The pernicious effects of administered prices April 25, 2024 https://focusontransport.co.za/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-34766.mp3?cb=1714044897.mp3 Administered prices can have dire consequences when charged by dysfunctional state-owned entities, warns CHRIS HATTINGH. Administered prices refer to the prices of goods or services set by a government or centralised authority. These stand in contrast to those prices and businesses that operate using market forces, signals, and supply and demand to inform their interactions with each other and consumers.  While “normal” prices can, of ..read more

Digitising the last mile: transforming logistics through innovation April 25, 2024 https://focusontransport.co.za/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-34782.mp3?cb=1714044913.mp3 At a recent Transport Forum event dedicated to last-mile logistics, Renko Bergh, co-founder of CtrlFleet, brought to light the indispensable role of digitalisation in enhancing delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction in the last-mile segment. In the dynamic world of logistics, the digitisation of last-mile logistics stands as a beacon of transformation, reshaping the delivery landscape for long-haul transporters ..read more

A feather in the cap April 25, 2024 https://focusontransport.co.za/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-34797.mp3?cb=1714044876.mp3 We work our equipment hard in Africa; unbelievably hard, in the opinion of some international experts, as JIM WARD discovered… After five weeks travelling around Europe on a knowledge-seeking mission – visiting poultry operations, equipment manufacturers, farms, and processing plants in Holland, Spain, France, and Britain – it was clear to me that South Africa already had a highly efficient and competitive poultry industry. In 2015, South Africa’s feed conversion ..read more

Sustainable lubricants for the off-highway sector April 25, 2024 https://focusontransport.co.za/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-34813.mp3?cb=1714044904.mp3 Operating in the off-highway industry comes with its own unique challenges, characterised by demanding conditions. Sectors range from yellow equipment to civils, agriculture, plant hire, mining, sub-contractors, and even forestry. Lubricants for this sector must be able to withstand Africa’s high ambient temperatures and adhere to stringent original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Keeping the off-highway segment always on ..read more

Scania adds more solutions to electric truck range April 25, 2024 https://focusontransport.co.za/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-34866.mp3?cb=1714044887.mp3 Scania – which launched its first electric truck in South Africa back in August 2022, when it delivered a pilot vehicle to the Shoprite Group – is continuing to expand its global range of battery-electric vehicle (BEV) trucks by introducing more electric machines, axle configurations, and cab alternatives, plus a number of power take-off solutions. Today, Scania’s offer covers a broad range of applications and operations; customers ..read more

Earning Distinction in SA Inc’s Supply Chain April 25, 2024 https://focusontransport.co.za/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-34831.mp3?cb=1714044924.mp3 There are many South African traders who engage compliantly in legitimate international trade – to the great benefit of our economy. They should not be subjected to the same level of scrutiny and risk enforcement as illicit traders, says DEVLYN NAIDOO. This repeated scrutiny risks deterring further trade. This is due to the increasing costs, delays, and service unreliability to a trader’s supply chain associated with drawn on detentions. Wh ..read more

Sitrak makes inroads in SA April 25, 2024 https://focusontransport.co.za/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-34860.mp3?cb=1714044935.mp3 Arriving in South Africa at the start of 2023, the Sinotruk Sitrak has already been well received. We spoke to Bruce Dickson, managing director of Alpine Truck and Bus, a KZN-based Sinotruk dealer, to find out more. The initial focus was to run demo units in various fleets around the country. “Testing has shown just how good the fuel consumption and performance are,” says Dickson. “In every fleet where it has been tested, the Sitrak has beaten the fleet’s av ..read more

Can public transport drive social mobility? April 25, 2024 https://focusontransport.co.za/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-35090.mp3?cb=1714044967.mp3 “A good public transport system is necessary for social upward mobility and economic growth,” notes the simplified version of the Draft National Public Transport Subsidy Policy. Truer words could not have been spoken. But hasn’t public transport already been subsidised for decades? The short answer is yes. However, there hasn’t ever been a national subsidy structure for public transport, as pointed out by Darko Skribensik, CEO of transport s ..read more

The case for greener, more streamlined logistics services April 25, 2024 https://focusontransport.co.za/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-35139.mp3?cb=1714044947.mp3 As competitive qualities like an agile supply chain and greener, more automated ways of doing business take hold in the logistics niche, so companies continue to clamour to gain market share. Here, Charles Edelstein of Executive Placements briefly discusses the current direction of logistics trends. If your manager asked you what agility means within the logistics sector, would you be able to respond intelligently? Would you be ..read more

Volvo Buses launches global e-mobility platform March 27, 2024 Volvo Buses launched its BZR Electric – a global platform for city, intercity, and commuter operations – in Gothenburg last week. We were there! The new platform is “so much more than a new product”, according to Anna Westerberg, president of Volvo Buses. “It’s a global multi-purpose platform for several new products,” she explained. The Volvo BZR Electric comes as high-floor or low-entry, in two or three-axle configurations, and with a single or dual motor driveline. The number of batteries is flexible, and can be adjusted to ..read more