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A long way
from Ideal
Truckstops are an integral part
of the trucking scene in South Africa and yet are surrounded by
controversy in terms of providing the correct facilities for this
country's truck drivers. Are the facilities adequate or not? This
is the question we posed to FleetWatch's husband and wife truck
driving correspondents, Walter and Carol Van Piggelen. Here is what
they think. As readers will gauge from the underlying sarcasm in
the introductory paragraph, it's not good news.
It is high time this subject is brought
into the public eye to show how our fuel companies 'take care' of
long-distance drivers. As you read through my observations, you
will begin to realise why the majority of South African truck drivers
feel they are the forgotten ones who are taken for granted and not
afforded the measure of dignity and consideration which they deserve.
Total
This supplier seems to have adopted a policy which does not involve
truckers at all. It is also fair to state that they do not plant
the country-side full of fuel stations as do all the other major
fuel suppliers. What is nice, however, is that despite them having
very few large filling stations along our major routes (N1, N2,
N3, N7 and N10), the three "big" ones that are available - at Mosselbay,
Swinburne and Ventersburg - have lovely, clean public restrooms.
Also their forecourts are well kept and clean. Still, they do not
seem to be bothered by, or aware of the fact that truckers would
like to take a shower and clean themselves! I feel they really need
to pull up their socks if they want to gain more favour with truckers
who, in turn, may persuade their bosses to open fuel accounts with
this company.
Engen
Engen is definitely one of the major role players locally. This
company started out very nicely indeed - they still have clean forecourts
and reasonably clean "public" restrooms. However, it is sad to have
to add that despite them initially getting off on the right foot,
they have now let their drivers' 'restrooms' deteriorate to such
a state that one is reluctant to make use of their facilities. Again
it is fair to say in their favour that there are some very uncivilised
characters among us truckers that seem to mess up things for the
majority. Even so, it is pretty clear that Engen needs to pay more
attention to the maintenance of their premises. There are exceptions
of course, one being Engen Springfontein. This service station clearly
stands out from the rest of them. One can see that the owner of
this station stays on top of things and takes pride in keeping his
premises in tip-top shape. My advice to Engen is to introduce a
system that allows for better control of its amenities. Why is it
not possible for all the Engens to be like the one in Springfontein?
One big plus - especially for the many
women who are out there on the road - is that Engen does provide
separate showers for women. At Kroonstad and Bloemfontein, these
are situated inside the public restrooms but again, they are not
always clean or properly maintained. In this regard, Springfontein
must again be mentioned, although the women's showers are not available
at night when the owner is not there. Again on the plus side, we
have heard that Mariannhill is re-vamping its facilities and we
are also hearing good things about the new Engen Highway Junction
situated at Harrismith. At the time of writing this article, the
Engen Highway Junction was not yet open but word has it that it
will be a top facility.
BP (British Petroleum)
As with Engen, BP is also one of the major fuel suppliers with a
long-standing relationship as a 'leader' in South Africa. BP has,
despite this, deteriorated more than the others in as far as their
truck-stops are concerned. A couple of years ago, BP initiated the
"BP King of the Road" club to which all drivers could belong. To
coincide with this, they had in place what seemed to be a serious
campaign in support of the long distance driver. Alas, this scheme
died a quiet death leaving most drivers with a sense of loss and
abandonment. Along with this, BP also went into a gradual backward
slide as far as their service and care for the truckers was concerned.
The truckers' restrooms are in a terrible condition. They are dirty,
smelly and in a state of disrepair. What was once a haven for our
truckers is now a place you go to only for fuel - and this only
if you have to because the company you work for holds an account
with them!
What happened to "we like to keep
you moving?" Along with this, the attitude of BP's management seems
to be one of "we're not interested in your complaints". It seems
selling fuel is more important than looking after your client's
drivers.
Caltex
Caltex has recently undergone a programme of upgrading and renewing
its sites. As with most of it's competitors, all looks nice and
shiny and one must add, clean to perfection! Still, there is a lack
of driver facilities such as showers. Their forecourts are at this
given stage the cleanest. The funny thing, however, is that the
trucks must park behind the buildings out of sight and, it seems,
also out of mind, leaving the truck drivers a long walk through
rain and wind to get to the toilets and restaurants. Why is this?
Apart from that, I must say: Good work Caltex! Please keep it up
and if possible, improve on it.
Shell
The name Shell needs no introduction. However, it is sad to have
to say that their sites are in pretty much the same state as Engen's.
Shell also upgraded its premises' throughout the country some years
ago - in vain it seems. There are some stations which are in a reasonable
state - which means when you are desperate they are good enough
to use, if only to get yourself clean. Surely one could expect a
company like Shell to go that extra mile in providing and maintaining
a high standard in their drivers' restrooms - in the same manner
as they maintain their public restrooms?
Zennex (Gauteng)
This company, as with Sasol, is small and more locally represented
in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. As such, it does not have anything for
truckers. This is, in a way, acceptable seeing that they are not
on the same level as the other bigger companies!
General stops
Here is where the worst situations of all exist. There are no real
specialised truckstops in our major centres in South Africa. To
put it into perspective, let me take it city by city.
