2012 was a particularly
difficult year for the road
freight industry, not just from
a cost perspective but also
in terms of legislation, says
Gavin Kelly, spokesman for
the Road Freight Association.
And now, more than
ever, long-term solutions
have to be found to ensure
sustainability as costs
continue to escalate in the
form of tolls, fuel and taxes.
“We continue to meet
with various government
departments to discuss
legislation that affects our
industry but also to lobby
against many regulations
that are implemented
merely as increased revenue
mechanisms.”
This is a task performed
not just in South Africa but
also across the region where
non-tariff barriers to trade
are encountered every day.
“We have seen an
escalation in costs in terms
of fees and taxes across the
borders as our operators are
stopped and requested to
pay for certifications and
inspections. In fact the fees
have increased between
100% and 450% in some
cases.”
The RFA remains
embroiled in legal battles
with the Cross Border Road
Transport Agency over the
increase in their permit fees
by over 1000% in some
cases.
With a carbon tax set to
be introduced in the near
future and the price of fuel
continuing to escalate,
the introduction of tolls
in Gauteng comes at a
particularly bad time for the
industry.
“The extensive lobbying
by the RFA against the
exorbitant costs resulted
in a significant reduction
in the toll fees for the
freight industry. We have
also lobbied for a further
reduction in the proposed
discount structure and an
additional discount for RFA
members,” he said.
In terms of 2013, Kelly
said ongoing discussions
with the National Treasury
over the introduction of
a carbon tax as well as
talks with the Department
of Transport around the
implementation of Aarto
remained high on the
agenda.
CAPTION
Still trucking ... but cost escalations are squeezing the industry.
