Transport World Africa - Volume 9, Issue 5, November 2011

The phenomenal growth of Asia over the last few years can be attributed to a number of factors, one of which is intraregional trade. If we are to learn anything from the Asians, we should follow suit. Fortunately, SADC has recognised this as an opportunity and are turning the idea into reality. But, we have a few hurdles to overcome, those being tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Just as an engine needs oil, Africa's economies need international trade, especially intraregional trade. The promise of a brighter future is there, but there are a few problems standing in the way.

Digit - vehicle tracking for fleet management

Organised crime syndicates target their victims very carefully, plan well and execute their plans with precision. Truckers are often the victims. But, are we winning the fight against organised crime?

As with COSATU, the RFA has careflly considered the E-Tolls implementation plan and found it to be problematic.

Rebuilding a region ravaged by decades of conflict takes time. As the wounds heal, new infrastructure opens up endless opportunities. This is a success story in the making.

Transporting money is a high-risk occupation, and staying one jump ahead of hardened criminals is a constant challenge. But the 'MPV' has arrived.

This superbly engineered project places Transnet Freight Rail at the forefront of technology deployment in a strategic and operationally critical installation.

Doing it better and faster, and being consistently more reliable than your competitors, is the means to building a sustainable business and securing the future.

A product continuously improved delivers a value way beyond human capability.

The Port of Durban, having lost a little wind, is getting back on course. The upgraded container terminal, newly-acquired modern materials handling equipment and a few more hands on deck should make all the difference.

Project opportunities

Five basic SCM planning approaches are studied, with the desired benefits of an increase in customer service levels, a reduction in inventory levels, better use of available resources, reliable order quotations and the reduction of planning efforts.

As a vehicle travels down a road, there are a number of factors that contribute to the amount of fuel it will use in getting from point A to point B. The main parameters are vehicle weight, aerodynamic drag, mechanical losses and tyre rolling resistance.

In any discussion on the current state of the art in vehicle technology, there is little differentiation between its relevance to cars, trucks and buses, although the taking up of new technology can vary quite substantially between the three vehicle categories. This is driven mainly by economic imperatives, and when a measurable benefit from change can be reflected in reduced operational costs, the commercial side of the business is sure to be quicker off the mark.

Some just talk while others get on and do. This is the story of one that does.

With the effects of global warming ever more present, energy saving and emission reductions are hot topics. Increasingly, truckers are being drawn into the science of fuel and lubricants. But, there's another justification - profit.

With petrol prices rising and October having been Transport Month, now is the time to start conserving fuel. From the commercial trucker trying to transport his load across the country to the everyday motorist trying to get to work in the 21st century, we rely on oil (petrol) for every aspect of transportation.

Creativity and innovation are key attributes that infuse the value-add culture at Top Trailers, a proudly South African company that exhibited its newly designed side tipper at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October this year.

Chinese truck maker, First Auto Works (FAW), previewed its new J6 trucktractor at the Johannesburg Truck & Bus Show, which ran concurrently with the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show at the NASREC.