Showing posts with label truckers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label truckers. Show all posts

Wednesday, 24 April 2024

Daimler Truck committed to driver wellbeing

Daimler Truck committed to driver wellbeing

Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) is deeply committed to the wellbeing of truck drivers and has made significant strides in improving their lives through a partnership with Trucking Wellness. Together, they have established multiple access points for primary healthcare including fixed roadside wellness centres, mobile units, and the Fleet Owner Workplace Wellness Programme tailored for DTSA key account customers.

Recently, Pool Transport became the 10th key account customer to successfully implement this wellness program under the aegis of the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI) and its Trucking Wellness Project.



Launched in 2013, the DTSA Fleet Owner Workplace Wellness Programme targets all employees but focuses particularly on drivers, aiming to lessen the repercussions of diseases and health issues on the financial, operational, human resources, and overall ownership costs for fleet owners.

This program has evolved over 11 years, continually adapting to meet the changing needs of its customers. This year, Pool Transport spearheaded several enhancements, including aligning the program with RTMS accreditation, the creation of the first fatigue management policy, and the development of a medical certification process for truck drivers.

Dirkie van Zyl, Managing Director of Pool Transport, expressed his gratitude and commitment following the completion of the program. He emphasized the company's dedication to driver wellness and safety, acknowledging the shared responsibility in contributing to safer roads.

Benefits

Tertius Wessels, Managing Director of the Corridor Empowerment Project which manages Trucking Wellness for the NBCRFLI, highlighted the benefits of their 15-year partnership with DTSA. This collaboration has fostered deeper relationships with transport firms such as Pool Transport, enhancing the effectiveness and reach of wellness programs and services.

Maretha Gerber, President and Group CEO of DTSA, reinforced the company's dedication to advancing healthcare access for truck drivers in South Africa.

“DTSA remains committed to advancing access to primary healthcare for truck drivers in South Africa, because we know a healthy truck driver is a safe truck driver, contributing to safer roads for all South Africans. DTSA’s Fleet Owner Workplace Wellness Programme is one of the vehicles to achieve this goal and I am thankful for partners such as Trucking Wellness and Pool Transport for their efforts and commitment to complete this programme and make a lasting impact towards this amazing cause.” 


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Friday, 8 December 2023

Consider the trucks - be safe

Consider the trucks - be safe

Have you ever considered that sneaky little gap you took to get ahead of a truck in the traffic is the space it needs to slow down safely and if the traffic does come to a sudden halt you are likely to become that truck’s hood ornament.

Think about it!!!

“Truck drivers tend to have a bad reputation, and unfairly so. Many are some of the most experienced drivers on the road if you consider the number of kilometres travelled in their career, to the number of accidents,” points out Ryan Gaines, CEO of City Logistics, a privately-owned logistics company in South Africa. 

Here truck drivers share some guidelines they implore road users to consider when travelling this festive season.



While you consider the trucks, think about a new car - CHANGECARS

Keep a safe travelling distance

According to drivers at City Logistics, it’s vitally important to keep a safe distance from trucks – because they carry extremely heavy loads and they’re unable to come to a complete halt immediately. Due to the size and weight of these trucks, it takes at least 200 metres to 300 metres – or approximately 60 seconds – for trucks to come to a complete stop. 

Stay in sight

Motorists should always remember to stay in sight. There’s a simple rule: if a motorist is travelling behind a truck and cannot see the truck’s mirrors or cameras (which replace mirrors on many modern trucks), the truck driver cannot see that motorist. It's most important not to follow directly behind the truck, as the motorist becomes invisible – because he/she is effectively in a blind spot.

Avoid overtaking with sudden stopping

Motorists should also never pull in front of a truck and then slam on the brakes, especially when travelling downhill. There is a possibility that the load being drawn cannot be stopped by the brakes, as the momentum of the weight presses the trailer – and its load – forward. This is especially dangerous for trucks that are carrying liquid. Sharp braking will propel that liquid forward.

Many trucking and logistics companies ensure their drivers are highly trained, and that their trucks are well maintained, modern and safe. Drivers, for example, undergo intense training programmes and the rigorous training necessary to obtain an EC (Code 14) licence. According to Daimler’s Fleetboard telematics system, the drivers at City Logistics for example are rated 9/10 (the industry average is 7/10).

“If motorists are able to consider this advice from truck drivers, we can all contribute to safer travelling conditions this festive season,” he concludes.

