‘Permit issue remains the biggest challenge’

Truck permits remain a bone of contention for many transport companies – especially those specialising in abnormal loads. Says Frits Kroon, director of Frits Kroon Transport: “Quicker permit release would be very helpful because getting our permits on time remains a challenge. Our trucks do not always return to the yard after a load, making it near impossible to get original permits to a truck.” Kroon says getting the permits remains one of the biggest issues. “We apply for permits but to get them on time remains a major challenge.” And with travelling time only allowed in daytime outside peak hours, on-time delivery becomes dependent on efficiency. “Using road means abnormal loads can be loaded and off loaded at precise destinations as infrastructure in most cases is sufficient. Offering an efficient and secure service is of utmost importance in the competitive era in which we are working. Rail, on the other hand, does not provide flexibility when transporting abnormal loads. And also once the load has reached the closest station it must still be transported from the station to the yard,” says Kroon. Based in Pretoria, the company specialises in abnormal loads using lowbed trucks. “We apply and arrange for permits on behalf of clients as well as help with cross-border documentation. There is no denying that quicker permit release would help our business to achieve greater efficiency.” According to Kroon another important factor when moving heavy and abnormal loads by road is to ensure conditions are always optimal. “We are constantly undertaking road surveys on the routes that we travel. It is imperative that we know what to expect before sending out a truck. Also we try to keep our trucks in the best condition possible while our drivers are trained continuously to handle any situation or condition.” Kroon, who does much work in Africa, believes business may be negatively impacted in coming months by the economic crisis, but says much opportunity still exists. “Every time so far when we think, okay, business is slowing down, something happens and it picks up again. We do expect the next few months to be tough.”