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 Response Sheet

TOPIC

Now - you can have your say via the Independent Road Transport Forum
(IRTF)

 1 

Well Done...

Well done FleetWatch. Its high time that a cohesive (if that is a possibility in this South Africa of ours) body of those involved in road transport be formed. 

It is not the interests only of the major role players that need a voice.

There are thousands of small operators who are in need of mentorship. Maybe this Club or Guild can put such a program into operation, whereby the larger transport companies agree to act as mentors to a smaller struggling operations. These would be SMME's that would like to run their business on sound principals but simply have neither the knowledge or wherewithal to do so. 

Stephanie Platt
Service Solutions

 2 

Sounds like...

Sounds like an excellent idea as long as it becomes a "DO"-shop and not another "Talk"-shop. 

Guido Marchio
Fleet Control Services

 3 

Long Overdue...

Long Overdue. The transport industry needs to be heard in SA as it does play a big role in the economy. Cost to operator must be made known soon as the cost to be a member of RFA is excessive and for little return. 

Whenever advice is given it must be good advice and worthwhile to the  operator. The small operator will welcome such a forum but it must be seen to be professional in all aspects of its operations. 

Must have professional people on its books who understand all aspects of the transport industry.

W J Hickey
Motor Vehicle Cariers/Transvice /Driver Entrepreneurs 2000

 4 

A remark I made...

A remark I made two years ago at Alta Swanepoel's Transport Legislation Workshop resulted in widespread interest in the formation of an Independent Road Transport Forum to stimulate debate around any issue that is not in the best interest of the industry and the economy as a whole. 

The idea suggests the optimisation of all or any of the existing resources engaged in representing various interest groups through co-operation and combined efforts to achieve specific objectives rather than by amalgamation. 

We are all aware of many issues already on the table or lurking in the wings that are not in the national interest and must be opened up wider debate to ensure proper consultation and consideration. These include:

• Reducing gross mass of vehicles without consultation and consideration by
  all stakeholders and roleplayers of alternatives or options. 

• Abolition of the five percent grace on axles and axle groups without considering the impact on load placement and diminishing loads.

• Unacceptable performance of Vehicle Test Stations and the SABS in terms of existing regulations 

• Unacceptable delays in the implementation and uniform, predictable  enforcement of the RTQS. 

• Unacceptable delays and frustration when licensing vehicles 

• Unacceptable fitness of some vehicles including commuter buses and touring coaches 

• Unacceptable delay in issuing PrDPs including renewals especially when all criteria have been met. 

• Ineffective performance of TETA (Transport Education & Training Authority) the industry's sector training authority. Limited access to training material, high costs and TETA personnel 

I am sure there are many more pressing issues including the Taxi re-capitalisation fiasco. If any organised group, regardless of its format, is to make a difference it must have huge support from every branch of road transport and its allied industries.

So lets start the debate, the discussion. Tell your colleagues, peer group, suppliers, even competitors there is an opportunity to coordinate the power of this huge and vital industry. We need your input, your ideas and suggestions, your concerns. Form small groups to co-ordinate your ideas about what should be tackled first, who should be involved.  

I am in a small group consisting of Ian Szapira of Shell SA; Frans Haasbroek, manager milk transport at Parmalat in Parow; Liam Hickey current IRTE chairperson in Cape Town; Herkie Brits, Vector Logistics; Charl Kruger, Van der Vyfer Transport; and Guido Marcio, Fleet Control Services.

Lets hear from you, soon!

Max Braun
Max Braun & Associates