Colin Windell

proudly CHANGECARS


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Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Colin-on-Cars - Smart moves for truckers

Colin-on-Cars - Smart moves for truckers

The South African truck market ended 2022 on quite a high note despite supply chain constraints, economic instability both locally and internationally and cost pressures from rising fuel prices and interest rates and UD Trucks showed an 11,6% growth for the year.

For them – and for all the other truck companies in the country – the growth was just cause to celebrate and to look ahead into 2023 which, UD Trucks plans to do by investing in smart logistics solutions to help make fleet owners more efficient and productive

As honourable as this might be, it comes at a time when hundreds of trucks are on our roads and there only because the ruling ANC government has completely failed as has the once mighty rail network. Although not counted in the market growth, many of these trucks are operated by get-rich-quick hopefuls using badly maintained second-hand rigs.

The carnage on South African roads continues unabated with little apparent interest from politicians and lawmakers – unless it is a photo opportunity.

On the other side, the truck distributors, their dealers and big business does what it can to foster a new generation of operators, owners and drivers who have safety, efficiency and cost of operation top of mind.



As UD Trucks Southern Africa's Managing Director, Filip Van den Heede explains: It's not just about pure growth numbers, but aligning the business growth aspirations with our purpose, a Better Life, and even more important, meeting customer expectations.

The COVID-19 crisis and global supply chain constraints weakened an already fragile economy in the last two years, however, UD Trucks Southern Africa managed to keep the business buoyant while growing significantly in emerging markets.

“Our founder Kenzo Adachi’s vision to ‘make the trucks the world needs today’ was actually a vision for smarter logistics. The world today needs less CO2 harmful emissions released into the environment, which is why we launched the Quester and Croner Euro 5 models in 2022, and the Quon in 2019: ahead of local government regulations and manufactured in South Africa since then.

“Through these vehicles, which are much more fuel efficient, are fitted with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology we have reduced CO2 emissions as well as total cost of ownership. To date, we have produced and sold close to 1 000 Euro 5 units in South Africa, consistently staying one step ahead of local regulations and market demands.

“Later this year the Quon range will receive further upgrades that will improve vehicle safety. With innovation that puts people first, these safety enhancements are set to support a sustainable future. The new Quon safety features, including the traffic eye cruise control helping us achieve Vision Zero – a future with no injuries, deaths or minor injuries from road collisions, and safety for drivers, communities, and other road users.”

“There are many challenges facing both industry and customers and one of the most significant is the rising cost of doing business. Consequently, we focus on providing solutions that will improve efficiency and profitability through our smart logistics approach.


Filip van den Heede

“UD Connected Services helps us achieve this end goal, and our pioneering approach has resulted in enhancements set to limit fuel theft, provide a recovery solution, as well as ensure safety through alcohol detection. In a world of digitalisation, the logistics industry will benefit significantly from these additional features.

“A reliable and knowledgeable workforce is key to innovation, and in 2022 we trained more than 2,000 delegates across our dealer network to improve their skills. Through this process, we guarantee our customer’s uptime and ensure they receive reliable trustworthy service. Additionally, we went the extra mile and provided training to Diesel apprentices.”

UD Trucks SA will also open over three new dealerships this year, increasing its dealer footprint to 40 locations across the country.


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Thursday, 8 December 2022

Colin-on-Cars - Lower truck mass equals greater loads

Colin-on-Cars - Lower truck mass equals greater loads

Lower truck mass means greater loadability and this is key for fleet operators considering the fluctuating fuel prices and other cost pressures – not the least of which is the increasing interest rate.

Fuel expenditure, which makes up 80% of total operating costs and approximately 60% of the total cost of ownership, depending on the application, can be alleviated with the ability to carry more payload to maximise the productivity and efficiency of a fleet.

The UD Trucks Quon extra heavy truck range solves this problem by a reduction of weight in the physical truck that allows operators to carry more payload. Fewer trips mean less fuel is used.

“The Quon is a highly productive range of vehicles optimised for the business needs of today and tomorrow,” explains Reytjie Laubscher, Managing Director of UD Trucks Lichtenburg. “These days the key to efficient transport is increased payload. Not only will a lowered tare weight increase payload, but also the productivity and profitability of your operations.”

Reytjie Laubscher

Every component on the Quon has been refined to realise an overall lighter vehicle, while achieving gains in load-carrying capacity of up to 200 kg, depending on the model.

The Quon GW26 460 - TT HR, for instance, has a low tare weight of 8 418 kg. This is achieved by using disc brakes and high-tensile steel rails for the main frame to reduce vehicle weight. In addition, the reduced height of the main frame cross section further reduces weight while maintaining strength, to further improve the Quon’s loading performance.



