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Not for amateurs!
The Driver is for drivers by drivers. Doesn't matter what you drive, we want your views and news. And if we use it in this newsletter, we will send you a "thank you" from our lucky-dip bag of branded gifts. If you missed an edition and are lucky enough to be one of the few with internet access in SA, check our web-site: www.thedriver.co.za.
Highlights inside: Page 2. Win with the 2015 N3TC photo competition. Page 4. Why Uber is not for you. Page 7. Cheap bakkie shoot-out.
Page 8. Train your brain. Email us on: letters@thedriver.co.za SMS us on 0730624674
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Nr 28, Jan/Feb 2015 Inspiring reading for professional drivers of all sizes throughout southern Africa
Call for aero kits ONE of SA’s leading truck door, the vehicle becomes body and trailer builders, over length.” Serco, wants the bylaws in He said there is as yet no South Africa to change to leniency yet on this issue allow fairings on trailers as locally, but hopes South well as tighter enforcement Africa will follow the on load fastening. examples overseas. Serco’s MD Clinton In the US, where trucks Holcroft said fairings have must by law become 5% proven very effective in the more efficient, several large United States and Europe groups are redesigning a to reduce carbon emissions “super truck” that will slice and diesel consumption on through air. long haul trucks that travel The largest of these long distances at the upper ventures are by BMI end of the speed limit. Corporation, an engineering If applied to the thousands firm that joined the Oak of trailers pulled along the Ridge National Laboratory, N3 and N1, hauliers will and NASA. save thousands of litres of Their innovations include diesel daily. a sled under the rig that But the maximum lengths ensure better air flow of the trailers currently around the axles and huge prevents this. skirts on the rear. “These vehicles are BMI founder and CEO typically the 30 pallet Mike Henderson said their trailers which are already at simulations show their maximum length. aerodynamic “Super Truck” “Therefore, if one were to will provide a lower drag fit the fairings on the back coefficient than most car to
The BMI Corporation designed this undercarriage sled for trucks in the US, saying the better airflow can lead to 12% less diesel used.
diesel savings of up to Serco is in a good 50%. Their numbers make position to change the way good reading for any driver trucks look and operate and regulaor: throughout southern Afrca, it builds trucks and If the 1.3 million long astrailers clients in South haul trucks in the U.S. Africanfor and neighbour operate with the low countries. drag, fleet operators Looking forward, Holcroft could annually save the trucking $19 billion in fuel costs believes industry will face continued and emit 75 million constrained trade, but his tons less carbon company is positioned to dioxide in the air. forge ahead. - DR.
Spiros does it right, Sagekal Logistics does it wrong
FULL marks to Spiros, the truck company whose driver killed 12 people in Johannesburg in September last year. A month after the tragedy, Spiros had donated R120,000 to the 12 families of the people who died in that crash. It said all the families, most residing in KwaZuluNatal, were transported to the scene of the accident for a short prayer before meeting Spiros representatives in Standerton. Spiros’ advocate Hennie Keyter said the company donated to the families because it was grieving with them. “We want to assure everyone that it is our responsibility as truck owners to ensure that our drivers are fit and have the right attitude to be on the road,” Keyter said in the statement. “This is the beginning. We are joining hands with government to deal with bad driver behaviour on our
regret over the deaths, and enjoys the support of many who realised he was not alone to blame for the crash. His employer is responsibility for underpaying, overworking and not training the very willing and by all accounts very decent young driver. This is like a McDonalds franchise owner appointing a manager off the street to run his million rand business on the grounds of Supporters console truck driver Sanele May in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court. May, wearing a hand-stitched blanket made by a a letter from his gogo saying her grandson can support group member. (Photo: Times Live) make good pap. roads. We will support all through a busy intersection at the botton of Fields Hill. What is the solution? initiatives aimed at He is a Swaziland citizen Simple. Start training all promoting road safety.” Now compare Spiros to who used fake papers and professional drivers like we train pilots, with simulators Sagekal Logistics, where claimed he could drive, although and did know the and regular tests. the owner Gregory Then enforce the working difference between an Govender is using every hours with electronic legal avenue he can afford exhaust brake and an engine logbooks to ensure fresh to duck and dive his part in brake. drivers. The case of culpable appointing young Sanele homicides against him has This will help end the May. May caused the deaths of been dragging on for almost carnage of on average 46 24 people when the Volvo a year and a half now. May road deaths every day in has been suffering a lot of South Africa. - DR. he was driving went
J FLAG and Banner company in Woodstock banners.Candidate must aged between 25 be a RSA citzen. Pay is R18.00/hr for the O *seeks to employ a driver who will also assist and 40 and able to do light construction first 3 months. Contact B with the installation of flag poles, flags and work. Must have a RSA drivers license and roger@flagfactory.co.za. S
Page 2, Jan/Feb 2015
Your past is not your potential. Any hour you can chose to liberate your future. - Marilyn Ferguson
RULES:
1 . The N3 Toll Route is a section of 41 5km of the N3, from Cedara near Hilton (KwaZulu-Natal) to Heidelberg (Gauteng). 2. The primary aims of the competition are to promote the vicinity of the Route and to encourage photography as a hobby, especially among local communities and scholars. 3. Photographs must be taken in the near vicinity of the N3 Toll Route and should preferably be supplied in digital format with a minimum resolution of 300dpi. 4. If original photographs are entered, they must be unframed (maximum size: 30cm x 27cm and minimum size: 20cm x 1 5cm). 5. CDs and original photographs submitted as competition entries will not be returned. 6. Photographs may be in colour, sepia or black and white.
