Fleet Management Consultancy

13/11/2015

A new blog is up on our site: Driver Awareness of Fuel Consumption. We give you tips on how to save on this precious (and expensive) commodity. http://technicalfleetmanagement.com/news/driver-awareness-of-fuel-consumption

As a driver, you are the most significant player in the company who can save on operational costs. As a Professional driver holding a PrDP it is your responsibility to improve on your Fuel Consumption. As an alert and courteous driver you can make a considerable contribution on fuel saving and ultim…

05/11/2015

We are proud to announce our brand new website. Please visit http://technicalfleetmanagement.com to see what we do and how we can be of service.

11/05/2015

It has been widely recognised and the principle accepted, both by the freight transport industry and the law enforcement authorities, that there is a need, in certain cases, to extend the responsibility of heavy vehicle overloading to the consignor and consignee, who may also benefit from the overlo…

21/04/2015

Topic for this month is Semi-Trailer Maintenance.
Due to the relatively simple construction of semi-trailers and interlink trailers, owners and operators are happy to utilize these vehicles with very little attention being given to preventative maintenance.
As this is the vehicle that actually carries your load, we urge owners, operators and drivers to pay more attention to the all important safety aspects of on-the-road use.
The points that should be taken into consideration whilst doing preventative maintenance are:
1 Brake Adjustment and foundation brake inspection.
Many owners will fit new linings to brake shoes without paying any attention brake drums. My advice to all Owners and Operators is that when a brake re-line need to be done, a professional service provider be called in to measure the brake drum wear. There are strict rules and regulations pertaining to the allowable wear on brake drums.
2 Brake Booster Activation:
It is commonly found that incorrect boosters are fitted to trailers - although stroke length appears to be correct, the booster could be at it's maximum stroke and therefore not activating the brakes.
My advice is that when brakes are adjusted, the wheels should be jacked off the ground; brakes adjusted until the wheel binds - then make a half turn off until the wheel spins freely.

It stands to reason that if your brake drum is worn beyond the 10% allowable by law, and the incorrect booster is fitted (with a short stroke) the brakes will be inefficient
This, together with the lack of inspections and preventative maintenance is a short cut to disaster!
Next month I will touch on the maintenance of the fifth wheel and air supply.
Till then take care and drive safely

21/03/2015

This month, I am going to discuss Section 49 of the National Road Traffic Act of 1996 - specifically the Responsibility of the Operator.
The first point that I would like to emphasize is the fact that, whether you own your vehicle, or whether it is on hire, the responsibility lies with you - the Operator or your designated Proxy, to ensure the following:
1 DRIVER
Proper control must be maintained over your drivers to make sure that they comply with the provisions of the Act -
Have they got a valid EC Licence (Code 14)? Have you validated this?
Do they have an up to date Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)? Please ensure that application for the renewal of a PrDP is done at least six weeks before the old one expires. Failing this - it is advisable to apply for a temporary driving permit.
Is he aware of the legal capacity of his vehicle?
Is he aware of the safety of his load - does he have the wherewithal to accomplish this?
Does he do an accurate daily pre-trip check? Do you pay attention to any defect that he highlights?

2 ROAD-WORTHINESS OF THE VEHICLE
Every vehicle over 3500 kg must have an annual Certificate Of Fitness done at a Certified Vehicle Testing Station. (It includes truck tractors, rigid goods vehicles, semi-trailers and draw-bar trailers)
It has been identified in our travels, that one of the most neglected vehicles is the semi-trailer. It is advisable to do regular maintenance with a weekly inspection of tyres, brakes and fifth wheels rather than leaving everything for the week before the COF is due! Don't forget about tail lights and reverse sirens.

Regular training and attention to your vehicle/s and the driver on your part, will go a long way to ensuring that none of the above points becomes an issue.

Until next time - safe driving.

24/01/2014

We have spent the past week visiting quarries and doing vehicle safety inspections.
We have been both heartened and concerned!
Pleased that many owners are taking responsible care of their trucks.
Concerned that tyres and brakes continue to be problems that are given low priority.
Fleet Management Consultancy advises all heavy duty truck owners to take an active and hands on role in the maintenance of their vehicles.

14/01/2014

We're traveling around the Northern Province & Eastern Free State visiting clients and have discovered a disturbing series of incidents where it appears that insufficient attention is being given to maintenance on heavy duty delivery vehicle combinations. In light of the recent tragedies & loss of life over the Christmas season, Fleet Management Consultancy advises heavy vehicle operators to pay more attention to brakes and other safety features on their rigs.

21/11/2013

In October 13 new Owner Drivers from CCSC in Mpumulanga received their new trucks. Well done - you worked hard for this!