainly look at using self-driving trucks for deliveries in future,” he says. Otto’s typical self-driving kits cost about $30 000 (about R404 650) to fit.

‘Industry first for TPI’ Durban-based trailer manufacturer TPI Truck and Trailer recently unveiled what it claims is the first flat deck trailer capable of successfully carrying high cube containers with a total height of 4 300mm. Developed by Dario Degano, the neck of the trailer is less than 100mm tall – compared with a conventional measurement of 220mm or more – and is said to offer a gross king pin mass of 16 tons.

Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

NEWS >>

New VP of Mercedes-Benz Vans Southern Africa Mercedes-Benz has announced that Nadia Trimmel will replace Canadian-bound Nicolette Lambrechts as the Vice-President of its Vans Division. Trimmel joined Mercedes-Benz in 2014 as the National Sales Manager of the company’s vehicle sales and aftersales division. “Nadia is an expert in the light commercial vehicle business – and especially in the vans segment,” comments Lambrechts. “Since her appointment at MBSA two years ago, she has overseen the sales division with great success. She has also played a major role in other departments, making her the ideal candidate to assume this role. I have no doubt that Mercedes-Benz Vans Southern Africa will continue in the right direction under her leadership.”

New additions to UD’s Quester line-up UD Trucks Southern Africa has added three new trucks to its Quester range – a rigid 4x2, a rigid 6x2 and a 6x4 dedicated compactor chassis. Gert Swanepoel, acting vice-president of UD Trucks Southern Africa, says the company’s strategy of promoting the Quester in rigid segments such as construction and waste has proved successful. “Accordingly, we are expanding the strategy,” he says. Outside of Japan, UD Trucks Southern Africa forms the largest market for the brand. Recently launched in Ethiopia, the Quester range is likely to be introduced in other southern and eastern African markets within the next year. “With the support from our parent company we are excited about the future success of UD Trucks within the region,” says Swanepoel.

Royal tree delivered The town of Coburg in Bavaria, Germany, recently sent a specially-grown 12-metre tall fir tree to Queen Elizabeth II, transported by Mercedes-Benz CharterWay to Windsor Castle using a Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 LS.

MAN delivers 1 000th bus to Golden Arrow A business partnership spanning 15 years recently saw MAN Truck & Bus South Africa deliver its 1 000th bus to the Cape’s Golden Arrow Bus Services. Commenting on the successful relationship, Markus Geyer, MD of MAN Truck & Bus SA, said the first bus the company sold to Golden Arrow was a MAN A63 18.232/Explorer which was delivered in 2001. “That was the start of a collaborative partnership – one which has led us to this event, 15 years later, where we are proud to deliver bus number 1000 to the team at Golden Arrow Bus Services,” he said at a ceremony to mark the handover. Golden Arrow CEO Francois Meyers said he was proud to be part of the collaboration. “This long term relationship has ensured that the R1,4 billion that we have spent on MAN buses over the past 15 years has made us an enduring provider of reliable and safe public transport to the people of Cape Town – with a laudable 97% efficiency ratio.”

Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

Christian Schleicher, Mercedes-Benz Marketing Communications Manager for Commercial Vehicles in Bavaria, said: “It is a great honour for CharterWay to be permitted to transport this precious load.” The shipment required specialised expertise and equipment, with the tree weighing around two tons. Moreover, over 100 cardboard boxes, containing fragile decorations, were added to the load. To convey the cargo, CharterWay made use of a tri-axle curtain-side trailer with a sliding soft top. The tree’s branches were bound using tensioning straps to a maximum width of 2,5 metres.

Volkswagen ramps up Brazilian investment

Fuel cell bus from Toyota

Over the next five years, Volkswagen’s Truck and Bus Division will invest $447,3-million (about R6,3-billion) in modernising its Brazilian plant at Resende and renewing its product portfolio. Andreas Renschler, CEO of Volkswagen Truck & Bus, said the Latin American region played a major role in the company’s growth strategy. “I am confident that the Brazilian economy has bottomed out and will recover again in the next few years. “In order to prepare ourselves for this, we have decided to invest in the country so that we can continue to offer excellent products manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities.” South Africa sources Volkswagen branded trucks from the plant which, over the years, has earned a reputation for innovative production concepts. “We work together under one roof with seven partner firms,” says Roberto Cortes, CEO of Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus. “It is only through our innovative production concept that we have been able to equip ourselves to deal with the upturn that is sure to come.” Renschler, who is also Chairman of the Federation of German Industry’s Latin America Committee, recently joined Cortes in Brazil to brief President Michel Temer on the planned investment.

Toyota Motor Corporation has signalled its intention to market fuel cell (FC) buses using the Toyota brand name from early 2017. The bus’s engine – developed by Toyota and Hino – utilises hydrogen technology and is said to deliver better energy efficiency than a conventional internal combustion unit, as well as eliminating CO2 emissions when driving. Having already undergone testing, the Bureau of Transportation at Tokyo’s Metropolitan Government plans to utilise two of the buses as fixed-route transport alternatives. Future plans include the use of over 100 similar buses to cope with expected passenger demand during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Andreas Renschler, CEO of Volkswagen Truck & Bus (left), and Roberto Cortes, CEO of Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus (right), meeting Brazil’s president Michel Temer

MISA’s Woman of the Year The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) in partnership with AON, recently announced that Hanlie Strauss of Henred Fruehauf had been judged its Woman of the Year. The award recognises the vital role women play in South Africa’s motor industry. Hanlie won a trip to the United States, where she will attend next year’s NADA Convention in New Orleans. Speaking at the event, MISA CEO’s of Operations, Martlé Keyter, said women within the industry deserved recognition not only for the contribution they made in the workplace, but also for their influence in the communities they served.

Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

NEW PRODUCTS >>

Truck tyres from BF Goodrich Michelin subsidiary BF Goodrich has launched a truck tyre range in South Africa aimed at customers “who demand international quality, reliable and robust tyres at an affordable price,” says Franck Sire, Michelin’s marketing director. He says BF Goodrich’s Route Control tyre has been designed for regional and highway use, promoting even tread wear and minimising sidewall damage, while the Cross Control tyre – which is for on-road and off-road applications – is a durable and cut-resistant product that offers excellent grip thanks to an aggressive tread pattern.

On a charge Battery Sense is a Bluetooth-enabled battery monitor that can track the health of vehicle batteries, helping to prevent frustrating breakdowns and maximising battery performance. The product, recently introduced to South Africa, has been designed by CTek, a Swedish based company that specialises in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries. Easy to install, data is delivered to your smartphone via a free-to-download app. Battery Sense allows several vehicle batteries to be monitored simultaneously, which means no more worrying about charge levels or when to charge, especially for batteries not used daily. Once connected, Battery Sense sends a push notification if a battery’s state of charge falls to a critical level or if measurements have not been taken for seven days. The device carries a two-year warranty and is suitable for all 12-volt batteries.

Tuning in Festool has introduced the Sysrock, a battery-powered radio – described as suitable for workshops – that is said to deliver high-quality sound. The compact, lightweight device has a Bluetooth interface with an integrated, hands-free function, making it compatible with a wide range of smartphones and other electronic devices.

said to deliver excellent quality sound through a powerful 2,5-inch neodymium loudspeaker.