....continue on page 3
RULES (continued from p2)
7. No photoshopping or other digital enhancements. 8. All entries must be accompanied by the official competition entry form, one entry form per photograph, which can be downloaded from the N3TC website www.n3tc.co.za. 9. Images can be posted to: Victoria Greeff, N3TC 201 5 Photographic Competition, PO Box 671 66, Highveld Park, 01 69, or e-mailed to victoriag@n3tc.co.za, subject: N3TC Photographic Competition. 1 0. The competition closes on 31 July 201 5 and entries received after this date will not be accepted. 11 . Photographers can enter a maximum of two photographs per category: a. Culture; b. Sport and Recreation; c. Wildlife, Fauna and Flora; d. Landscape; e. Altered Images; and f. Scholar 1 2. The following prizes will be presented: a. Overall Winner : R5 000,00; b. Category Winner : R2 000,00; c. Category Runner-Up : R1 500,00; d. Scholar Winner : R1 000,00; e. Scholar Runner-Up : R500,00; J O B S
Schulz reaches the top of UD trucks
f. Scholar winner's school : R5 000,00; and g. Merit awards - maximum of two per category awarded : R500,00 1 3. To qualify for the Scholar prizes, the entrant must attend school and provide the necessary information as indicated in the entry form. The photograph must have been taken by the scholar personally. 1 4. The competition will be judged by a panel of independent judges. 1 5. Winners will be notified in writing and their prize money will be transferred into their bank accounts via EFT. 1 6. Winners and runners-up may be requested to be photographed for publicity purposes.
* Line haulers with code 10 and 14 wanted, 2-4 yrs experience. R12-R18k/m, incl overtime. Fax CV, 2+ traceable references and a certified copy of your drivers license to 086 560 5518. Please quote REF TDLH-4482.
1 7. Winners and runners-up will be requested to sign a release allowing N3TC to use the photographs for PR purposes. 1 8. The competition is open to N3 Toll Concession (Pty) Ltd employees; employees of its appointed advertising agency; and members of their immediate families. However, no prize money will be awarded if the entry is selected as a category winner or runner-up. 1 9. COPYRIGHT: N3TC undertakes not to make use of the photographs for further marketing or advertising purposes without consultation with the photographer in question.
Apply before 6 March. * Road construction co want Code 10 tipper & bowser drivers. 5 years exp. C.V to neshagovender@gmail.com, or call b/h 082 452 7624 or report personally with all
relevant documents to Unit 6, 65 Dipdale Road, Queensburgh. * We are looking for 20 qualified Reach Truck drivers to start working ASAP in Verulam or Queen Nandi Area.
THE Volvo Group Southern Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Rory Schulz as the managing director of UD Trucks Southern Africa. This permanent appointment became effective on 1 January 2015. Schulz has been with UD Trucks since 1991, and therefore has an indepth knowledge of the company and the intricacies of the local trucking market. Over the years he has been involved in numerous aspects of the business, including product planning, engineering and operations. Schulz has been acting MD since the the resignation of the company’s managing director, Jacques Carelse. in August last year. - DR. No longer acting: Rory Schulz is the now the boss at UD trucks. Candidates must have RT License, National Senior Certificate , be able to speak English and must be willing to work Shifts . Rate to be discussed For more info 0329472758/9.
