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Past Issues

February 2005

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LET’S FACE IT - 2004 was a great year for the trucking industry. Not only did truck sales reach all time highs but the volume of goods moved by road instead of rail increased substantially thus impacting positively on the good fortunes of many trucking companies. There were also the downsides, of course. In an industry as multifaceted and complex as the trucking industry, there will always be downsides but I’m confident in saying there were more positives to the year than negatives. So what does 2005 hold for the industry? FleetWatch asked players in the industry for their views and what strikes me in the responses is the positive mood running throughout. However, there is also the realization that there are many ‘real’ challenges facing the industry. This industry is not only fueled by a healthy economy and healthy product. It also needs healthy drivers, a healthy road infrastructure, ‘healthy’ and effective law enforcement – to mention but a few of the many issues that impact on having a ‘healthy’ trucking industry. These challenges must be faced and overcome – and they can be. On this point, I’d like to throw my own bit into the pot. When things go right, South Africans have a habit of talking things down. "We must be doing something wrong because things are going so right," sort of thing. Don’t, for goodness sake, follow this tradition. And don’t, for goodness sake, listen to some desk-bound economist who needs to justify his role by digging for signs of doom. Tell him/her you’re not interested in the business outlook as you’re too busy looking out for business. Let’s ride the tiger while it’s on the move. Let’s not say ‘Whoa Tiger’. Rather, let’s crack the whip to keep him moving. We have so much going for us. Let’s maximize the potential.

For example, SA experienced superb economic growth last year. Great stuff but it means nothing to the over 40% of unemployed citizens out there. One of the big challenges facing us now is to translate that growth into creating jobs for the unemployed. And I’m not talking charity here. That person must add value in his or her role. And don’t wait for Government to take the first step. You’ll wait forever on that one – probably until President Mbeki decides to pay South Africa a visit sometime - and who knows when that will be. No, do something yourself. Think of where you can create another job in your organisation. Where can you add value to someone’s life and in turn, have value added by that person to your company? And I’m not talking top positions here. Do you have someplace where you can establish a garden around your depot or offices? I’ve visited factories overseas where the grounds look absolutely beautiful. They enhance the environment and the working days of employees, many of whom are seen sitting around the gardens during work breaks.

We should follow that example and brighten up our industrial areas – many of which look like the arm-pits of Africa - with colourful gardens. Do you have such a spot? Good, so what are you waiting for? Go employ someone as a gardener to establish and tend to it. You’ll add value to your company and to that person and his family. Then spread it. Challenge your neighbours to brighten up their premises by employing their own gardener. And then have a competition in your area to vote for the best kept garden. It can become an annual award. Then challenge other industrial areas and individual transport companies to follow suit by employing more gardeners to establish gardens and brighten the environment. And so it will spread….. If you can create just one job for one person, you will have made a huge difference. After all, 1 plus 1 equals 2; 2 plus 2 equals 4. You get my drift.

Let’s now hear what lies ahead in the words of those who responded to our request for the view ahead. And a big thanks to those who did respond. We appreciate the time and effort you put into sharing your views with our readers. By so doing, I believe you too have added value.

Thanks for that.