Aug 21, 2014 fleet, trucking, trucks, news
The inaugural TruckX Conference and Awards have taken place at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The event is described as providing a “platform on which to recognise the needs and demands of the fleet, trucking and logistics industry" and included conference panel discussions chaired by Jeremy Maggs, with topics supported by industry specialists on each panel. Two topics were tabled for discussion.
The first of these was the question - Is South Africa’s logistics sector embracing technology? The panel delved into an engaging discussion on the latest in telematics technologies from an Original Equipment Manufacturer and aftermarket perspective. They also took an intense look into the role finance, insurance, risk management and human resources management plays in harnessing technology as well as the state of SA’s GFIP e-Toll system. Panellists included Hein Jordt (MD: Ctrack Fleet Management), Geoff du Plessis (MD: MAN Truck & Bus SA), Ricardo Coetzee (Managing Executive of Automotive: Innovation Group), Clinton Savage (Divisional Manager: Mercedes-Benz Trucks), Wayne Rautenbach (National Manager: Regent Commercial Vehicles) and Wayne Duvenage (Chairperson: OUTA).
“In today’s economy, commercial fleet and logistics managers are faced with a multitude of challenges surrounding increasing fuel and maintenance costs, safety and security, driver productivity and real-time monitoring.” adds, Hein Jordt: Managing Director of Ctrack Fleet Management. “We strive to continually bring new and latest developments to the market, poised with a goal to make a difference to any fleet operation and living up to our commitment of keeping your mobile assets always visible.”
The afternoon discussion focused on how to stay on top of increasing expenses. Panellists included Ray Singh (MD of Customer Solution Development: Unitrans), John Anderson (Commercial Lubricants Specialist: Fuchs Lubricants), Nico van der Westhuizen (CEO: Imperial Logistics Industrial Divisional), Dr Iain Barton (MD: Imperial Health Sciences) and Luyanda Gozo (New Business Development Manager Commercial: Sasol).
These panellists shared insights into the challenges facing the industry while touching on emerging trends and industry best practices. The latter looked at what fuel companies are doing to produce more fuel from fewer resources, and how transporters are looking to lower their overall consumption.
Issues that affect the logistics sector’s output such as health and safety – including the HIV/AIDS infections, access to healthcare on the road, labour related matters, road safety and driver training were brought to the fore and unpacked in greater detail.
Event sponsors included Ctrack, Innovation Group, Sasol, Regent Commercial Vehicles, Unitrans, Willard Batteries, Fleet and Future Trucking & Logistics magazines.
TNS South Africa ran the survey which resulted in the pronouncement of the winners of the awards. The survey was conducted through a web-based questionnaire which was distributed to thousands of fleet managers across the country. The R10 000 incentive prize offered to encourage participation was won by Mr Victor Buso from Barloworld Logistics.
Truck of the Year winner Mercedes-Benz Trucks walked away with four awards, including the Best Extra Heavy/Heavy Vehicle Manufacturer, Best Medium Commercial Vehicle Manufacturer as well as Best After Sales Service. Toyota nabbed two awards – Best Fleet Car Manufacturers and Best Light Commercial Vehicle Manufacturer. Engen and Imperial each also won two awards with other notable achievements from Auto and General, Bridgestone, FedEx and Henfred Fruehauf.
The full list of winners is as follows:
Category
Winner
Best Tyre Brand
Bridgestone
Best Fuel/Lubricant Brand
Engen
Best Insurer
Auto & General
Best Courier Company
FedEx
Best Third Party Logistics Provider
Imperial
Best In-house Logistics Provider
Best Truck Stop
Best Trailer / Semi Trailer / Body-builder Manufacturer
Henred Fruehauf
Best After Sales Service
Mercedes-Benz Trucks
Best Fleet Car Manufacturer
Toyota
Best Light Commercial Vehicle Manufacturer
Best Medium Commercial Vehicle Manufacturer
Best Extra Heavy/Heavy Vehicle Manufacturer
Truck of the Year
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Mar 18, 2025 0
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