I destest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black or white man. - Nelson Mandela
Page 3, Jan/Feb 2015
Why Uber won't work for professional drivers UBER has changed the way business use the location software on smartphones to make money, With six in ten South African not conncted to the web with smart phone, the service is not big here, but here, as in London, Milan, Rio, New York and South Korea, taxi drivers are against the Uber app, saying the unregistered drivers created unfair competition for legal drivers. Uber arrived in South Africa at a time when every man jack with a semiroadworthy car have started touting for passengers in official taxi ranks and for people desperate to earn extra money the app looked J O B S
like it could provide that moonlight income. But drivers be warned, this is not the case. At the rates Uber pay, drivers will in effect subsidise each trip with the money they will spend later on fixing wear and tear issues. Wherever Uber has appointed drivers, this reality is starting to bite as soon as drivers try to make ferrying passengers their main income.
1 8 APPS COMPETING WITH UBER
(rated by downloads): Easy Taxi, Lyft, 99c Taxis, Grabtaxi, Tappsi, Curb, Mytaxi, Yandex taxi, Zlap taxi, Easy taxi, Offer Ride, Taxi Driver, My Teksi, Meru Cabs, Taxi for Sure and Sidecar Ride.
* Code 10 tipper driver with 2 years experience needed in Reservoir Hills, KZN. E-mail cv to secureinvestments@live.com * Code 10 driver urgently required in
Page 4, Jan/Feb 2015
Government are meanwhile also focusing on the app as taxi drivers in London, Milan, Rio, New York and South Korea have also protested the Uber app, saying the unregistered drivers created unfair competition for legal drivers and do not pay permiets or taxes. While Uber’s prices cannot offer a viable career path for professional drivers, the way we see it at The Driver, taxi companies
Durban's Western Suburbs, must be experienced in the handling of older truck. Female owned call 0797638525 or 0785255525.
will do well to follow the example of the Korea government. Korea first banned Uber and then rolled out its own software to make it easry to hail a taxi. The next generation of commuters will want to hail a taxi, preferrably a driver-less google car, using their smartphones, there is no getting around that. At the time of writing, close to 30,000 users were recommending Uber on the android store and there were 17 taxi apps competing with Uber. There are traditionally only 18 nails in coffin, and the next taxihailing app could well be the last nail in the metered taxi industry’s coffin.
* Code 14 Driver wanted for a 3-month contract, based in Newlands, Durban. R13k/m. 3+ yrs exp and valid PDP Call Cathryn on 011 8491345.
It is always brave to say what everyone thinks. - George Duhamel
Wheeled shacks all the rage in N. America THE people in North American people seem to love two things, prepping for doomsday and designing tiny houses. Canadian Laird Herbert is a leading designer of these wheeled shacks. He calls his the Leaf House and has recently released Version 3. He said he built this one to keep the occupatns cosy in temperatures below -50 °C. Tiny homes like this looks like a good investment for young people who will still move many times for a job.
A mirrored-wall makes the inside of above little minihouse look a lot bigger. Considering what South Africans pay to rent rooms, this North American craze seems a sensible solution for a starter home.
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We have just got very, very lucky, lets not waste it
ECONOMIST Magnus Heystek has the best idea to use the lower fuel price – up the fuel levy. Writing for Moneyweb, he explains that nobody foresaw the global oil price plunging from $120 a barrel in June to below $50 a barrel in January. This means we pay R2 less per litre and obviously truckers save consumers a lot – but now Heystek advises government to use at least half of this saving to pay for all its mistakes, like e-toll. “Fuel prices have dropped by almost 18%, more than R2, over the past three months and further declines can be expected if oil continues to fall and the rand keeps an even keel. I’m no politician but if I were I would seriously consider increasing the fuel levy [February’s] budget by R1 per litre. South Africa uses about 25 billion litres of petrol and fuel per annum, which would therefore mean an immediate injection of R25 billion per annum into government coffers in a manner that is cost efficient and almost invisible. Politically there would be much less of an outcry from consumers as they
J Durban shop needs Code 8 driver. +2yrs Solutions wants only SA's best drivers O *exp. R9k/m. Fax CV to 086 641 9921, over 23 years with +2 yrs superlink B reference HFR616. * Barloworld Transport experience, Driver Hotline 083 333 333 9. S
A man with a plan: Magnus Heystek
SA uses about 25 billion litres of fuel per year. Adding R1 to the fuel levy from the lower oil price will give government an immediate injection of R25 billion per year.