Johannesburg Steeledale Truckport
(Shell)
This truckstop mainly gets used by Fast 'n Fresh and Atlantis Transport
as their base in Gauteng and therefore is usually so full that one
is left to park in the street (if you want to have your spare wheels
stolen or worse, get hijacked)!
Engen Truckstop, Wadeville
This is a small one that has no appeal to most truckers because
of it's situation. The area is unsafe, there is no clean parking
for the truck (muddy when it rains) and the showers are not good!
Magnew Truckport (Caltex)
Used by Swift Transport for its international services to and from
Zimbabwe and Zambia. The stopover is also used by a high-profile
dry-bulk carrier. With the space available to them, it is therefore
usually very congested. The same is also applicable here as with
Steeledale - you park in the street with the same risks that apply
to the rest of Gauteng.
City Deep Fresh Produce Market (Engen)
Although this site is not recognised as a truckstop, it is because
of it's favourable position that it is used and preferred by many
truckers - also because most of them, at some time or another, go
there to deliver to one of the market agents. It is not the most
ideal in terms of showering but parking space is in abundance. It
seems though that the new market manager is bent on changing this
judging by all the new 'no stopping' and 'no parking' signs!
Durban Mariannhill Engen Truckstop
This truckstop is grossly over-used and because of this, suffers
the consequences thereof (actually the correct word would be abuse)!
The owner is fighting a losing battle. Even though it is still okay,
the problem of finding parking makes one opt for going elsewhere.
As mentioned above, we have heard that this facility is to be revamped.
Springfield Park Truckstop
The only other truckstop in Durban of which I am aware. Look, I
don't want to be too heavy in my opinion towards the owner of this
place but it is avoided by any driver with self-respect. The prostitutes
are a continual bother when you are trying to sleep and there is
also a big problem with regards to the theft of tyres and cargo.
Cape Town Shell Truckstop in Epping
A small, over-used park of which the less is said the better!
Winelands Truckstops (North and
South bound) 1-Stops
See Engen Truckstops in general!! Sentinel Transport seems to have
"taken over" the South-bound one and I - along with my wife - have
experienced being prevented from using the showers by their drivers.
There is also a bad plague of rats at this place!
Port Elizabeth Engen Truckstop,
Swartkops
This park is used by Sentinel Transport as a depot. Nevertheless,
the place has ample parking which is well lit. Unfortunately, the
showers and restaurant are not up to scratch.
Shell Truckstop, Deal Party:
I have it from witnesses that this one is pretty good. Is there
a glimmer of hope?
Caltex Truckstop - just before Swartkops
This site is to me - and many of my fellow truckers - a place you
avoid like the plague. The park has all the required amenities,
including a bar/restaurant. Unfortunately the combination of prostitutes
and some drivers' excessive use of alcohol does not allow for a
peaceful night's rest! Also, the cleanliness of the drivers' restrooms/showers
leaves much to be desired!
East London Haulgoods Engen Truckstop
This is the only one in this town and terrible is the only way I
can describe this joint. If you like dirt, are fond of prostitutes
bothering you when you want to buy something at the restaurant or
go to the toilet or want to sleep, this is the place for you! The
forecourt is absolutely filthy and covered with spilt diesel and
oil. It is unpleasant to stay there and that is putting it mildly.
I prefer to sleep on the beach front and get a shower at the Backpackers.
Pick of the crop Tugela Truck Inn
The truck stop I rate tops in South Africa - and one which stands
out high above the others - is the Tugela Truck Inn near Ladysmith.
It's probably the only place which can boast all-round success.
There are plenty of showers for men and even a private one for women
- and they are always clean with plenty of hot water. The parking
area is dusty but plans are underfoot to tar it. The manager lives
on the premises and is hands-on. This I couldn't help but notice
due to the absence of any authoritative person at other places.
I call this truck stop my 'home from home' - as I'm sure most of
the regulars do! It's a favourite stopover of Loubser's Linehaul
for instance. You can order home-cooked meals freshly prepared with
vegetables - and even pudding. Prices are reasonable to cheap! Most
noticeable are the clean tables and chairs! There is even a monthly
competition, this being a highlight that drivers really look forward
to. This is the only truck stop that gives something back to the
drivers in this way. A bonus is 24-hour security, a braai area plus
two television sets Tugela Truck Inn offers a peasant respite for
a weary trucker to rest his head, play pool with colleagues and
receive friendly service. We always end up spending a longer time
than anticipated there but it's well worth while. See you there.
To sum it up, the overall picture
of South Africa's truckstops is not a good one. They are in poor
shape and lack the basics such as laundry facilities, clean ablutions,
security, recreation facilities and other amenities that make life
on the road a pleasure rather than a slog. Let me be honest. Judging
by the treatment we as truck drivers receive while we go about our
task of keeping the wheels of the economy moving, it seems to us
that we are viewed as necessary evils in the system and are therefore
deserving of the disrespect and disdainful treatment we receive.
If this is the way the men and women drivers of our country are
treated, then it is about time somebody does something about it.
Perhaps the unions are striking for the wrong reasons! Maybe our
Government, represented in our industry sector by Minister Mac Maharaj,
is not really interested in our plight. Who is?
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