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Past Issues

September 2005

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The FleetWatch Training & Development Academy's first set of workshops in July and August were a resounding success, getting the thumbs up from all delegates. The courses, under the title 'A Roadmap to Cost Effective Trucking', focused on the many disciplines of transport management that ensure the financial success of the business. Workshop convener, Max Braun presented the delegates with a set of modules designed to give anyone working in the transport arena a solid understanding of the basic principles of managing a fleet of trucks. His presentations included theoretical and practical insights, hands-on case studies and anecdotes from the world of truck transport that were enlightening and amusing. 

Here are some testimonials from some of the 44 delegates who attended the first set of workshops:

"This course compels one to go back and take a critical look at one's own operations" 
"I leave with more information to enable me to make informed decisions."
"Excellent course - enjoyed the case studies"
"From a vehicle supply point of view, it is essential that all sales personnel understand operating costs fully"
"Sensitises one to go back and look critically at one's own operations" 
"The course gave us a hands-on approach on how to manage our transport business. Very worthwhile"
"I learnt a lot and am very thankful" 
"The content of these workshops will definitely assist me and change my current criteria"

November workshops announced
The next set of workshops will be held in Johannesburg at the Cabanga Conference Centre on November 8, 9 and 10, where delegates will be empowered with knowledge and skills they can use as soon as they return to the workplace. 

Says Braun: "Successful trucking operations in a mature transport market like South Africa hinges on how much cost can be taken out of operations while still meeting customer expectations. Getting more transport with fewer vehicles is a sure way to reduce distribution costs."

This may sound easier said than it actually is to achieve in reality but once delegates have passed through the various modules the Academy offers, they will have a solid understanding of the essential disciplines, concepts and practices to enable more cost-effective trucking within their own operations.

Skills for smarter trucking
Each of the three one-day workshops focuses on a comprehensive range of key transport management techniques found in most transport operations.

Workshop 1 - Getting to grips with the cost of operating and owning trucks

Workshop 2 - Choosing the right truck and maintaining it to make a profit and extend its economic life

Workshop 3 - Managing Transport: The work we do to ensure cost-effective use of transport

The modules are easy-to-understand and simple-to-implement, giving delegates the skills to:

• Collect, assess and evaluate relevant information as it applies to key operating costs and improving fuel-efficiency. 

• Demonstrate and/or describe basic methods and procedures to solve problems applicable to vehicle operating costs.

• Comprehend and describe the key criteria in selecting the right vehicle for a particular job

• Source information and assistance from suppliers and service providers to gain assistance in choosing vehicles and compiling maintenance plans

• Review, asses and appoint outside contractors and service providers

• Identify key criteria needed to assess the type of vehicle best suited to complete a specific transport task

• Source assistance from vehicle manufacturers and other service providers competent to undertake vehicle performance calculations applicable to a specific transport task

• Set up a simple procedure to select drivers best suited to the transport task that needs to be undertaken.

Learn how to manage the challenges
"The content of the workshops has been carefully designed to accommodate newcomers and the more experienced to the dynamic world of managing and operating trucks," says Braun. "This is especially pertinent at a time when everyone involved in the trucking industry must face up to and learn how to manage the daunting challenges of high fuel prices, a chronic shortage of good and reliable drivers and fierce competition from fly-by-night truckers."

Attendance is limited to ensure all participants have the opportunity to gain full benefit from the proceedings.