it wouldn’t translate into higher fuel costs, as long as the current trend in oil prices continues, which it seems to be doing. At the same time, were I in government, I would also scrap the etoll system in one go and fund the building of new roads out of the additional income derived from the increased fuel levy. In one go government will solve its pressing and immediate revenue problems and also get rid of the opposition against the e-tolls in Gauteng, a province it could lose in next year’s municipal election. There is only one proviso however: it must not use this economic windfall to step back from its stated objective of reining in state expenditure. Sometimes in life you don’t always have to be good, just a little lucky. As Gary Player is famous for saying: Luck counts. As a country we have just got very, very lucky. Let’s not squander it. - Driver Reporter.
would not be paying more for fuel, only saving a little less than they would have, had the full benefits of the lower oil prices been passed on. *Magnus Heystek is an investment Government would only be strategist at Brenthurst Wealth. plucking the goose’s new feathers, Send ideas and suggestions to him on not the old ones. It also would not be inflationary as atmagnus@brenthurstwealth. co. za. Word hunt hints: For a chance to win, complete and sms any three words in either Afrikaans, English, Sesotho or Zulu to 073 062 4674 St***er, bumper, pa***ra, ib***pa Wiel, wh**l, le***I, iso***
You are clever enough to know, one day, that I am right and you are wrong. - Barack Obama
Page 5, Jan/Feb 2015
SA's top cheap 4x4 double cabs
First of, the best bakkie in the world is not a bakkie, but a van. Vans already have a canopy protecting the load, the big sliding doors make vans easier to unload and they are generally ligther on fuel. The only time you should buy a bakkie is when you need a 4x4 drivetrain.
How do the top sellers The only affordable 4x4 compare? vans you get in South Africa are second-hand 4x4 The Chinese and Indian HiAce vans, operating from double cab bakkies do not report their sales, no one bases in Lesotho or knows which is selling the Botswana. All the other 4x4 vans are best. expensive compated to the But a road count will show you Hilux is king, followed The JMC Vigus uses the previous Ford engine and is seriously impressive for the price. lists of 4x4 double-cab (in no particular order) by bakkies below. Isuzu, Mahindra and Ford. Bigger wheels 2. GWM Steed 5 2,4i Mpi When choosing a work Best selling cheapies Manje, the cheapest 4x4 The size of the wheels 4x4 for R240k. Hilux double cab costs as make all the difference in 3. Tata Xenon 2.2 TD L 4x4 There are 12 Chinese, bakkie, check the Korean or Indian brands of much as two 4x4 Tata getting an engine’s power to for R250k. Newton metres and the 4x4 double cabs in SA, sold Xenon's. Isuzu sells its the tar. Smaller means 4. Mahindra Scorpio 2.2 entry level 4x4 double cab, faster, but bigger means by Foton, GWM, JMC, revs at which you get mHawk DE 4x4 for R267k the Isuzu KB250 DTeq LE, more torgue and ride Mahindra, Tata and 5. Tata Xenon XT 4x4 for them; then the size of SsangYon. Before buying, for R384, about R100k comfort. Chinese and R278k (Prices valid at end more than the eaqually sit a while in the waiting Indian's ride on 16 inch of 2014) the tyres – bigger is capable Mahinda Scorpio. wheels, the best-selling area of the dealer. The client's comments will better for power (Nm) hilux ride on 17 inches The 5 dearest Chinese reveal to you whether the Longest warrantee wheels. 4x4's in SA are: but not workrate (kW), shop gives service or not. Foton and SsangYong offer 1. JMC Vigus 2,4 TD LX the longest warranties, with The 5 cheapest 4x4 If you can access the and then go listen to for R356k. Foton limiting it to only on doublecabs in SA are: 4x4 internet, check out Hallo 2. JMC Vigus 2,4 SLX 4x4 what owners say. Peter to see which brands the drivetrain, i.e. engine 1. Tata Xenon 3.0 TD 4x4 forR366k. have the least complaints. and gearbox. for R193k. Continue on page 7 Page 6, Jan/Feb 2015 The best inheritance you can leave your kids is an example how to live a full and meaningful life, - Dan Zadra
Competition 2/201 5
Not sexy, but strong. The old Mahindra Bolero is a proven worker and often the best prices single cab workhorse on sale.
''I have only an old Mahindra 4x2, but with a set of snow chains on the rear tyres I go up any muddy hill' - KZN cattle farmer. (Continued from page 6) 3. Foton Tunland 2,8 ISF Luxury 4x4 for R370k. 4. Vigus 2,4 TD SLX 4x4 for R380k.
