Escalating costs challenge abnormal load hauliers

Keeping your head above water in uncertain economic times while having to contend with a host of different legal operational requirements is part and parcel of the job for abnormal load hauliers. With volumes slightly lower than expected in 2012, small-to-medium transport companies have some tough times ahead, according to Louis Lauwrens of ML Transport Solutions. “Volumes are not where we want them to be, while at the same time costs are increasing drastically – be it for permits, the introduction of tolls or the increase in the fuel price.” He believes it is becoming increasingly difficult for the smaller operators to stay afloat in the current economic times. “Rates have not increased relative to the variables that we have to deal with and the cost increases that have occurred in the past year or so,” he told FTW. “Add to the cost increases the deteriorating infrastructure and the impact on the maintenance of vehicles and the situation is extremely concerning.” Based in Boksburg on the East Rand, ML Transport Solutions has strong ties to Botswana where the company also has an office. “We established ourselves in 2004 as a service provider to the local transport market, focusing on the abnormal sector and providing them with a permit and clearing service.” Through natural progression the company has since branched out and built up its own fleet of low-bed trucks, also focusing on the movement of abnormal loads. “There are major operational limitations on abnormal hauliers – ranging from when we are allowed to be on the roads to having original permits in every vehicle and arranging for escorts” According to Lauwrens’ business partner Bea Mann, this is further compounded by the difference in legislation from province to province. “Each province has its own set of operational regulations that one is guided by. That means when moving from Cape Town to Limpopo one needs several permits while load factors also vary in the different provinces. All of this adds to the cost and one cannot always pass it on to the client as rates are not keeping pace.” With e-tolling to be possibly introduced in Gauteng and the fuel price increasing yet again, the scenario for transporters remains bleak. “One must remember that trucks keep this country going and the burden being placed on truckers is exceptionally high. It is a situation that many small operators won’t be able to tolerate and will ultimately end badly, leaving the big players in the market with monopolies. It is a situation we must avoid at all costs,” she said.