The constantly changing
requirements for abnormal
permits remain one of the
biggest obstacles to overcome
when it comes to successful project
logistics.
“The requirements are not the
same from province to province
and country to country. The result
is that one always has increased
costs that cannot be foreseen,” said
Carl Webb of Project Logistics
Management (PLM). “Not only
does one have to get the required
permits to move abnormal loads,
but all vehicles in excess of 125
tons gross mass now have to be
escorted by traffic officers which
can be a logistical nightmare to
arrange. You also need to advertise
the load details in the local press
prior to departure.”
According to Webb, to obtain
permits for loads in excess of 20m
in length, geometric clearances
have to be obtained and photos of
these loads are required prior to any
permits being issued.
“These requirements were
imposed on the industry without
prior notification or consultation,
and have resulted in additional
costs of up to R 65 000 per load
being incurred,” he said. “Bearing
in mind that the majority of the
loads affected are destined for the
Medupi and Kusile Power Station
projects at present, these costs
will escalate already-inflated build
costs, which will have to ultimately
be borne by the South African
consumer.”
According to Webb, the fact
that changes to abnormal permit
requirements are not discussed or
advertised makes it impossible for
transporters to allow for the new
requirements when quoting on
transport as they just don’t know
about them until they are applied.
“It means that in many cases one
cannot change a quote and the extra
costs result in losses to an industry
that is already under pressure due to
ever-rising costs.”
Webb said that escorts for
abnormal loads were also becoming
problematic, as there was often a
shortage of available traffic officers.
“It can take four weeks to travel
under RTI escorts from Durban
to Gauteng due to a shortage of
manpower. This can be compared
with the first recorded abnormal
load travelling from Durban to the
Reef, a 10-ton boiler loaded on a
wagon with 4 span of oxen, which
also took four weeks to reach its
destination,” he said. “It seems we
have not progressed very far in the
transport industry, although at least
the challenges were known factors.
back then.”
CAPTION
Carl Webb ... Abnormal permit
requirements vary from province to
province and country to country.