5. Foton Tunland 2,8 ISF Comfort 4x4for R390k. SA’s 8 strongest bakkies 550 Nm: Nissan's Navara V6 dCi 470 Nm: Ford 3,2 TDCi Ranger 379 Nm: Foton Tunland 2,8 Cummins (as tested) 360 Nm: SsangYon Actyon Sports 2,0TD, Land Rover Defender 130 Crew Cab 343 Nm: Toyota Hilux 3,0 D-4D 340 Nm: VW Amarok bi-turbo 330 Nm: Tata Xenon 3,0 320 Nm: Tata Xenon 2.2 TD J O B S
290 Nm: Vigus 2,4 TD, Mahindra's 2.2 mHawk 241 Nm: Toyota Hilux 2,7 VVTi 200 Nm: Vigus 2,4 petrol, GWM Steed 2,4i MPi. Their workrates (kW) The average kW among the 4x4 on offer is 102 kW. kW show an engines's fitness for high speed on tar, and the Tunland 2,8 ISF Cummins and Hilux 3,0 D-4D both set the standard with 120kW. So which one to buy? The best bakkie is the one you can buy cash and which your neighbour can help fix in the backyard.
- Alwyn Viljoen
* Code 14 Driver wanted in Jhb area, Call Mike on 0731733217 / 0110746324. * Code 10 drivers for Jhb, Pta or Midrand. Call Fathima 011 0746324 or sms job to 073 173 3217. * Logistic/courier company needs drivers for shift work, door-to-door long and short
Expand your languages
THERE are two words iwritten n four languages in this word hunt. The same words appear in Zulu, Sesotho, English and Afrikaans. Hint: this month’s words focus on vehicles. For a change to win this model Iveco truck memory stick, SMS any three of the 8 words you’ve found to 073 062 4674 or email letters@thedriver.co.za. Like easy-peasy, lemon squeezy, yes. And for a BONUS chance to win the model MAN truck you see here at year end, send an entry from each month’s Word Hunts. (Answers appear elsewhere in this edition)
T&Cs
- Only one entry per cell number! - Each monhtly winner will be notified by SMS and the memory stick will be mailed by to a post office of the winner’s choice. - Winners will be asked to send a selfie for publication in The Driver.
distances, Weekly/monthly contracts. Call Jacobs during working hrs on 011 072 6656 or text your name and the area code were you are staying to 083 663 6035. * Courier needs Code 08 or 10 drivers, +2 years clean licence and criminal record. Weekend work. R7k to R9k p/m. Fax CV, copy of ID and license to 086 762 6497.
It always seems impossible until it is done - Nelson Mandela
Page 7, Jan/Feb 2015
Suga wena? No, Sugawara!
Father and son Team Sugawara likes race trucks best, be it on Mongolia or on the 9,000km Dakar. THE director and driver of Truck 1 ofTeam Sugawara, Yoshimasa Sugawara, is a 73-year-old biker who still compete in rallies in Japan. And not just little bike races either. One rally in saw him race 4000 kms over seven days on his KTM 250cc bike. This Dakar nkosi started in the Paris-Dakar Rally for the first time in 1983 when he was 41, riding a bike. He then raced in the Cars category for seven events, and has been racing HINO500 Series trucks since 1992. He has had six secondplace finishes in the Trucks category, and won seven championships in the Under 10-litre Class. He holds the Dakar Rally record for 32 consecutive
Page 8, Jan/Feb 2015
starts. His records for Most Consecutive Finishes in the Dakar Rally at 20 Finishes and Most Consecutive Entries in the Dakar Rally at 31 Entries were recognized in Guinness World Records 2014. He has had only three retirements to date. “I started competing in a truck back in 1992. For me the truck class is the most interesting due to all the modifications that have occurred and because the driving is more interesting. This year a young female journalist will help the Dakar madala change tyres. The 20-something Yoko Wakabayashi confessed herself very nervous about the many tyre changes that she would have to help with as a member of the crew,
but the galant old Sugawara told her not to worry. He will take care of it as he has done for the past three decades. South Africa’s “other Dakar winner” Albert Geel (28), told The Driver what she could expect. You get up before dawn, having slept maybe two hours. “An ice cold shower wakes you. Then it is 12 hours or more in a truck
that shakes so hard you cannot put an energy bar or water bottle to your mouth. “The dunes in the Atacama desert are truly gigantic and unless your navigator is on the ball, you get lost four hours. “It is really the toughest race in the world,” said Geel. He was co-mechanic in the Toyota crew who won the supporting trucks category in last year’s Dakar. - DR.
There is no such thing as can't. Only won't. - Jan Ashford
Top: Teruhito Sugawara gets airborne in his Hino during the 2014 Monoglia rally. Left: Yoshimasa Sugawara. Right: Albert Geel.