Features include a digital signal processor and dynamic range control, plus a specially designed resonance chamber which is

According to the distributors, the Sysrock can be paired with MP3 players, tablets or smartphones.

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COVER STORY >>

Iveco looks to retain Dakar title For the past seven years Italian commercial vehicle manufacturer Iveco has been the official sponsor of Dakar Rally competitor Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO. In that time, team leader Gerard De Rooy has taken victory twice. Now he’s looking to emulate his 2012 and 2016 feats – and win for the third time. Ryan de Smidt reports

ith Dakar 2017 set to be an extremely challenging race with fierce competition, the 39th edition of what has been described as the toughest event in motorsport will once again be hosted in South America. Starting on January 2 in Asunción, Paraguay, the route will wind from there through Bolivia and Argentina, covering more than 9 000km to finish in Buenos Aires on January 14. For the seventh consecutive year, Iveco will be the official sponsor of Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO, providing vehicles and spares and taking forward the ongoing partnership that has led to two victories for the team and two second places. Spearheading Iveco’s challenge is Dakar legend Gerard De Rooy – the team’s principal – who won the race in 2012, finished second in 2014 and won again in 2016. He’s aiming to emulate that success in the upcoming event, perhaps even eclipsing 2012’s achievement which saw the team finish first, second and sixth. “We’re refreshed, prepared and raring to go,” he says.

12 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

The team has entered three vehicles in the race, De Rooy driving a sleeper cab version of an Iveco Powerstar 4x4, and Ton van Genugten and Wuf van Ginkel each in Iveco Trakker 4x4s. The trucks are equipped with Iveco Cursor 13 engines which produce 900 horsepower. The units have been specially engineered by FPT Industrial, the powertrain brand of CNH Industrial, one of the world’s largest capital goods companies. Seven additional vehicles – six Trakkers and one Daily – will complete the Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO line-up, providing support and assistance. Navigating for De Rooy will be Spaniard Moi Torrallardona, with whom he won the 2016 event. Torrallardona is an experienced co-driver who has been with the team since 2015. Mechanic Darek Rodewald will be the third crew member. The second vehicle, a day cab version of the Iveco Trakker, will be driven by Van Genugten, a truck driver by trade. He made his Dakar debut in the 2016 race, finishing fifth. Now

he and his co-driver, Anton van Limpt, are hoping to eclipse that performance. They will be joined in the cab by Bernard der Kinderen, a long-time mechanic for the team. The remaining Trakker will be driven by Van Ginkel, making his debut for Iveco. He has been tasked with providing fast assistance to his team mates during the event, essentially transporting key spare parts for the duration of the race. Erik Kofman will be his codriver, with Bert van Donkelaar filling the technical support berth. “We have prepared carefully, our vehicles have shown they fully deserve their reputation for reliability and they have proved that they can deal with the toughest conditions the Dakar Rally can present,” says De Rooy. “All of us in the team are very experienced and we can’t wait to put our skills and our trucks to the test: pushing the boundaries of what’s possible is in our DNA – just like it is in our partner Iveco’s DNA.”

Iveco’s long-standing partner, Petronas – the team’s headline sponsor – will supply all lubricants and fluids for the race and service vehicles. Other sponsors include Sparco and OK Trucks, an Iveco-certified used vehicle brand. Additionally, Federico “El Coyote” Villagra will compete again behind the wheel of an Iveco Powerstar, heading up an Argentinian team after achieving third place in Dakar 2016. “With this year’s team, we hope to replicate the great performance of last year in which Iveco dominated one of the most competitive Dakar races ever, with five different truck brands in the Top 10,” says Iveco’s president, Pierre Lahutte. “As far as we are concerned, we are sure that we will continue to put the excellent reliability of our trucks on the trails of the Dakar Rally, enabling the team’s outstanding pilots to give their best performance in the race.” Rowlands Peters

Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

COVER STORY >>

The Trakker Iveco’s Trakker is designed to excel even in the most extreme off-road conditions. With versions that range from 18 to 72 tons, the model represents an excellent combination of robustness and reliability, offering outstanding comfort thanks to Active Time and Active Day cabs. According to a company statement, the Trakker range offers extensive scope for customisation for a variety of specific applications. Each version can be specified in 4x2, 4x4, 6x4, 6x6 and 8x8 configurations, with a choice of engine power ranging from 310hp to 500hp. The tractors are available in 4x2, 4x4, 6x4 and 6x6 configurations, with engine output ranging from 360hp to 500hp. “Whether used for working in extreme off-road conditions or a majority of on-road missions with the occasional off-road operation, the Trakker can be equipped to optimise payload and fuel consumption,” the statement says. Shipping the vehicles Iveco’s race and support vehicles were loaded onto a ship in late November at Le Havre in France, along with those of other European competitors, logistical support

14 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

vehicles and press vehicles. Since 2009, the process of loading the vehicles onto the ship has become an important rite of passage and, to a degree, represents the first stage of the rally. In addition, the event provides a unique opportunity to observe the vehicles in an atmosphere which is immediately transformed, taking on a distinctly South-American vibe. The Atlantic crossing took about a month. Follow the news Iveco will keep its fans up to date throughout the rally on www.iveco.com/dakar, following the race step by step with daily updates from South America. The website narrates a journey through the world’s most difficult and demanding off-road race. Published in English and Spanish, the site will be updated each day with Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO’S results and performance data, plus multimedia content transmitted directly from the course itself. Likewise, the Iveco’s social media channels will be updated every day, with all the latest news as well as reports, videos and photos.

Dakar 2016 Truck Category winner Gerard De Rooy (left) with Federico Villagra, who drove an Argentinian-backed Iveco to third place

De Rooy on the Dakar Reuben van Niekerk catches up with Gerard De Rooy on his Dakar 2016 win

he Dakar Rally is not called the world’s toughest motorsport event for nothing, and taking the concept a step further are the race-aces who compete in the truck category. Open to series production trucks weighing more than 3 500kg, the vehicles are essentially a chassis, drivetrain and cab, since their rears comprise little more than lightweight cladding. The crew of a Dakar racing truck consists of a driver, navigator and mechanic. The mechanic is necessary not because the trucks are unreliable, but because changing large, heavy tyres which have been punctured is a three man job. Talking of tyres, the top speed of the racing trucks is limited to 140km/h due to the fact that regulations require that they are shod with production-based tyres, which are safety rated only to that velocity. Though the nature of the Dakar route seldom allows trucks to travel at full speed – with most stages completed at an average of around 100km/h – the large vehicles remain most spectacular of all Dakar classes in the way they accelerate, turn and brake; always appearing to be on the limit when viewed from the side lines. Interviewing Gerard De Rooy following his victory in Dakar 2016, he told me matter-of-factly: “My truck is very basic and simple. The engine is the only thing that’s complicated – the rest is technology that you can fix with a hammer.” On this point, hammers were visible in rear of

many of the trucks I saw during my stint in South America to cover the race. De Rooy also revealed that the engine used in his truck was equipped with cast iron pistons which, for sustained hot weather running, were preferred to the aluminium equivalents found in production units. “Apart from modifications to the exhaust system, turbo boost pressure and ECU mapping, the engine is pretty much what you can buy off the shelf, though de-tuned to produce just under 1 000 horsepower so that it remains fairly under-stressed,” he said. The gearbox is rated to handle 2 500Nm, but the engine develops double that. “I have to be very careful when driving – wheelspin is what actually saves me. As long as propulsion forces aren’t going directly to the ground, the gearbox holds up. The lightness of the truck is important – it helps to create wheelspin, especially on pull off. Only from about 60 km/h can I apply full power.” Equally, ramping sand dunes and jumps takes care and concentration. “If I accelerate when the truck is in the air, and the wheels are spinning when it lands, I could break a half-shaft. I try to avoid that,” he says with a grin. De Rooy adds that, although competitive, there is a lot of camaraderie in the Dakar’s truck category. “Many of the racing teams are based in the Netherlands and, since it is not a big country, most of us are situated within a 50km radius of each other. We all know one another well.”

Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

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TRUCKING >>

FT&L’s Truck Directory 2017 An alphabetical listing of all major truck nameplates which are marketed in South Africa, along with each brand’s models, number of dealers and contact details Manufacturer

Models

DAF

CF Series

Dealers in RSA 21

XF Series

Contact details

Manufacturer

www.babcock. co.za

Iveco

8.140FL

Dealers in RSA

Contact details

www.iveco.com/ southafrica

010 001 2561

011 205 3700 Vans

FAW

Models

15.180FL

Daily Van

www.faw.co.za

Daily Chassis Cab

087 702 0800

16.240FL

Daily 4X4 Trucks

28.330FL

Daily Sisonke

682 Trakker

8.140FD

Trakker SR

15.180FD

Stralis

16.240FD

Eurocargo

28.280FD

Eurocargo 4X4

35.340FD

Astra

15.180FT 16.240FT

JMC

28.380FT

Carrying LWB Series

Carrying SWB Series

28.460FT

www.jmcsa.co.za 011 668 0300

33.330FC MAN Truck & Bus

35.340FC

Foton Truck

Aumark BJ1049

Aumark BJ1051

CLA

TGM

www.fotontruck. co.za

www.truck.man. eu/za 011 928 6800

TGS

011 392 2900

TGS WW

Aumark BJ1051L

TGX

Aumark BJ1089 Auman BJ1133-180

MercedesBenz

Auman BJ1133-210

Auman BJ1133-210L

012 677 1500

Auman BJ1253

Vans

Auman BJ3253

Vito Trucks

Toyota Dyna

Sprinter V-Class

Auman BJ4253

Hino

60+

300 Series

www.hino.co.za

Actros Axor Atego

011 809 9111

Unimog

500 Series FUSO

700 Series

Canter Canter Lift

Isuzu Truck

N-Series

www.mercedesbenzsa.co.za

F-Series FX-Series

18 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

www.isuzutrucks. co.za

Fighter

011 563 4000

Supergreat Freightliner

Argosy

Manufacturer

Western Star

Models

Dealers in RSA

Contact details

Manufacturer

Models

Columbia

K5MVF

Dumper 40 T

K5DEF 6X4

Heavy Hauler 150 T

K7CEF

Wrecker 75 T

V3TVF 6X4

Dealers in RSA

Contact details

www.udtrucks. com/en-za/home

V3TXF 6X4 Powerstar SA

Renault Trucks

VX-range

www. powerstarsa.com

V3-range

012 940 1780

www.renaulttrucks.co.za

C Road

Prima Tipper 2528 Prima Tipper 2538 Prima Tipper 4028 Prima Tipper 4038 Prima Tipper 4938

011 842 5174

K Heavy UD Trucks Scania

G-Series

P-Series

www.scania.co.za

UD80 D UD85 D

087 286 6707

012 564 9500

UD90 C

R-Series

UD95 B

V8-Series

UD100 B Quon GW-Series

TATA

SK 407 EX SFC 407 EX

Quon GK-Series

www.tata.co.za

Quon CW-Series

011 255 9600

Quester CKE

LPT 709 EX

Quester CDE

LPT 809 EX2

Quester CWE

LPK 813 EX2

Quester CGE

LPT 813 EX2

Quester GKE

LPTA 713

Quester GWE

LPTA 715 LPT 913 EX2 LPT 1116

Volvo Trucks

FM Euro 3

LPK 1518

FM Euro 5

LPT 1518SC

FMX Euro 3

LPT 1918

FMX Euro 5

LPT 2523 TC

FH-Series Euro 3

M2SEF

FH-Series Euro 5

www.volvotrucks. co.za 011 842 5000

Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

TELEMATICS >>

Pieter Hamman (centre) with Hino representatives and members of the Freightcor team

Showing entrepreneurial flair Entrepreneurs are regarded as important cogs in the business chain – particularly in emerging economies. Pieter Hamman, managing director of Freightcor Logistic Solutions, is an entrepreneur who can be justifiably proud of his success in the fuel transport business…

rucks and transport have always been Pieter Hamman’s passion so, when he left the South African Police Service in 2000, he decided to follow his dream. Armed with a small pick-up truck fitted with a tanker/trailer combination he started Action Fuels, a company which distributed fuel from wholesale depots. “From the outset I worked day and night to provide first-class service to my clients. Though they were mainly small users, such was demand that my main supplier, Royale Energy, found it difficult at times to supply fuel in the quantities I required.” As his business grew, Hamman I invested in a larger vehicle – a second hand Ford Louisville truck – which he rebuilt in between his regular delivery schedule. “The truck allowed me to increase my volumes considerably, which in turn allowed me to look at expanding my business,” he says. In 2003 Hamman inspected a Hino 700. Later he met with sales executive Piet Smit to buy the vehicle, marking the acquisition of his first Hino in a fleet which now numbers 40 vehicles, of which 17 bear the brand’s emblem. It was a year ago that Action Fuels and Royale Energy joined forces to merge their transport divisions into

20 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

Pieter Hamman with the original trailer/tanker combination with which he started his fuel delivery business

a company called Freightcor Logistic Solutions, with Hamman appointed managing director. Freightcor is a BEE level 2 company specialising in the transportation of fuel and other cargo. Royale Energy owns 70% and the Hamman family 30%. Says Pieter: “Royale Energy is the biggest private fuel distribution company in South Africa, supplying about 35 million litres of fuel a month. With the merger, all the trucks previously in other group companies have

>> MILLION KM CLUB

been placed under the Freightcor banner. Freightcor is involved in all aspects of the distribution process for the group, which now consists of five companies.” Primary distribution involves the transportation of fuel from refineries, import terminals and depots to large users, while secondary distribution takes in retail and smaller wholesale customers. The company transports petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, oil, illuminating paraffin and gas. “I have built Freightcor on very solid principles – one of them is being hands-on every inch of the way,” says Hamman, who has maintained contact with Piet Smit and Hino Vereeniging, the dealership from which he bought his first new truck.

Constant care proves reliability W

ith many logistics companies rotating fleets on an annual basis, many see the value of retaining a valuable member of their fleets, and Hilton Logistics is no different.

“I am extremely happy with the service I’ve received. Over the years, good communication has been the key to establishing a sound working relationship,” he says.

As a logistics provider for many mining operations around the country, the company knows too well the importance that a reliable vehicle plays in the fleet and logistics sector.

