Author:vic-oliver

When it comes to buying an extra-heavy commercial vehicle, it’s wise to know the difference between models that feature single-axle reduction, and those that rely on hub reduction. Vic Oliver explains the difference Potential buyers of extra-heavy commercial vehicles have the choice of a variety of different models and specifications. Included in the selection is the choice between single-axle reduction and hub-reduction rear-drive axles. In order to ensure that the vehicle is suitable for the job to be undertaken, it […]

Provided the vehicle purchased is right for the job and has been well maintained, even high-mileage used trucks can prove to be exceedingly durable Good sales to customers north of the South African border are helping to keep the country’s used-truck market healthy. A number of dealers recently canvassed by FOCUS indicate that about 70 percent of sales are to customers who live outside South Africa. Although the market is supported by a wide selection of used heavy vehicles that […]

Overloading and incorrect load placement on a truck can be extremely dangerous, and can result in expensive mechanical repairs All truck manufacturers design their vehicles to safely carry the specified load as illustrated on the vehicle data plate. In calculating these loads, the manufacturer assumes that the operator will correctly load the vehicle with an evenly distributed load, without overloading any axle, or exceeding the maximum gross vehicle mass, or gross combination mass rating. Many heavy loads are incorrectly positioned […]

Selecting a truck or bus for a transport application without first examining all aspects that contribute to high vehicle productivity is a common mistake made by operators Following my previous report on the need to micromanage all vehicle operating and fixed costs in order to maximise profits in tough economic times, it is also necessary to optimise vehicle productivity. In real terms, vehicle productivity is the ability of a suitable means of transport to continuously move goods or people within […]

Operating a commercial vehicle in South Africa has become a tough business with continual rising costs and lower profit margins      To minimise a drop in profits it has become necessary to micromanage one’s business by constantly and accurately recording and examining all fixed and variable vehicle cost factors, and taking immediate action to rectify any cost that is higher than a set benchmark. Fuel is one of the major operating cost factors in a transport operation (especially on […]

It is important for trucks and drivers to be ready to handle harsh winter driving conditions Driving a truck in winter conditions can be a challenging task, especially if the vehicle and driver are not ready and equipped for the unforeseen harsh driving conditions. With the abnormal amount of rain and the strange weather patterns that the country has experienced lately, we can expect some unseasonal weather this winter. To avoid unnecessary and costly roadside vehicle breakdowns, ensure that all […]

Do your drivers know how to handle emergencies and roadside breakdowns? Not having policies and procedures in place on how to handle emergencies and roadside breakdowns can be very detrimental to a truck owner and operator. A road disaster that is incorrectly handled could severely affect the company’s image and cash flow. If a driver does not know what to do at the site of an emergency, he or she runs the risk of saying the wrong thing, or failing […]

A blowout of a front tyre on a heavy-duty truck or bus can be extremely dangerous, as the driver loses all steering and directional control – especially if the vehicle is loaded. This often results in a very serious and sometimes fatal road accident involving other vehicles. Although I have never had the misfortune of having a blowout of a front tyre on a vehicle that I have been driving, I have interviewed truck drivers who have been involved in […]

Following the increase in heavy-vehicle road accidents during the beginning of the 2018 festive season, the Minister of Transport, Blade Nzimande, is calling for truck owners to step up their efforts to reduce truck accidents Nzimande and the South African road-traffic authorities have also stated that the previous road-safety campaigns have not been as effective as they had hoped they would be. They are therefore endeavouring to find other ways to reduce the unacceptable carnage that we witness daily on […]