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April 2006 |
The local automotive sales boom is showing no signs of slowing down and the auto carrier industry has its work cut out for it, and then some. With a dearth of local auto carrier trailer builders, companies like Forecourt Express (a division of Cargo Africa, part of the Imperial Group) have had to look offshore to find the right trailers to meet the demands of their car manufacturing clients, reports Paul Collings.
Rolfo is an Italian trailer building company that opened shop in 1885, supplying ox wagons to Italian farmers and merchants. Now in its 4th generation, this family business is Europe's second largest auto carrier trailer manufacture, specialising in 'wagons' that not only accommodate cars but bulk freight and multi-modal containers as well.
Three in one
This innovative approach to trailer design led Cargo Africa to requisition 20 auto carriers from Rolfo to augment its existing Forecourt Express fleet. The company also bought 20 new DAF CF long wheelbase tractors to haul the new rigid/drawbar combination. Truck trailer specialist, Peter Grove (MD, Peter Grove Sales) co-ordinated the deal between Cargo Africa, Rolfo and DAF: "cars are getting increasingly expensive and need to be adequately protected while in transit from manufacturer to dealer. The Rolfo trailer is a first in South Africa - a tautliner that can carry up to eleven cars, as well as paletted goods and freight containers," he says.
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| DAF CFs were chosen because of their long wheelbase, low cab roof and suitability for line haul duties. Eight were available locally while twelve more had to be shipped in pronto from Eindhoven. |
According to Grove, the total tare mass of the rig is 21 tons with a payload of 20 tons. The trailer uses a combination of aluminium and Domex steel to keep tare low at 12.8 tons. "The advanced electronics and hydraulics make the rig very user friendly. It's a one-man job to convert the trailer to suit different cargo. The trailer roof is adjustable up to 5 metres and an electronic eye on the trailer headboard warns the driver when a load exceeds the legal limit."
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| The Standard Rolfo carrier can haul 9 cars, 11 in the deluxe version. |
At the handover, Cargo Africa MD, Alan Taylor thanked Rolfo guests, Dario Rolfo (CEO) and Michele Sobrino (MD), who made their first trip to South Africa for the event. "Rolfo has delivered unparalleled workmanship and their completely closed tautliner auto carrier has generated a lot of interest among car manufacturers." Taylor also thanked DAF MD, Phil de Wet for the efforts his team put in, adjusting its horses to fit the new trailers.
In response, Sobrino said: "South Africa, apart from being a beautiful country, offers a great opportunity for Rolfo to extend its international client base."
Empowering owner-drivers
Owner-drivers from Cargo Africa Driver Empowerment (CADE) will pilot the new vehicles. According to Geoff Glass, Financial Director, Cargo Africa, "While the trailers belong to Cargo Africa, CADE drivers take ownership of the truck tractors after five years of service. Each driver has his own close corporation, which falls under the financial and administrative 'umbrella' of CADE. The fact that the new trailers allow for multi-loads minimises the chance of running empty on return trips and enables drivers optimise their earning potential."
All about teamwork
When one considers all the players involved in getting these new rigs up and riding on our roads, caps must be doffed. Distances between Europe and SA aside, the project management finesse executed by Cargo Africa and its partners should serve as a blueprint for other progressive auto carriers in the country.
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