Hamman adds that in his experience, Hinos are reliable and easy to maintain. “Problems are easily diagnosed and rectified, usually without the need for specialised diagnostic equipment. I can quite safely say that part of the success of my enterprise has definitely been the Hino brand.”

After purchasing this Freightliner new some eight years ago, the factory-fitted Caterpillar C13 engine has seen in excess of 1,4-milion kilometres, and by ensuring that it is well-maintained has led to its successful years of service.

Full tracking systems are fitted to every Freightcor vehicle with controllers monitoring the fleet 24/7. This goes together with an incentive programme for drivers, applied every 25 days, which judges them on fuel efficiency, neatness of vehicle, tyre wear and damage.

“We plan to have this vehicle running in our fleet for many years to come,” comments Yuveshen Moodley, operations manager at Hilton Logistics. “As long as the vehicle is serviced regularly, with original parts, I believe the truck will easily see double its current mileage.”

A driver training learnership programme – which involves the use of veteran drivers to teach recruits – is applied rigidly to all new employees before they are allowed on the road. Hamman believes the training method is effective. “Our fleet covers more than 400 000km a month, but our accident rate is minimal,” he says. While Freightcor represents a success story for Hamman and his entrepreneurial skills, he adds: “I feel that these are still early days for the company. With the backing we have from the Royale Energy Group, I believe we can build Freightcor into a major force within South Africa’s transport industry, competing with the biggest and the best.” Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

TRAINING >>

Putting drivers to the test To show customers that its drivers meet the highest standards on and off the road, fuel distributor Sebokeng Fuels recently put them to public test. Ryan de Smidt reports

o coincide with South Africa’s Transport Month in October, Sebokeng Fuels hosted its first public driver training event, held at the Vereeniging Vehicle Testing Station. As the first ever Shell Branded Distributor in South Africa to successfully fulfil all requirements for Shell’s Road Transport Pillar Audit, the company is perceived to be a leader in the distribution of fuels, upholding a strong code of ethics and adhering to HSSE staffing requirements. The inaugural event was aimed at demonstrating that the company’s drivers met the highest standards – whether on the road or off it. Participants hailed from Sebokeng Fuels’ depots in Vereeniging, Nylstroom, Heilbron, Lichtenberg, and Rustenburg. Topics covered included general road knowledge, driving ability, health and safety awareness and skills. Fire-fighting and first-aid were also on the agenda. “We invest a lot of time and effort in training our drivers,” says Lauren Pelliccia, Head of Operations at Sebokeng Fuels. “We wanted to recognise our top achievers and, at the same time, we wanted to raise health and safety awareness among our customers. We also took the opportunity to demonstrate to them how Sebokeng Fuels goes about conducting its business.”

22 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

Participants underwent a battery of tests, both theoretical and practical. A highlight was a demonstration of how to correctly extinguish a fierce chemical fire using only two fire extinguishers. The Articulated Vehicle Division saw Mphikeleli Ndumo take first place, with Johan Ngwenya second. The Rigid and Drawbar Division was won by Willem Hartzer, with Louis Madonsela taking the runner-up position. “All of the drivers who took part passed the tests with flying colours,” says Pelliccia. “We are very proud of their abilities. I believe that initiatives such as this showcase Sebokeng Fuels’ determination to be the country’s leading fuel distributor.” Based on the event’s success, she said the company would continue to demonstrate that driver safety and education remained at the forefront of its agenda. “Our aim is to deliver service excellence – this is one way to show that we are able to achieve our goal.”

Rising star

>> LOGISTICS

The Star Group’s distinctively painted fleet of trucks are easily identifiable on the road – just one indication that the Durban-based transport company is determined to stand out from the crowd. Ryan de Smidt reports

he Star Group has seen significant growth since its inception in 2002, when it began operating as a transporter of goods within South African borders. “Our mission is to exceed our clients and other stakeholder’s expectations in terms of adherence to safety procedures, safeguarding the environment, courteous usage of the roads system, compliance with traffic regulations and efficient and timeous delivery of freight,” says manager Avi Naidoo. Having evolved from small transporter to growing conglomerate, the Star Group now offers a variety of solutions to suit varied transport requirements, ranging from warehousing, materials handling, logistics, specialised services and even overnight express parcel delivery. “Our facility includes over 4 000m2 of warehouse space, in addition to our 10 000m2 yard. Our premises are secure, and are constantly monitored via the use of security staff as well as 24-hour CCTV,” says Naidoo.

“We have invested heavily in ensuring that our fleet and our client’s cargo remain secure,” says Naidoo. “In addition to our one-of-a-kind paintjobs, we have installed Bandit satellite tracking security systems in each vehicle, along with on-board cameras and cellular phone communications, while our trailers are all fitted with Netstar tracking units, ensuring that we can monitor the trucks, trailers and cargo in real time.”

The group’s fleet is made up of 15 vehicles that include Scanias, Volvos and a Western Star, all expertly branded and featuring customised paintwork.

Committed to positive transformation, Star Group has evolved to become a Level 3 BBBEE company, with education, skills development and training remaining a core part of its values.

Naidoo acknowledges Star Group’s pride in its fleet, noting that the unique appearance of the vehicles reflects the importance that the group places on its image as well as that of its clients. In addition, he says, the distinctive look of the trucks acts as a good deterrent against theft.

“We understand that it is imperative that employees are knowledgeable on health and safety policies within the workplace,” says Naidoo. “It is this for reason our HSE policy identifies and adheres to a strict code of behaviour, dress code and safety regulations. Safety is our main priority.”

Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

INSURANCE >>

Insuring goods in transit How do you keep your business protected against risks arising as a result of losses incurred when goods are in transit? Morné Stoltz, Head of Business Insurance at MiWay, offers some tips

unning a business in today’s unstable economy is risky enough – but when your bottom line depends on goods arriving safely at a designated destination, the chances of disaster grow ever higher.

insured and be paid out only proportionately on a claim. So, rather be safe and make sure you’ve made provision for the worst case scenario if you want to save yourself unnecessary costs at a later stage.

• Understand your policy While most scenarios are covered under GIT insurance policies, there are a few stipulations you’d be wise to South Africa’s roads are among the world’s most note before accepting a policy. For instance, goods dangerous, meaning that those trucks filled with your precious cargo are exposed to significant risk the second are unlikely to be covered should theft occur as a result of a driver’s negligence, with most policies refuting they pull onto any of the country’s highways or byways, claims arising as a result of theft from unattended leaving your business vulnerable to significant losses as vehicles. So, while acts of God and accidents won’t put a result. a dent in your balance sheet, it’s important that you emphasise to your drivers the importance of vigilance, Add to that the complications that may arise as a result and ensure that they’re aware of the potential risks of of delayed delivery which can significantly compromise leaving a vehicle unattended for any duration of time. the quality of perishable goods. So, how do you keep your business protected against risks arising as a result of losses incurred in transit? There are specific insurance options available; each designed to protect business owners against the pitfalls of the open road. Goods in Transit (GIT) cover is insurance cover designed specifically for businesses looking to deliver goods from point A to B without running the risk of significant financial losses. Offering protection against accidents, theft and unforeseen transit delays, GIT cover provides peace of mind for those with delivery deadlines, dramatically reducing the risks associated with long-haul transport.

