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Copyright © 1999 FleetWatch magazine and FleetWatch On-Line. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission from the publishers. Views published are not necessarily those of the publishers. |
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| Past Issues |
August 1999
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Not Yet in the Death Throes Given the general tone of pessimism emanating from the accompanying feature on the truck hire industry, one has to ask the question: Is the industry in its death throes? The answer, thankfully, is no. There is still a future ahead - albeit on a smaller scale than in the past. Rent-A-Truck's George Johnson says unless there is a significant boost to the economy, the truck hire industry of the future will definitely be smaller than it is at present. But it will be there. "We are aiming to be part of this future and hopefully we will be sitting at the top end of the market." For his part, Tom Celliers of Fleetrent believes truck hire companies are going to have become more focused. "Too many companies are trying to be all things to all men. I believe if you are going to get into truck hire, you should niche yourself and stay there. You have to be as productive as possible during the peak periods and ride out the bad months." Elite Truck Hire's Les Tomsett says there is a future but the secret is to be able to read the market and prepare accordingly. "You have to decide why you are in business and what your service levels are going to be. You have to give value for money and keep your service promises." Kempston's Sue Rabie is upbeat about the future: "As the economy continues to pick up, so too will work volumes throughout all business sectors in South Africa. This in turn will have a positive impact on the truck hire industry. Current users of truck hire are broad-based and range from the building industry to the food Industry. For many, daily truck hire as and when needed remains a viable and affordable option. For smaller companies, hiring rather than buying is the only option." Cape-based operator Garry Smith, MD of Spear Truck Hire, is a relative newcomer to the truck hire business. He has been involved in long distance transport through his other company, Cape Produce for over 20 years and picked up on the hire business last year. He has adopted a ‘lean and mean’ approach to his revamped truck hire business and does not envisage expanding beyond its current 40 vehicles for the time being. Smith also talks of retaining a positive approach to business. He believes, however, that the tough times will continue to be a feature of the business for some time. "The situation must improve at some stage and we will be ready for it," he says confidently. "At the end of the day, it’s no use crying about times being hard. You have to stay focused and stay positive," is what Justine Vorster of Spartan Truck Hire says. One thing about these truck hire folk, they have an implacable optimism. However, the words of an experienced player who has been around for a long time, do tend to chill. "Where are we going? I wish I could answer that!" says Barmot's Sharon Cooper. "Under the current scenario, I see the future outlook as frightening. A statement like that coming from me is something new. I used to be the eternal optimist!" she says with a sigh. Alternative Articles |
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