Fleetwatch

Stay safe and informed on the road with Cartrack’s AI Vision Cameras! Capture audio and video footage of every journey, protect against scams, and get real-time insights on driving behaviour. Prioritise safer travel today! 🚗💡 - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/ai-powered-fleet-protection-prevent-accidents-theft-with-cartrack

Celebrate with FleetWatch! 📚 Grab our exclusive Trucking Library for R1044.00—11 essential trucking books + 4 free posters! Email your order to [email protected]. - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/celebrate-transport-month-with-fleetwatchs-exclusive-trucking-library-offer

FleetWatch E-Magazine Vol 85 is Out – Ready for You to Explore! - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/fleetwatch-e-magazine-vol-85-is-out-ready-for-you-to-explore

60 years of ISUZU Trucks in South Africa - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/60-years-of-isuzu-trucks-in-south-africa

Expect a fuel price increase in November says the AA - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/expect-a-fuel-price-increase-in-november-says-the-aa

Are we doomed to an endless backwards and forwards at Pier 2 (Port of Durban)? - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/are-we-doomed-to-an-endless-backwards-and-forwards-at-pier-2-port-of-durban

Fuel prices drop again in October - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/fuel-prices-drop-again-in-october

THE N3 TOLL ROUTE IS ONCE AGAIN OPEN
Sept 22 – 21h30: Three cheers to all the services - including farmers and other private sector helpers - who have worked tirelessly since Friday night to not only help stranded truckers and motorists from a humanitarian perspective but also to get the road cleared and reopened to all traffic. Following this weekend’s severe snowfalls which caused major traffic disruptions and had road users stranded for almost two days between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith (SEE ATTACHED PICTURE AS A REMINDER OF THE CONDITIONS THAT WERE FACED), traffic authorities earlier this evening assessed the area between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith and gave the green light for travel to resume. As a result, the N3TC issued a statement announcing that mobility is now fully restored on the N3 Toll Route. In other words, the N3 is once again open to all traffic. They have recommended, however, that although the road is now safe enough for travel, road users only commence their trips tomorrow. That will obviously apply more to passenger vehicles. The ‘lorries’ will have to catch up lost time for deliveries and collections and will no doubt head off north and south right away. To all you truck drivers, please take it easy. We know you have to stick to time schedules but this has been an abnormal weekend and customers, unless they are totally deaf and blind, will be aware of the restraints imposed by the weekend weather on various routes, particularly that section of the N3 toll route between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith, so please drive safely. We value each and every one of you. Let’s get the wheels of the economy rolling again - but safely. For regular, verified route and traffic information on the N3, follow on X or call the 24/7 N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 to report problems or obtain emergency help. N3TC - N3 Toll Concession Pty Ltd

HARRISMITH TO TUGELA PLAZA STILL CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
Sept 22 – 13h15: FleetWatch is not sure where some people are getting – and spreading - their information that the Tugela Plaza to Harrismith section of the N3 is now open. This INFORMATION IS WRONG! THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD IS STILL CLOSED and will be for some time – probably the remainder of the day and even into the night. The 6 km section from Montrose to the town of Van Reenen is totally blocked with heavy trucks, along with a number of cars in-between these trucks. These are the vehicles that got stranded in the snow and they are spread over four lanes. Some of the cars and trucks have been abandoned. Every single vehicle needs to be manually moved which the emergency services are trying to do. It is a highly complex task and it is going to take a long time. Only light motor vehicles are currently being released southbound towards Tugela Plaza under es**rt of traffic officials. All trucks continue to be stacked in the area. Compounding the problem is that their efforts are being hampered by road users attempting to circumvent road closure points and/or safety instructions. The N3TC has asked road users to work with the disaster management teams, not against them and has advised all to avoid any attempts to travel between Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State. The road is wet and slippery and light vehicles have to be es**rted. As I write this (Sunday 22nd, 13h00), they have not even started on the heavy vehicles. Now here’s the crunch. Once the vehicles are rescued, the lanes will then have to be graded, then cleaned up and, if necessary, brine will have to be spread on that section – all this to avoid incidents once the road is finally opened. It is understandable that people who want to get to their destinations are agitated and impatient but they must know that the services have been working heroically around the clock to get the route cleared. Let those people think of those have been stranded in their vehicles since Friday night – many with no food during this time. Getting them rescued is a massive task. Also, I attached a pic of vehicles that were stuck in the back-up in Harrismith around the Highway Junction. This was yesterday - Saturday at midday. There were hundreds of trucks, cars and taxis held up there when the N3 and R74 were closed. If these vehicles are allowed to proceed, it would be chaos on the pass and they would not get through anyway due to what I have outlined above; and would just compound the problem. The same applies to the north bound vehicles stacked at the Tugela Plaza. So the message to all road users – trucks, taxis and cars – is to NOT VENTURE ANYWHERE THIS AREA TODAY. Forget it. If you are on the way – either north or south bound – turn around. Ben Deysel, owner of Highway Junction, told me this morning that about 90% of the trucks that were parked in Harrismith yesterday, have wisely headed back north to their home bases or wherever. Just cancel today while the emergency services try clear the road. And if see cars or trucks moving on this section, it is because they have been rescued. It is not new traffic which has been allowed on the pass. IT IS CLOSED. Accept it and go home and braai. And while doing so, spare a thought for all those who have been stuck in freezing cold without food for two days - and for the emergency services personnel who are trying to get them to safety. N3TC - N3 Toll Concession Pty Ltd