• Add on extras If you offer specialised transportation, it might be worth considering a few optional extras to bump up your level of cover. For instance, should your load include perishable goods that depend on working refrigeration, you’ll likely need to take out an optional extra on your policy to indemnify you against losses incurred as a result of any cooling malfunctions. Similarly, should your delivery routes extend beyond the country’s borders, it’s important to specify this on your policy so as to ensure you’re not without cover should misfortune strike on the roads of a neighbouring country.

By selecting the correct policy and familiarising Here are a few key things to bear in mind when selecting yourself with all the relevant details, you’ll be able to guarantee your business peace of mind, and free up your cover: your time to focus your efforts on securing those allimportant orders. • Choose the correct cover level When choosing a GIT policy, it’s important that you insure yourself based on the maximum possible value of your haul. Many businesses tend to opt for an average amount in an attempt to lower their premiums but, should you have undervalued your haul, you’ll be under

24 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

For more information on commercial vehicle insurance visit www.miway.co.za. MiWay is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (Licence No: 33970)

>> WAREHOUSING

Famous Brands selects Cquential Famous Brands introduces a high performance warehouse solution that aims to secure accurate, efficient supply to franchisees. Ryan de Smidt reports Famous Brands – Africa’s largest branded food service franchisor with a market capitalisation in excess of R16,5-billion – has partnered with Cquential Solutions to optimise its warehouse processes. Cquential is the developer of a cloud-based Warehouse Management Solution (WMS). Bill Davies, Famous Brand’s group logistics services executive, says the company initially partnered with Cquential in 2008 to address the group’s need to deliver accurate and timely stock to its franchisees while optimising operations and reducing costs. With Cquential’s help, the company implemented new business processes to support its expanding range of brands. Davies says improved accuracy and efficiency in the warehouse resulted in key financial benefits which included the ability to service additional franchise networks by leveraging the same infrastructure. “This, together with planning and forecasting initiatives, played a key role in improved monthly stock turns,” he says. “One of the biggest benefits of partnering with a local supplier is that we have the opportunity to access Cquential’s consulting team, which is a fantastic advantage as they are able to respond to issues rapidly.” Now, Famous Brands has become one of the early adopters of the SaaS model where Cquential’s WMS is deployed in the cloud with no servers or software onsite. The solution has also been installed into the new chilled and frozen goods warehouse at Crown Mines, which was commissioned in 2015.

“The solution has proven to be flexible enough to cater for the unique and varied requirements of the different sites even though Famous Brands is running off a single Cquential platform,” says Mallaby. “Cquential’s WMS solution has helped Famous Brands to develop the efficient, accurate, and highly costeffective supply chain it needs to stay at the forefront of this competitive market. The system is successfully supporting Famous Brands vigorous growth with increased throughput.” According to Mallaby, other key benefits of the system include excellent batch control and full traceability so, if there is any issue, Famous Brands can accurately determine the location to which specific products were delivered. “Because the software is supplied on a SaaS basis it remains a monthly operational expense rather than a large capital outlay, which makes financial sense and enables scalability. The added benefit of the SaaS environment is that support can be provided remotely.” Additionally, Cquential has recently successfully completed a roll out of the system at Famous Brands’ new primary distribution centre in Longmeadow, Johannesburg.

Cquential Solutions CEO, Steve Mallaby, says that perishability issues, combined with specific storage requirements and high throughputs, placed big demands on the warehouse, with accuracy being a critical element.

Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

NUWE MODELLE >>

Hilux SRX bult sy spiere Die model is aan ’n streng ‘oefenprogram’ onderwerp en is nou aansienlik breër, hoër en stewiger…

ie Toyota Hilux-reeks is en bly een van SuidAfrika se gunsteling-voertuie en meer as 30 000 eenhede van die nuwe model is al sedert sy bekendstelling in Februarie vanjaar van die hand gesit. Die maandelikse verkoopsyfers wat gedurig aan die bopunt van die lys is, is bewys van Suid-Afrikaners se liefde en respek vir en vertroue in dié bakkie. Die voertuigmark is ’n perd van ’n ander kleur met wisselende neigings, kooppatrone en markimpakte wat dit voortdurend verander. Toyota het die mark op hierdie gebied versigtig ontleed en roem homself op sy klantgerigtheid en diepte-klantenavorsing. Die gevolg van hierdie benadering is dat Toyota die opgegradeerde Hilux SRX-modelreeks met trots onthul: Gespierde romp Die grootste verandering is die omskakeling van die gewese ‘smalromp’-ontwerp na die nuwe ‘wyeromp’samestelling. Die omskakeling na die wyeromp-ontwerp bied terselfdertyd fris, ingeboude wielnisse (soos dié van die bestaande Raider-modelle) wat by die nuwe breër voorbufferontwerp pas. Hierdie nuutgevormde

buitekant maak die enkelkajuit- en dubbelkajuit-SRXweergawes 55mm breër (tot 1 855mm). Die verlengdekajuitmodelle, wat die Xtra-cab genoem word, pronk reeds met ’n ‘wye romp’, wat beteken dat al drie rompvorms nou dieselfde breedte-afmetings aan die buitekant het. Die deurspieëls het nou ook ingeboude flikkerligte en behou die dofswart-afwerking en elektriese verstelling.

Fortuner blink ’n bietjie meer

llooisierwiele is sonder twyfel een van die belangrikste toevoegings tot ’n voertuig se voorkoms. Op hierdie gebied is al die 2,8 GD-6 en 4,0 V6 Fortuner-modelle nou met treffende 18-duim allooisierwiele toegerus. Die nuwe vellings, wat die gewese 17-duim weergawe vervang, het 265/60/R18-bande en maak gebruik van kenmerkende terugvloeiende speke met masjienafwerking wat die dubbel-dimensionele ontwerp beklemtoon.

26 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

Die intreevlak-2,7 VVTi en die 2,4 GD-6 behou hul stylvolle 17-duim dubbelrib-sierwiele. Weelderige leer Die 2,7-liter VVTi en 2,4-liter GD-6 Fortunerweergawes is as bykomende bonus met leerbeslag toegerus, wat die bestaande tekstielafwerking vervang. Hierdie weelde-toevoeging kos kopers niks bykomend nie, wat die reeds hoë waarde-virgeld-aanbod net verder vergroot. Nog iets wat genoem kan word, is dat die Fortuner die enigste sportnuts in sy klas is wat só ’n aantreklike intreevlak-prys met sulke omvattende toerusting bied.

In ’n oogopslag: SRX-enkelkajuit

Bestaande

Nuwe

Verandering

Breedte (mm)

1 800

1 855

+55

Lengte (mm)

5 335

Hoogte (mm)

1 795

Wielspoor voor

1 495

1 535

+40

Wielspoor agter

1 510

1 550

+40

SRX-dubbelkajuit

Bestaande

Nuwe

Verandering

Breedte (mm)

1 800

1 855

+55

Lengte (mm)

5 335

Hoogte (mm)

1 815

Wielspoor voor

1 495

1 535

+40

Wielspoor agter

1 510

1 550

+40

Gebalanseerde leefstyl Die jongste rondte opgraderings vir die Hilux SRX posisioneer dié nuwe Hilux om ’n unieke ruimte in die LHV-mark te vul.

