Busy time ahead for roadfreight

The anticipated spike in
agricultural imports will
see significant growth in
road transport volumes later
this year,
according
to
economist
Mike
Schussler.
He
told FTW
that 9
million tonnes of agricultural
imports including maize,
sunflower seeds, wheat and
peanuts would be shipped
through South Africa during
the course of the year.
“It will be tough for
roadfreight – but good
news for the sector which is
currently in a recessionary
phase,” he said.
“I estimate about 900 000
trucking trips will be
necessary to transport the
imports around South Africa
and the
rest of
Africa. It
also means
that we will
see more
trucks on
the road
over the
festive season in the past.”
Due to limited rail
connections into Africa, he
said the majority would be
moved by road.
And with all the extra
trucking activity Schussler
also sees South Africa
importing more petrol
than usual.