RFA named FTW’s ‘Freight Industry Newsmaker of 2009’

The Road Freight Association has been named ‘Freight Industry Newsmaker of 2009’ in the first ever competition run by FTW and sister online publication Cargo Info News. Following the announcement of Jacob Zuma as South Africa’s ‘Newsmaker of the Year’ for 2009, we called for nominations from the freight industry with supporting motivation. Of those we received, we believe the RFA presented the most convincing argument, with the industry at large benefiting significantly from its efforts. The contest will become an annual fixture on the freight industry calendar, so keep it in mind as the year unfolds! Over the past year the RFA has spoken out and lobbied on • Aarto (Points Demerit System): fairer process in the suspension of operations. • Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup: removal of all freight embargoes. • Consignor/consignee: Sole liability has been removed from the operator, based on facts stated in the document (smuggling). the consignor and the consignee are now jointly liable for offences. • Axle load increases • Total permissible vehicle length was increased from 18m to 22m. • Total Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) increased from 48 tons to 56 tons. • Prosecution guidelines: the RFA assisted in developing acceptable and fair prosecution guidelines.