Groter allooisierwiele Die buitekant is ook met breër 17-duim allooisierwiele (voorheen was dit staalwiele) wat met 265/65/R17-veelterreinrubber geskoei is, toegerus. Die nuwe wiele is dieselfde as dié van die Raiderreeks, wat die SRX van ’n gesonde houding voorsien. Groter afmetings Soos talle fiksheidsentoesiaste sal beaam, gaan dit alles oor groter afmetings... en in hierdie geval voldoen die ‘opgepompte’ SRX gewis aan die vereistes.

Hoewel die SRX sy eienskappe behou om enigiets oral te doen, inkorporeer die model nou verbeterde buitestilering wat gewis ook in die smaak van ontspanningskopers sal val. Die nuwe SRX-pakket vul die uiters vermoënde GD6-enjin van 2,4-liter wat 110kW en 400Nm bied (of die 2,7-liter petrol VVTi) aan vir ’n bakkie wat in die week hard sal werk en naweke ewe hard kanspeel – en deur die bank goed lyk ook. ’n Model vir alles en almal Die modelreeks bly dieselfde as nou en bied steeds ’n magdom verskillende samestellings, enjins en rompvorms, wat verseker daar is altyd ’n Hilux vir alles en almal

New features for Tata workhorse Tata has recently upgraded its single-cab bakkie – but has kept its selling price competitive

ata’s 207DI EX2 single-cab bakkie has been given a new lease on life with several visual and practical enhancements while retaining various attributes which have helped to make it a workhorse of choice for many who favour cost-effective methods of transport. The exterior sees bold decals along the sides and bonnet, in addition to revised wheel covers. Moreover, a cab protector has been added to the specification. “Despite the additional features, we have managed to keep the selling price at a very competitive

R169 995 as part of our aim to offer value-for-money to buyers of Tata vehicles,” says Larry Da Costa, General Manager Sales and Operations at Accordian Investments, a subsidiary of Imperial, which markets and distributes Tata passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in South Africa. The bakkie is powered by a turbocharged, 3,0-litre diesel engine which produces 52kW and 225Nm. Drive is through the rear wheels via five-speed manual transmission. Included in the selling price is a three-year/100 000km factory warranty, plus road side assistance.

Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

TELEMATICS >>

Recovering assets, saving lives The value of equipping vehicles with Ctrack’s tracking solution cannot be measured in only money – it can also mean saving lives Following the wheel loader’s GPS position, they located it approximately 10km from the construction site. The criminals were asleep inside the cab of the truck next to the road, with the wheel loader concealed underneath a tarp thrown over the trailer. Thanks to Ctrack’s advanced telematics technology, the asset was recovered within four hours. Had it gone missing, it would have had significant financial implications – not only regarding its value, but also the countless hours of labour and machine time lost. In addition, HWB would have had to deal with insurance costs of over R130 000.

real-time GPS vehicle tracking solution can prove invaluable when protecting company assets. Not only does it provide up-to-the-minute data on the whereabouts of assets, but also sends out alerts in real-time when it detects unauthorised movement. Leading German construction company Heinrich Walter Bau (HWB) recently experienced the value of having vehicle tracking in its vehicles, when a wheel loader worth about R1,3-million was recovered by Ctrack, a wholly owned subsidiary of Inseego Corp. HWB has been using the Ctrack vehicle tracking solution for over 10 years, giving the company full visibility across its 100-strong fleet of construction vehicles and equipment. According to Michael Dülger, head of the mechanical engineering department at HWB, two criminals broke into a temporary site office located on an HWB construction site in Bergerhausen, a suburb of Essen in North Rhine-Westphalia. After obtaining the keys of the wheel loader in the office, they loaded the asset onto the back of a truck trailer and drove off. Dülger received an alert from Ctrack on his smartphone that one of his vehicles was moving without the ignition having been switched on. At the time, he dismissed the warning as a false alarm; however, looking at the latest Ctrack movement report the next morning prompted him to immediately contact the Essen police.

28 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

The value of equipping the Ctrack solution cannot only be measured in money, says Dülger. “It also meant the difference between life and death for two of our employees.” Recently, one of Dülger’s truck drivers pulled over at a rest stop after informing the office that he was feeling ill. After two hours, Dülger noticed the vehicle was still parked in the same spot. He called the employee, who was paralysed and barely able to speak. Dülger immediately phoned emergency services and informed them of the vehicle’s GPS location. By having clear directions to the employee’s location, they were able to arrive at the scene early enough to save his life. In another incident, an employee operating a dump truck accidentally drove into a power line on a construction site, causing a tip-over. Though he suffered a severe electric shock, he was able to phone Dülger and notify him of the incident. Thanks to Ctrack, Dülger immediately knew where the employee was located and could offer assistance. “It is a sense of delight to know that using Ctrack to monitor your fleet doesn’t only safeguard company resources, but can also protect the most valuable of assets, namely a human’s life,” said Maria Johanning, Managing Director of Ctrack Germany.

>> TRUCK REPAIR

www.interbilt.com

Jaco van Zyl, founder of Interbilt Truck Repairs

Quality through excellence

QUALITY THROUGH EXCELLENCE

ince inception in 1999, Interbilt Truck Repairs has maintained its status as a leader in the commercial vehicle repair sector, offering services ranging from vehicle preservation, configuration, reconstruction and sales. After identifying a gap in the market, managing director and founder Jaco van Zyl established the company with the aim of delivering persistent service excellence. “Our vision is to pursue constant growth and push the envelope,” he says. “We are making good progress with regard to de-commoditising the industry and growing our market share. Our team is diverse but dedicated to achieving a common goal. “We all share the same vision; we spend a considerable amount of time speaking and listening to current and prospective customers. This helps us to better understand and fully appreciate the true value of their needs and expectations, and enables us to deliver innovative and customised solutions to every unique need. Our aim is to exceed customer satisfaction.” Specialising in commercial vehicle recovery, towing, repairs and customisation, Interbilt Truck Repairs has based its operations in Bapsfontein, east of Johannesburg, making use of two state-of-the-art facilities, with approximately 2 000m2 of under-roof space at its disposal. Additionally, the company uses an adjoining 15-hectare storage facility, capable of accommodating over 500 trucks and trailers. “Our main facility specialises in the repair of heavy commercial vehicles and buses, whereas our second facility specialises in trailer repairs and the servicing of trucks. We realise that no two jobs will ever be the

same, and our facilities are capable of handling most jobs or demands with ease,” says Van Zyl. As an approved auto body repair centre for the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Scania, Interbilt makes use of specialised equipment in the repair of a vehicle, such as chassis-straightening jigs, cab and aluminium cab jigs, four-post hoists, air-sealed spray booths with down drafts and ovens, and 125-ton press brakes to name but a few. Van Zyl adds that the company relies heavily on its professionally-trained staff and its equipment to ensure that work is completed with utmost precision, therefore eliminating returns and ensuring factory standard quality. Assisting in curbing downtime faced by a transporter, Interbilt prides itself in exceeding customer satisfaction, and differentiating itself from other service providers in the sector. Additionally, Interbilt is able to supply customers with second-hand, refurbished vehicles, trailers and components, including engines, transmissions and cabs. “We realise the implications for our customers of vehicle downtime,” says Van Zyl. “Through the use of technology, equipment and operational processes, we are able to deliver industry leading turnaround times.” He says Interbuilt’s solutions enable the company to cover the entire value chain. “Also, through our strategic alliance and partnerships, we can provide customers with the solutions that they require no matter the complexity of their needs, and thus the relevance of our company mantra – quality through excellence.” Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