TIPS TO AVOID HYPOTHERMIA TO THOSE STUCK IN SNOW
Sept 21 - 19h20: While emergency services are doing their utmost to get to the hundreds of trucks and cars stranded on the N3 and other areas – especially on Van Reenen pass - due to the severe snow that has blanketed the area, the biggest fear of paramedics has been people getting hypothermia from the cold. This fear has now been realised with the report of one person dying of hypothermia. Howick crews, along with Midlands EMS rescue medics, were dispatched to a Merrivale shopping center for a person who had collapsed after being exposed to severe cold overnight while in a taxi stuck in traffic in the snow on the N3, traveling from Johannesburg towards KZN. The person was in a critical state of hypothermia, requiring urgent medical care. While en route to the hospital, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated. Full resuscitation efforts were performed but sadly, the patient was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital. With more snow predicted during the night, there’s a long and cold night ahead for the stranded motorists and truckers so FleetWatch is issuing this advisory regarding hypothermia.

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing your core temperature to drop below 35°C. It can happen rapidly during exposure to cold weather, especially if someone is stuck in a snowstorm in a vehicle without sufficient heat as so many are now. In hypothermia, the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature

Symptoms of Hypothermia:
1. Shivering (initially intense, then may stop as hypothermia progresses).
2. Slurred speech or mumbling.
3. Slow, shallow breathing.
4. Weak pulse.
5. Clumsiness or lack of coordination.
6. Drowsiness or confusion.
7. Memory loss.
8. Bright red, cold skin (especially in infants).
9. Unconsciousness in severe cases.

How to Avoid Hypothermia in a snowstorm:
1. Stay in the Vehicle:
Stay in the vehicle unless there’s an immediate risk. Leaving the vehicle increases your chances of getting lost or exposed to the elements.
2. Keep Warm:
Insulate yourself and layer up: Use extra clothing, blankets, or whatever you have to cover exposed skin. Add more layers of clothing to trap body heat. Cover your head neck and hands as heat is lost quickly through these areas.
3. Run the Engine Sparingly:
Run the car engine for 10 minutes every hour to generate heat, but make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Move to Generate Heat:
Move your arms and legs regularly to improve circulation, but avoid overexertion, which can accelerate heat loss through sweat.
5. Drink Warm Fluids if you have them
If possible, drink warm non-alcoholic beverages like tea or hot chocolate. This helps maintain body temperature from the inside. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can worsen heat loss.
6. Create Insulation:
Stuff newspapers, towels, or other insulating materials in your clothing to add warmth.
7. Stay Dry:
Wet clothing accelerates heat loss. If your clothes are damp, try to dry them out, or at least remove wet layers.

Staying calm and prioritizing warmth and hydration can be critical to survival in such conditions.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are stranded and know that emergency service are doing all within their power to get to you.