Laubscher explains this, for instance, means with a reduced tare weight, an operator can now typically transport a 36,5-ton load of cargo legally using an interlink with a twin bin side tipper trailer. (Afrit specification used for this example)

“There is an increase in payload of about 700 kg on average on the new generation Quon High Roof Truck Tractor compared to any other competitor in the market. This is the ideal set-up for fleet owners that specialise, for instance, in the coal transport industry,” says Laubscher.

Improved ease of loading, bodybuilding efficiency and smoothness at creeping speeds for approaching loading docks, also reflect UD Trucks’ commitment to boosting productivity for fleet owners.

Optimal

Quon’s air suspension features an increased adjustment range. This enables optimal height adjustment for loading docks and connecting the trailers, with an adjustable width of +140 mm upward from the neutral position. The uneven load adjustment function automatically adjusts any lateral differences in height on trucks, which improves handling when loading from the side of the truck.

The new Quon range boasts a fuel-efficient, powerful and clean 11-litre GH11 engine. 

It generates powerful torque from low revs up through a wide rev range,  and, to further support fuel-efficient driving, the Quon also features UD Trucks’ Nenpi Fuel Coach - a system that displays real-time driving advice to help drivers achieve further improvement in the vehicle’s fuel economy. 

“Our customers’ definition of the essentials needed in a truck, has changed.  Our focus, therefore, is to give customers reduced operating costs as related to things like fuel efficiency, payload ability and uptime.  Secondly, we are concentrating on the people factor within the transport business, making our trucks even safer and environmentally friendly,” says Laubscher.


https://bit.ly/3iJtCUn

Friday, 26 August 2022

Colin-on-Cars: Silver status for FAW Trucks

Colin-on-Cars: Silver status for FAW Trucks

The Silver status awarded to FAW Trucks following the recent announcement of the results of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) shows clearly growing confidence by the dealer body in the products and service emanating from the company.

“This is a milestone achievement for our company and we are extremely proud of the results and of our entire dealer network,” says Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks South Africa. “From being given a Bronze award last year to Silver this year also means we are hearing what our dealers are saying about the working relationship we have – and we are taking steps to resolve any issues.”

L-R - Allan Wang – Director of Sales and Marketing FAW Trucks SA, Pieter Janse Van Rensburg – General Manager - Dealer Network FAW Trucks SA, Mr Li Yongjun – CEO of FAW Trucks SA

The Commercial Vehicle survey was first added to the NADA DSI in 2008. Since then, the highest overall average score of 78% was recorded in 2018. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 survey was suspended and resumed in 2021. The 2022 overall Commercial score has improved from 75,4 in 2021 to 77,2 in 2022, the second highest score achieved since the inception of this study.

Monitor

“The NADA DSI survey, now in its 26th year, is carried out annually to monitor the health of the relationship between dealers and their respective manufacturers. It provides the dealer body with a platform to provide manufacturers and importers with robust feedback.

“Over the years, the outcomes of the survey have been used by dealer councils and manufacturers as an effective management tool to address areas of concern and improve service delivery throughout the entire value chain to the ultimate benefit of consumers,” says Mark Dommisse, Chairperson of NADA.

Cater

“The reason for our continued growth and success in South Africa is that we cater for virtually every need,” explains Li. “With a host of different engine capacities, payload allowances and body options on offer, businesses big and small can rely on our products to get the job done.”

All FAW Trucks products are covered by a comprehensive warranty at industry standards, ensuring customers have complete peace of mind in their purchases. The FAW warranty provides customers with the assurance that FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa stands behind its claim of quality manufacturing.

Service

FAW Trucks has a large parts warehouse at its premises in Spartan, from where it supplies the three  main regions in Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town. In addition, service dealers are fully equipped, with highly trained technicians on hand for complete servicing and repairs required for all models from the renowned Chinese manufacturer.

“FAW is a major player in the trucking business. Since the 1990s, we have partnered with other major manufacturers, ensuring we put our customers first. Our production and logistics networks aim for sustainable growth,” says Pieter Janse Van Rensburg – General Manager: Dealer Network FAW Trucks SA. “Thus, our trucks are not isolated in design and manufacturing expertise and, neither is our service network.”

Range

FAW Trucks recently further expanded its comprehensive range with the introduction of the new JH6 33.420FT 6x4 truck tractor, further widening the scope of choices for customers. This going hand-in-hand with the launch of an online booking system for services.