FINANCE >>

Advantages of fleet outsourcing While outsourcing is potentially a more efficient option to manage a fleet, in order to see the advantages, companies need to compare that cost with the full cost of ownership of a vehicle, says Standard Bank’s Dr David Molapo,

magine a service or a solution aimed at assisting any company with a fleet of vehicles to lower operating costs, ensure predictable expenses and provide better management. You would expect business owners who may not possess fleet management expertise to sign up. Yet such a solution does exist, says Dr David Molapo, Head of Standard Bank Fleet Management. It is called fleet outsourcing. However, South African businesses have been slow in adopting the model that has become dominant in large parts of the rest of the world. Currently, many in the State sector in South Africa – government departments and municipalities – are aware of the advantages of fleet outsourcing, whereas some in the private sector seem to be lagging behind. Why is this? Molapo believes the reasons are complex, but one of the main aspects is the pervasive misconception that outsourcing fleet management is more expensive than doing it yourself. A key reason is that pricing seems more expensive for any number of services: procurement, maintenance, finance, fuel management, tolls and traffic fine management, vehicle inspections, insurance, accident management, vehicle tracking and monitoring, vehicle usage optimisation, driver optimisation and even route optimisation. Each of these services has to be done for any vehicle deployed for business purposes, and companies routinely pay for them, if not in direct costs then indirectly through salaries of staff employed to spend their time on these functions. Were a fleet manager or CEO to tally all the separate costs of a vehicle managed in-house, the true picture emerges. Each of these services, when outsourced to a reputable fleet management specialist, is likely to be done better, more efficiently, with greater bulk-buying power and with deeper specialist industry knowledge than companies without fleet specialist skills.

30 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

According to Molapo, the point is that fleet outsourcing is potentially a more efficient option to manage a fleet. However, in order to see the advantages clearly, a company has to compare the outsourcing cost with the full cost of ownership of a vehicle. Often only companies with quite sophisticated financial and operational systems are able to analyse and produce such figures. Smaller companies – where the role of fleet manager is often allocated as a side-line function to a general staff or office manager – very seldom have the inclination to make a proper comparison. But, apart from the fact that the total cost of ownership of running a vehicle is not immediately apparent, there are other related mind-set hurdles that prevent fleet managers from adopting outsourcing. One is an over-optimism that pushes away thoughts of breakdowns, accidents and even predictable wear-and-tear on a vehicle. Another is the culture of ownership. While fleet outsourcing can take many forms, one of its basic principles is that ownership resides not with the company using the vehicle, but with the outsourcing partner. Perhaps another reason for the slow uptake of fleetmanagement outsourcing is the fact that it is not a clear one-size-fits-all package. Rather, fleet outsourcing is extremely flexible and choices and permutations can be bewildering, says Molapo. Fortunately, the flexibility also allows fleet-owning companies to outsource incrementally, and to increase the outsourced functions as the company and the fleet grows. Molapo believes outsourcing does not mean a company gives up control of its fleet, or that the fleet disappears altogether from the focus of the company management. On the contrary, if a fleet is outsourced to a specialist company worth its salt, a huge amount of information can be unravelled about the fleet’s operations which gives the company even greater control over its fleet. The focus of the fleet manager inside the company can shift from the distractions of the day-to-day management of vehicles to the management of the contract with the outsourced partner, and to strategic thinking about how to build and maintain an ever more efficient fleet.

>> APPOINTMENTS

All change at MBSA Arno van der Merwe, CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, leaves for China in April where he will head up one of Daimler’s most important production facilities. Ryan de Smidt reports

erman automotive giant Daimler has announced the appointment of Andreas Engling as CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA). He replaces Arno van der Merwe, 44, who, in April, will take up the reigns as president and CEO of Daimler’s Beijing Benz Automotive Company (BBAC) in China. Van der Merwe will succeed Peter Schabert, 62, who is retiring after 31 years with Daimler – the past two of which have been spent at BBAC. In a statement, Hubertus Troska, a member of the Board of Management at Daimler, said Schabert had successfully increased the capacity, productivity and flexibility of the company’s plant in Beijing, and had overseen the production of Mercedes-Benz’s one-millionth vehicle in China. “We are deeply grateful for his commitment in Germany and in China and we are now looking forward to the collaboration with Mr van der Merwe,” his statement read. The South African will take with him to the East many years of experience in automotive production. “He brings valuable inspiration for the joint venture in China, thanks to his experience as CEO and Executive Director Manufacturing in South Africa. Colleagues in Beijing will benefit from his expertise and know-how, in particular at a stage when we are further increasing our capacities and flexibility,” said Markus Schäfer, a Member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars. Van der Merwe, who joined MBSA in 1996, has been CEO and Executive Director of Manufacturing since March, 2014. Prior to that, he held the position of plant leader at the company’s East London assembly facility. During his tenure, the factory saw benchmark productivity increases and received six consecutive JD Power awards in the US market for quality excellence. Among a number of ground-breaking projects

Arno van der Merwe

Andreas Engling

Peter Schabert

launched under Van Der Merwe’s management was the production of Mercedes-Benz C-Class plug-in hybrid models. “It is an honour to have been entrusted with such an important role. The leadership team at BBAC has created an excellent foundation for growth and I am excited to be part of this ongoing journey of collaboration and teamwork,” he said when his appointment was announced. Engling has been with the Daimler organisation for more than 30 years. He is currently Head of Engine Production for Daimler’s Untertürkheim plant in Germany and was previously the CEO of MDC Power, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG. “I am excited about this new opportunity to lead the East London plant further on its path of quality and productivity excellence. I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders of the larger Mercedes-Benz South Africa group of companies and building on the rich heritage of the company, which has been operating in the country for more than 65 years,” he said. BBAC is Daimler’s largest joint venture between the parent company and its Chinese partner, BAIC Motor, and has produced Mercedes-Benz vehicles since 2005 and engines since 2013. In terms of area, the factory is the largest Mercedes-Benz plant for passenger cars in the world. Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

APPOINTMENTS >>

People moving up... Recent appointments made within South Africa’s automotive sector... Fiat South Africa Fiat Chrysler Group Automobiles South Africa has announced that Richard Sloman has once again resumed his position of media manager for the group, effective from December 1.

Sebokeng Fuels Sebokeng Fuels has welcomed Fazila Steyn to its marketing team where she will focus on promoting the company through brand awareness campaigns.

New dealerships for MAN

Michelin Tyre Company South Africa Michelin Tyre Company South Africa has announced that it has appointed Franck Sire as marketing director for its earthmover and industrial tyre divisions.

Continental Tyre South Africa Continental Tyre South Africa has appointed racing driver Clare Vale as a brand ambassador for its Vision Zero global awareness campaign.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa Mercedes-Benz South Africa has appointed Nadia Trimmel as vicepresident of its Vans Division, effective from January 1. She replaces Nicolette Lambrechts, who has been transferred to Canada.