N3TC - N3 Toll Concession Pty Ltd

URGENT TRAVEL ADVISORY: AVOID TRAVELLING TONIGHT ON N3
Sept 20 - 19h05: Attention all trucks and cars: Severe weather, including heavy rain and snow, is making travel conditions on the N3 between Harrismith and Mooi River extremely treacherous. There have already been multiple incidents reported along the route and conditions are expected to worsen during the night. According to a senior traffic official to whom FleetWatch has just spoken, Van Reenen pass may have to be closed as there are pockets of ice on the road and trucks are losing traction. The R74 is already closed with some vehicles stuck in the snow. Do not risk travel in these hazardous conditions! STAY OFF THE ROAD

DAF Truck Rental Now Available with Babcock!
Looking to upgrade your fleet without a hefty investment? Babcock’s new DAF Truck Rental Program offers cutting-edge performance with unmatched financial flexibility.

In response to increasing demand for flexible fleet solutions, this program lets you operate state-of-the-art DAF trucks at lower monthly costs than traditional purchasing options. Explore how you can enhance your fleet with ease.

Read more - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/daf-truck-rental-now-available-with-babcock

Are you looking for high-quality used trucks or trailers at an unbeatable price? The countdown is on for TruckStore One Day Only Sale, our biggest Truck Sale of the year!
Get ready to drive away with huge discounts on various makes and models.
Mark your calendars you won’t want to miss this!
Visit our website www.truckstore.co.za/search or visit our Centurion Head office for more information.
TruckStore South Africa

'E' TRUCKS DOMINATE THE IAA SHOW - AND MASSIVE PRESENCE OF CHINESE
Sept 17th: By Patrick O'Leary: The IAA show in Hannover Germany is in full swing with the dominant theme being 'e' - battery-powered electric vehicles. The big news on the Daimler Truck stand is the new eActros 600. With a range of 500kms, this model is now ready for market with some 2000 orders already received from operators. The elephant in the much crowded 'e' room, however, which needs massive input from politicians is the roll out of charging infrastructure around Europe. According to Karin Radstrom, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks and designated CEO of Daimler Truck, 35000 high powered chargers will need to be installed by 2030 which translates into 400 needed to be installed every month. There is not much confidence being expressed that this will be achieved unless the politicians come to the 'e' party and seriously join the move towards decarbonisation. The trucks are ready; the OEMs like Daimler Truck have done their job. It's now up to the politicians to do theirs. It's all OK putting targets onto place for the reduction of CO2 emissions - 45% reductions by 2030 - with heavy penalties imposed if the OEMs don't reach those targets but those regulators and legislators now need to become enablers - and need to do so fast. That's the general feeling.
Another dominant trend here is the mind-boggling number of Chinese companies exhibiting, perhaps best summed up by one Chinese exhibitor I spoke to who, in reply to my comment that I was flabbergasted by the number of Chinese at the show, said jokingly: "Ja welcome to China." China is driving into all markets and the European companies are, if you read between the lines, a 'tad' concerned. Mmmmmmm.

🚚 South Africa’s First Hits the Road! 🚚
Big news for the future of logistics! DP World takes a massive step towards sustainability with the first electric Mercedes-Benz eActros truck in SA. 🌍🔋

Learn more about this groundbreaking moment and what it means for the transport industry.
👉 Click to read the full story: http://eepurl.com/iYVxVk

Fuso eCanter gets busy freight-carrying in Gauteng, South Africa and battery-swapping in Kyoto, Japan - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/fuso-ecanter-gets-busy-freight-carrying-in-gauteng-south-africa-and-battery-swapping-in-kyoto-japan

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY TO RIEKS TOWING
Sept 4th: Today marks an incredible milestone for Rieks Towing - 40 years of unwavering service to the trucking industry. It was on September 4, 1984 that Louwrens J. Riekert founded the company and over these past decades, the dedication to excellence and commitment to keeping our roads clear and safe have been nothing short of extraordinary. The company’s 24/7 availability and top-class service have been a lifeline to countless drivers and companies, ensuring that accidents are promptly and professionally handled and that the roads are reopened swiftly and safely. Along this path, Louwrens also played a critical role in establishing standards for the recovery industry in South Africa. He wrote operating procedures that were later copied and included in legislation that governs the industry, especially the Road Traffic Act. These greatly enhanced safe towing in South Africa. As you celebrate this remarkable achievement, know that your contributions have not only made the roads safer but have also built a legacy of trust and reliability that the industry deeply values. Here’s to your past success and to many more years of exceptional service ahead! From all of us at FleetWatch, we extend our warmest congratulations. Happy 40th birthday. The accompanying photographs show Louwrens J. Riekert (right) founder and managing director of Rieks Towing with his son, Louwrens J. Riekert (Jnr), general manager of the company. Forty years on and the family business stays strong. The other is one of the many magnificent rigs operated by the company

