Innovative concept reduces downtime on Jo'burg–Durban route

CONTAINER TRANSPORT and distribution major Freight Haul has just launched an innovative concept designed to improve productivity and reduce downtime for cargo moving on the Johannesburg–Durban route. Branded the “Harrismith Concept”, in essence it’s a dedicated truck service centre for the 206- strong Freight Haul fleet. “The biggest volume of our business is on the Johannesburg–Durban route,” says Freight Haul MD Paul Botha, “which is why it made sense to set up a service facility in Harrismith, which is equidistant from Johannesburg and Durban.” The service centre is open 24/7 and is equipped to handle any running repair, servicing and tyres. It also incorporates parking for trucks, rest and sleeping quarters for drivers and a 24-hour canteen providing refreshments. The drivers are therefore able to rest while their trucks are being serviced. “A standing truck costs money,” says Botha. “This concept provides a perfect balance between our desire to keep the wheels turning while the needs of our drivers are also taken care of.” One of the largest operators specialising in the road transportation of import and export containers, Freight Haul is a BEE company with 70% of its shareholding held by Guqula Holdings, a black majority owned and managed company. Prospects for cross-border business were being evaluated on an ongoing basis with a view to entering that sector when it became viable to do so, said Botha. Guqula Holdings’ main objective is to be a major BEE player in the logistics industry by strategically investing in those entities operating in core and related sectors. “Our philosophy is to be operationally involved in companies in which we acquire shareholding,” says CEO Andrew Khuzwayo. “This helps the investee company to grow through the business development efforts of the BEE partner while ensuring that operational skills are transferred from the entrepreneurs to the previously disadvantaged – that’s what we believe empowerment is all about.”