Continental Tyre South Africa Continental Tyre South Africa has announced Vuyi Mpofu as an ambassador for its Vision Zero global awareness campaign.

Dairy Day opts for Isuzu

caravan of MAN trucks, in collaboration with importer Sefamar, recently trekked across Morocco to mark the official openings of new dealerships located in Agadir, Nador and Tangier. The convoy, consisting of two long-haul transport road trains, a refuse collection vehicle, and two tippers, completed a trip of about 1 700km over 10 days. “The road show was a great experience. It gave us the chance to get closer to our existing customers and to catch the eye of potential new ones,” commented Samira El Mansouri, managing director of Sefamar. “The tour was also a good opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the MAN and Sefamar teams.” MAN Truck sales in Morocco have risen sharply in the past two years, marking Sefamar as the country’s sales leader in the heavy commercial vehicle segment.

ollowing negotiations with Isuzu which started in February, KwaZulu-Natal based dairy producer Dairy Day recently took delivery of a fleet of 50 refrigerated trucks. The deal involved the trade-in of 45 of the company’s old vehicles, with WesBank supplying the finance. The new fleet’s refrigerated cargo bodies have been designed to last two economic cycles of four years each, with the original body being transferred to a new Isuzu truck chassis after the initial period. Dairy Day’s CEO, Paul Marshall, said the investment was aimed at reducing as well as ring-fencing distribution costs. Speaking at the handover of the vehicles at the Karkloof Country Club near Howick, he pointed out that, as a service-orientated business, Dairy Day made every effort to maintain the highest standards of reliability. “This is why we chose to invest in this new Isuzu truck fleet,” he said. Three body builders were contracted to supply the cargo bodies which feature Thermo King cooling units and split rear doors fitted with plastic curtaining to help to preserve the cold chain. On-board telematics track the temperature inside the cargo body. Dairy Day operates one of the country’s most sophisticated dairy plants, processing up to 600 000 litres of fresh milk each day.

32 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

CONSUMER CORNER >>

Meeting demand During the festive season a retail outlet’s top priority is to make sure that its supply chain, sales and delivery platforms are effectively managed to deal with an increased volume of customers. Ryan de Smidt reports

T Hennie Heymans

he end of year festive season is upon us and, for many businesses in the retail sector this means the start of a peak activity period. In order to realise revenue targets, as well as offering a shopping experience that attracts a loyal following, it is imperative that retailers – both traditional and online – are properly geared for the surge in sales that is synonymous with the “silly season.”

That’s the view of Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, who points to findings of a 2016 study by research house McKinsey & Company, which indicated that shoppers in all parts of Africa were developing and demanding more creative, engaging and integrated experiences from brands. John Lucas

“Multi-channel access points and reliable digital platforms are increasing in importance as consumers continue to look for products that offer value for money. Companies must give consumers solid reasons to choose their products or stores over alternatives,” he says. According to Heymans, during the festive season a company’s top priority is to make sure that its platforms are effectively managed and prepared to deal with the increase in customers. He says supply chain management strategies are critical. “Retailers need to ensure their supply chain is agile enough to handle the volume spike. To maximise profitability, retailers need quick, smart and costeffective methods to fulfill orders timeously and accurately across multiple sales channels. “Additionally, effective reverse logistics processes are also essential for managing returns to ensure a smooth, hassle-free customer experience. Also, it’s

important for businesses to understand shipping costs and processes to mitigate any potential shortfalls. “Repeat deliveries stemming from incorrect products being freighted or address changes can result in additional charges. Customers should also be reminded of potential duties, taxes and additional costs when importing from a site overseas. Ultimately, it’s all about managing expectations and satisfying the customers’ needs.” Heymans adds that when problems do arise, it is important for businesses to be ready to resolve them effectively. “Customers with queries or complaints should be able to access various escalation channels easily. Access to senior managers should be clearly defined so that customers do not have the added frustration of trying to track down someone who can’t assist them. “At DHL Express, we introduced a best-in-class feature on our website which allows customers access to the whole senior management team via our Straight To The Top (STTT) initiative. All STTT queries are logged and reported at a country and regional level; these are effective in helping highlight broader issues and we use root-cause analysis to identify solutions,” Heymans says. He adds: “Customer experience is what makes or breaks a business. We’ve been in Africa for over 38 years and in that time we’ve developed a saying – ‘take it personally.’ We’ve found that one of the best ways to delight a customer is if you take the time to personally understand what he or she needs – and then do everything in your power to deliver it.” John Lucas, Managing Director for DHL Express South Africa adds: “AT DHL, we believe that it is crucial to keep the customer at the heart of everything we do. Delivering consistent service quality to our customers at every interaction is critical to building solid customer loyalty – even more so during this busy period when people are sending gifts to their loved ones all over the world.” Dec/Jan 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

TAILPIECE >>

Inside the fuel industry As we head into 2017, Sebokeng Fuels’ Lauren Pelliccia offers her thoughts on challenges facing South Africa’s fuel industry 10ppm diesel and, of course, when it comes to pricing, ever increasing competition in an already cut-throat market. The only thing worth mentioning in respect of the last mentioned is that, as with all things in life, at some point lower prices come with sacrifices and, in the case of this market, it usually involves quality. While this is an entire topic on its own, for now the negative effect of a sliding economy is being felt by business and private consumers alike and demand for cheaper products is driving prices downwards. However, I shudder to think of the possible effect that this demand for impossibly low priced products is having on our market’s integrity. Another matter worth mentioning is one which poses a direct risk to our industry and which is likely to gain more attention and traction throughout 2017 – the matter of South African refineries and the production of low-sulphur diesel.

was once told that if I ever made a decision to get involved in the fuel industry, I would have to accept that I would never leave it. At first this statement didn’t make much sense to me but, as I sit here today, I understand it implicitly. For a variety of reasons, the fuel industry packs a punch every minute of every day, day after day, year after year – as 2016 well proved and which 2017 will no doubt reinforce. First, month to month changes in the fuel price have become a part of life in South Africa – and consumers should be warned that, courtesy of the political environments both here and abroad, I believe we’re in for a roller coaster ride in 2017. In South Africa, issues of contention involve the decommissioning of the Durban-Johannesburg pipeline – it was scheduled to close at the end of October but, as I write this in November, oil is still flowing inland from the coast; the supply of illuminating paraffin across the country; the migration of consumers from 500ppm diesel to 50ppm and

34 Future Trucking & Logistics / Dec/Jan 2017

Currently, Sasol is only refinery in the country to produce the product. All other oil majors import what they sell to consumers. With demand showing a major shift from 500ppm diesel to lowsulphur counterparts, the fact that South Africa currently does not have the ability to produce the product in large quantities is problematic. Refineries require upgrading – but that costs money, plenty of money. Without the necessary investment in local infrastructure, our dependence on imported diesel will grow. Over the next few years we could see the demise of the local fuel market along the lines of what happened in the country’s textile and steel industries. That, in turn, will bring about potential security of supply issues and, of course, fuel unemployment. From that perspective, a solution is a priority. So expect 2017 to again be a year of interest, excitement, change and challenge! Coming back to my involvement in this crazy industry; let me say this in my defence – I was born into the business rather than making a conscious decision to join its ranks. So, what can I say except here’s to another year of adventure – and probably a lifetime too!

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