CAR JAMMERS STOLE MY PHONE IN UNDER 30 SECONDS
Around eight years ago, warning bells rang out via the media alerting motorists of car jammers lurking in parking lots, waiting to strike unattended vehicles. Well, a lot has happened since 2016 and perhaps, despite the many warning signs erected around parking lots and garage forecourts, car-jammers have slipped our collective petty theft radar. Not So! Car jammers continue to ply their trade, as FleetWatch editor Patrick O’Leary recently discovered after an act of brazen opportunism – captured by forecourt CCTV in under 30 seconds! FleetWatch correspondent Paul Collings tells Patrick’s story, as does the video footage,

It was late afternoon, a hot one. Patrick was on his way back from an event and needed a cool drink. He swung into a petrol station quick-shop for a can of Diet Coke to keep his blood sugar at premium performance levels. This type of retail therapy takes him no more than five minutes to complete, normally.

On the day in question, he was back at his car in four minutes (he was in a rush, as usual). He climbed behind the wheel of his five-door car and muscle memory kicked in – key in ignition, reach for the phone which was on the passenger seat hidden under a jacket undergoing a protracted charging session on a power bank - or so he thought. His left hand came up empty!

A sudden thud struck his chest cavity. His eyes darted to where he left his phone. Nada! Gone. He searched the floor wells and under the seats. He climbed out the car and checked all his pockets. He traced his steps back into the shop but found no sign of his phone or the phone itself.

“I never, ever, leave my phone in the car but it had run flat and I needed to make one or two urgent calls so before going into the shop, I attached it to a power bank and put it under my jacket on the passenger seat. I thought it would be safe as I would only be a few minutes gone and I had parked right in front of the entrance to the shop. BIG MISTAKE,” he recalls.

Realising that it had been stolen, it was then he exploded. “Some low-life criminal has got into my car and stolen my phone.” But how could it have been stolen? After all, he had locked the car with the remote. His raised voice caught the attention of all the forecourt attendants who came across assuring him that no-one had seen anything untoward. And they hadn’t.

One of the guys said they had cameras and he would ask the manager to check. It took about five minutes for the manager to emerge with his cell phone. “I’m sorry sir, but these guys got into your car,” he said as he played the video which he had transferred to his phone from his CCTV system. They both stood watching the nefarious act go down, Patrick taking rapid and deep gulps of his Diet Coke.

The video shows two guys in a car swooping in next to Patrick’s car (driver’s side) a second or two after he enters the shop. The driver parks askew, ready for a rapid exit. The driver’s cohort springs out the passenger side and casually tries the driver door latch. It opens and the thief leans in, fumbles around, pulls himself up straight and goes to the boot of the car. That doesn’t open (“Nice!”). He then tries a rear passenger door (driver’s side) to see if he can get to the boot from inside the car. He can’t.

He climbs out cool as you like and closes the hatchback’s passenger door while spinning on his heels as the driver reverses to obscure the scene from the eyes of motorists at the fuel pumps. The culprit opens the getaway car passenger door and executes a running mount (like Lee Van Cleef in that spaghetti western), and off into the sunset they ride, with Patrick’s phone!

“All of this criminal activity happened in less than 30 seconds! And nobody noticed anything untoward! Unbelievable! So brazen!” said Patrick to the manager after watching the brief but vile scene play out.

He knew the video wouldn’t help the cops catch the thieves as the quality of the video was not good enough to recognize the number plates and even if it was, they were probably false. And the face of the thief wasn’t clear either. The manager also admitted this saying they were planning to install better quality cameras.

