Tests of 20 extra-heavy commercial vehicles, representing 13 manufacturers, is scheduled on the Johannesburg-Durban-Johannesburg route from November 10-12 to measure comparative performance data for South African fleet operators, according to the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF).
Organised by FOCUS on Transport and Logistics, Truck Test 2026 will assess fuel consumption, journey times, average speeds and overall productivity.
SAAFF announced its sponsorship and endorsement of the event on October 26, saying the findings could support fleet purchasing decisions and operational planning.
The route, which includes the N3 corridor, will expose participating vehicles to steep gradients, long-distance travel and sustained heavy-duty operation.
TruckScience will be responsible for technical data collection and results analysis while Ctrack provides telematics support. Truck Test Technical Director Jayesh “Tiny” Daya will oversee the technical aspects of the event.
Participating manufacturers include Daewoo, DAF, FAW, Foton, Hino, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Powerstar, Scania, Shacman, Sinotruk and Volvo Trucks.
The initiative is relevant amid rising fuel costs, infrastructure pressures and increasingly competitive operating conditions, SAAFF said. The association understands that road transport performance affects freight forwarders, importers, exporters and manufacturers through transport costs, delivery schedules and cargo movement.
“There is a clear interdependence between vehicle performance and supply chain efficiency,” SAAFF CEO Juanita Maree said.
The association said fuel consumption is only one consideration in fleet decisions alongside maintenance requirements, reliability and suitability for the intended operation.
Technical and operational partners include Engen for fuel and lubricants, Afrit for trailers, Bandag for tyres and WearCheck for condition monitoring. DEKRA is the safety partner with Changan South Africa and Jameel Motors providing support vehicles.
SAAFF said sharing the findings with its members and stakeholders will support informed decision-making across the logistics industry.
The official results are due to be announced on November 19.
