‘Work with us’ – RFA’s plea to government

The road freight industry must focus on smarter logistics solutions as it recovers from the massive blows it was dealt in 2012 including one of the worst strikes ever, RFA CEO Sharmini Naidoo told delegates at the annual RFA conference held in Phalaborwa last week. “The RFA has always maintained that a strong relationship with government is vital and we believe that we must engage with government to create the best transport policy for the country,” she said. “We are still recovering from the challenges of 2012 – including the increasing cost of fuel and the labour strike which has been described as one of the worst of its kind in our industry. We have no choice but to act smarter and find more efficient ways of doing business. “From smart truck logistics to reducing carbon emissions we are urging our members to work with us towards achieving this goal.” At the same time she called on government to appreciate the important role transporters played in the South African economy. “Trucking is a tough industry. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week and it is extremely sensitive to cost and regulation changes. We therefore need government to work with us in finding solutions to the myriad challenges we face.” With pending legislation for cleaner fuels, higher fuel costs, a proposed carbon tax and increased toll fees, Naidoo said it was imperative to find long-term solutions for infrastructure funding. “We might not all agree on funding methods, but I think we all agree that logistical solutions are needed for South Africa.” CAPTION Sharmini Naidoo ... ‘imperative to find long-term solutions for infrastructure funding.’