No agreement has been accepted by the Department of Transport to permit the transportation of high cube containers on trailers that exceed the regulated 4.3 metres - despite the expiration of the moratorium at the end of this year.
“As it stands, the fruit industry faces a massive dilemma if the Department of Transport does not act promptly,” said Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) CEO Justin Chadwick.
In his weekly CEO report, he noted that engagements had been made with the department, through the non-profit Fruit South Africa, with no forthcoming response.
“If the matter is not resolved with a suitable outcome, the transportation of high cube containers will be illegal if transported on trailers with a deck height higher than 1.4 metres,” said Chadwick. “80% of trailers used to transport containers are flat deck trailers, which mostly have a deck height higher than 1.4 metres.”
He pointed out that currently Fruit SA was working with the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and the Road Freight Association to encourage the transport department to extend the moratorium to allow for further research into determining the implications for changing the regulations.
Another solution presented to the department involves the amendment of regulations to permit ISO containers to a maximum height of 4.6 metres to be transported on South Africa’s roads.
“As Saaff has not received an adequate response from the minister or the respective director general, they have written to the chairperson of the Department of Transport Parliamentary Portfolio Committee to intervene in the matter,” added Chadwick.
He said Saaff would also be addressing the matter with Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.
