Truck Test: the next era

We held a function in Johannesburg last month to announce the results of Truck Test 2014 and spell out plans for 2015. CHARLEEN CLARKE was blown away by the wave of support for this truly significant industry initiative …

Some of the participants in Truck Test 2014 were surprised to see the function room at the Johannesburg Country Club choc-a-block full, with many of the captains of our industry at the luncheon. This was, however, indicative of the significance of the event – which has really grown in stature each year. My oh my, when I think back to the very first Truck Test … we have certainly learnt a great deal.

As Truck Test has matured, the entire process has become more scientific and more relevant to operators. We have a formula in place, whereby operators can study our results, which are entirely independent, and buy the trucks that participated, knowing precisely what fuel consumption is possible and how productive those vehicles will be. To my knowledge, such information (based on actual road trips) has not been available in South Africa before.

The results – which were published in last month’s FOCUS and can be accessed via our website – were both fascinating and undisputed. For me, the most significant aspect was the fact that all the vehicles performed exceptionally well. There wasn’t one lemon in the entire group! One thing is certain: South African transport operators are treated to a terrific choice of vehicles.

I was also fascinated to see how extracting maximum productivity from a vehicle requires a competent and capable driver. Yes, we have always known that drivers are pivotal. But, excelling at Truck Test isn’t just about driving slowly, thereby keeping your fuel consumption low. Driving slowly means that you’ll take a while to deliver the load – so productivity suffers. But you don’t want to drive like a F1 racer either – because then fuel consumption soars. It’s all about finding the sweet spot, and our participants did that ably. Hats off to all of you!

The luncheon was also about chatting about the way forward. We’re testing extra-heavies again next year, and we put a number of concepts to everyone present. One was route: Johannesburg to Durban or Johannesburg to Nelspruit? Another was a concept that I personally love: we are thinking of getting the CEOs from the vehicle manufacturers to drive one leg of the route. We think that this will be heaps of fun.

Obviously we can only do this with the support of the manufacturers, and I really do hope that they will come on board. Let’s see. Watch this space! All will be revealed in future issues of FOCUS!