“But how did they get in? I locked the car,” Patrick asked. It then dawned on him. He emitted a strong, raspy laugh - followed with: “AAARGH! I forgot all about CAR JAMMERS and I hadn’t made sure my car doors were locked after pressing the remote and walking away! They jammed my signal.”

“Can you email the video to me,” he asked the manager. “I want to show others how fast these guys operate. I made two crucial mistakes and there are some lessons here.”

Equipped with a new phone, Patrick reflects: “I guess I was lucky that I didn’t have my camera gear or my laptop in the car. But, losing a phone is bad enough. The headache of replacing a cellphone, not to mention more valuable stuff, is familiar territory for most of us, not to mention the dent one receives in the wallet. But, there’s a takeaway from all of this, and it’s not a cool drink.” So here’s Patrick’s official FleetWatch Public Service Announcement:

“BEWARE and BE AWARE of CAR JAMMERS! These guys can outsmart the latest electronic keyless car-locking tech, clearly! Car jammers have one shot at blocking your car remote’s signal and that’s when you press the button on the key toggle to lock the doors and leave the vehicle. Let others learn from my mistake. Most parking lots have warning signs of jamming displayed and as this experience shows, those warning signs are there for a good reason.

“PLEASE, PEOPLE - BEFORE YOU WALK AWAY FROM YOUR VEHICLE – CAR OR TRUCK - DOUBLE-CHECK THAT THE DOORS ARE LOCKED! And don’t ever leave your cell phone in your vehicle – even if you’re only going to be a few minutes - and even if it’s hidden. I broke those two sacrosanct rules – and it cost me my phone, not to mention the horrible feeling of my personal and private space being invaded by criminals.”

Patrick’s anti-car jamming message is not just for you truckers out there but also for all motorists in the fold. Be sure to share it with your tribe.

CAR JAMMERS CAUGHT ON CAMERA STEALING MY PHONE Car jammers continue to ply their trade, as FleetWatch editor Patrick O’Leary discovered after an act of brazen opportunism – captured by forecourt CCTV in u...

Keep tabs on your fleet and drivers - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/reduce-fleet-costs-with-artificial-intelligence-ai-from-tracker-9289311

CHEERS DAVE SCOTT. YOUR JOB IS DONE.
August 16th: Dave Scott, a great friend of the trucking industry and a man who earned huge respect for his holistic knowledge of the workings of this sector, passed on at 10.00pm on August 15th. Having started out in 1966 as a trainee truck salesman for Cargo Motors Mercedes-Benz Truck Division in Johannesburg, Dave stayed in the industry all his life contributing in so many ways to the betterment of the industry passing on his huge font of knowledge to whoever would ask through his training activities. Dave also served as Technical Correspondent for FleetWatch for 30 years writing many award winning articles and breaking down highly complex technical issues into easy-to-understand language that never failed to add value.

Dave was also one of our expert trainers on the FleetWatch Brake & Tyre Watch project where, from the very first session, he enthusiastically passed on his knowledge to traffic officials around the country. He was active in so many other ways through his love of the industry and the people within it. Well, he’s now on his way to joining his good mates Jack Webster, Max Braun and Wolfgang Lehmann in heaven and you can bet your bottom dollar that between the four of them, the fleet of angel chariots is going to be closely inspected for sky-worthiness with total new fleet management principles and practices being put into place to ensure a higher degree of transport productivity and efficiency from the angel chariot fleet.

There is a saying: “I like to leave people a little richer in spirit for knowing me.” Dave you have left us all millionaires in spirit for knowing you. RIP you great man – we gonna miss you but your job is done. And our sincere condolences are extended to his wife, two daughters and the rest of his lovely family. We luvya all.

Climate-neutral trucking: electric trailers, hydrogen-powered retail HCVs, e-trucks and green compliance - https://mailchi.mp/fleetwatch/climate-neutral-trucking-electric-trailers-hydrogen-powered-retail-hcvs-e-trucks-and-green-compliance

Huge thanks to Truck and Car Body Repairs for sponsoring a hole at the FleetWatch Fundraising Golf Day! Your support helps us make a lasting impact at the Siyathuthuka Centre. Let’s play for a purpose!

Thank you, GRW, for sponsoring a hole at today’s FleetWatch Golf Day! Your generosity is key in supporting the Siyathuthuka Centre. We’re proud to have you on board!