The trucking industry in South Africa finds itself under immense pressure as it grapples with a myriad of challenges that threaten its stability and profitability.
According to the Road Freight Association, the sector faces an uphill battle – from soaring fuel prices to frequent truck attacks, load shedding, and financing issues.
The association’s CEO, Gavin Kelly, underscored the importance of collaboration and robust debate to find practical solutions to the industry's challenges in his opening address at this year's RFA conference.
The event brought together a host of operating members, affiliates, and associates who play vital roles in ensuring the smooth functioning of the trucking sector.
Kelly highlighted the active involvement of the RFA board, stating that 13 out of 19 members were present at the conference.
He also acknowledged the efforts of board members dedicated to supporting emerging operators and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).
He urged members to voice their concerns and make their challenges heard, highlighting the collective strength of smaller forces coming together to make a difference in the country, saying that this was the only way the sector would find solutions.
Kelly acknowledged that road freight could no longer be the only mode of transport in the country.
"Our standpoint is clear that road plays an important role, but so does rail. Rail has a critical role, and part of our job as a road freight sector is to get the rail to carry its share of the load.
“We all know what is happening to the roads, to our fleets, and what will happen when we reach capacity."
He said the RFA was, therefore, actively participating in the Presidential Crisis Committee on the state of logistics in the country, sharing its views and outlook for the freight sector.
"As the road sector, we have to be part of the rail solution," he said.
Kelly stressed to conference members the importance of adhering to standards, particularly regarding road safety.
He expressed concern over incidents caused by subpar standards and emphasised the need for the industry to improve measures to enhance security collectively.
He also briefly addressed the issue of undercutting rate, and emphasised that standards and fair wages were vital to addressing this challenge.
"We are not allowed to speak about rates. We need to ask ourselves how these operators can do what they do at the rate they do it, and the answer is simple: standards and wages.
“Our members must actively participate in conversations about setting basic employment conditions and rates if we want to bring about change."
He committed the RFA to continue to raise industry issues at the ministerial level, saying that while there was only sometimes agreement, the RFA voice was often heard.
"We are moving into a tough period with labour as we return to the negotiation table. There are also elections in 2024. Now is the time to speak up about what you think the basic conditions of employment should be, the wages and the rates. You have to be part of this conversation."
Kelly also discussed the Road Transport Quality Systems, which focus on operator fitness and compliance. He stressed the importance of consistent application of legislation to ensure fair play and adherence to the same rules by all industry players.