“Since first entering the South African market 28 years ago, we have gone from strength to strength, providing local buyers with products of high quality that are not only well suited to local conditions, but also boast high levels of safety, convenience and comfort. We have managed to combine this with competitive pricing, low running costs and continuously improving aftersales service – this all made easier by the fact we are a South African manufacturer,” says Li.

“I wish to extend my thanks to our dealers and assure them we both value their feedback and are determined to keep doing better.”


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Friday, 20 May 2022

Colin-on-Cars - New I-Link auto shifter for Volvo Trucks

Colin-on-Cars - New I-Link auto shifter for Volvo Trucks

Quicker response with shift speed increased by up to 30% is the basis of the faster I-Shift gearbox Volvo Trucks South Africa will be introducing locally next year.

The significant drivability improvement, which has been added to drivelines at all emission levels, is achieved by the new way in which the I-Shift gearbox interacts with the engine.

The update includes faster clutch activation that results in a shorter torque interruption. It also makes the gear shifting smoother, for a more harmonious driving experience.



Faster gear shifting makes it possible to optimise the gear selection more efficiently.

Improvements

"And the more shifting events that the road and terrain require, the more the improvements will be experienced by the driver. With up to 30% faster gear changing now possible using I-Shift, drivers will certainly experience a very positive difference,” says Eric Parry, senior manager of sustainability at Volvo Trucks South Africa.

The high-speed shifting is achieved based on several key improvements.

Sensors

First, updated sensors now provide data with higher accuracy to the control unit, which features new software and a faster microprocessor, for much quicker calculation times. Second, an added disc in the gearbox brake makes it react faster before a gear shift, so it can be done earlier.

Volvo I-Shift gearbox

Finally, the air volume has also been reduced in different actuation systems, for example, the shift forks, the clutch, and the gearbox brake, to further enable a faster gear shift.

Evidence

These latest advances to gain 30% faster gear changes are further evidence of Volvo Trucks’ continuous improvement actions to provide better all-around driveability.

“With all the improvements and new variants over the years, I-Shift has had an outstanding ability to solve more and more advanced tasks in efficient ways. This means not only delivering high performance and fuel efficiency but also outstanding driveability and comfort for the drivers,” added Parry.

Today, all extra heavy Volvo trucks are built with I-Shift as standard. Since its introduction, more than 1-million trucks have been sold globally with I-Shift technology.


https://bit.ly/3MwF6Ve

Wednesday, 23 February 2022

Colin-on-Cars - Saving lives by waving

Colin-on-Cars - Saving lives by waving

Sometimes it is the really simple things that save lives.

By teaching young schoolchildren to Stop, Look and Wave, Volvo Trucks South Africa has reached 7 589 learners across South Africa in the past three months.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the lives of approximately 1,3-million people are cut short annually because of a road traffic crash. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged between 5 and 29 years, and more than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Vulnerable

Through the company’s own traffic research analysis of real-life accidents, it became clear that most road accidents involve human behaviour, and that children are the most vulnerable of all road traffic users. 

In 2015, Volvo Trucks took a step towards trying to improve this distressing statistic and launched the Stop Look Wave campaign, also here in South Africa. Since then, tens of thousands of learners in both rural and urban schools across the country have participated in the programme.




“Over the years, Volvo Trucks has developed many pioneering safety features for its products to limit the impact of traffic accidents on people,” says Valentia Hobbs, Volvo Trucks South Africa’s marketing and corporate affairs director. “Stop, Look, Wave is specifically aimed at helping children understand how to best behave around trucks, buses and cars, and to ultimately keep them safe on the roads.”

Discussion

The interactive activations facilitate conversations with the participating children, and the message is brought home through various song and dance activities. 

Discussion and practical demonstrations also include information on the size of trucks and buses, their uses, when and how they operate, as well as the need for road users to be as visible as possible to the truck drivers. 

“Part of the message to the children includes the fact that even though we can see a truck, we cannot be sure that the truck driver sees us due to the vehicle’s height and size,” explained Hobbs. “They are taught to stop, look and if possible, wave at the driver to get his or her attention before crossing a road, even if it is at a pedestrian crossing.”

Safety

Utilising the advances in technology, Volvo Trucks create smart safety systems that are designed to monitor the truck behaviour and surrounding traffic to predict safety hazards and intervene to prevent accidents from happening. 

The systems may be out of sight, but they are engineered to activate and support the driver in various traffic situations, and in the process, make the trucks as safe as possible for the driver and all other road users.

“The Stop, Look, Wave programme is an extension of our vision to provide safer and more efficient transport solutions that form part of a society’s sustainable development,” concluded Hobbs.


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