RFA takes up the cause of abnormal hauliers

The abnormal loads industry is in the process of mandating the Road Freight Association to lobby government and other organisations on its behalf. The heavy haul industry took this decision at an urgent meeting in Johannesburg last week following ongoing problems with regulation and concerns about victimisation of individual operators who complain. According to Gavin Kelly, spokesman for the RFA, the organisation has traditionally represented truckers, but due to successes achieved by the organisation on behalf of its members it is now seeing interest from others involved in the freight and large vehicle industry, including those that work in the crane and superload industry. “Following our meeting with the abnormal loads industry, a committee has been formed that will mandate the RFA to represent them. This committee will also bring the RFA up to speed on the various issues that have to be dealt with.” He said it was important for the industry to deal with issues as a group rather than individuals as that took the victimisation factor away. “We then represent the industry and the individual name of a person or company is no longer brought before government and its officials. This is the same process we have followed for our members on the toll issue, high cube containers and permits.” Kelly said that the RFA would be getting legal advice on some of the more urgent matters such as the issue of the Western Cape changing regulations to now only allow 12 tons per axle on trucks carrying abnormal loads. “We have instructed the abnormal loads industry to inform us about all of the issues they want addressed, with the 12-tons-per-axle issue being critical.” Abnormal load operators have also been asked to inform the RFA of any cases where there have been irregularities or where legal action is being taken.