Over the past two decades, DAF Trucks has established a firm foothold in Southern Africa, with a strong reputation for quality, reliability and performance. Under the stewardship of Babcock, the official distributor of DAF in the region, the brand has grown significantly, recently galvanising its rise to prominence with further entry into two fleets – one South African and the other in Tanzania.
In 2024, Commodity Logistix Managers Africa (CLM Africa), a company that specializes in mining equipment, bulk commodities and logistics, made a strategic shift to DAF Trucks for its fleet needs. Now, CLM Africa is expanding its side tipper fleet with an additional ten DAF units, underscoring the growing partnership and the mutual trust between the two companies.
At the heart of this expansion is the strong, long-standing relationship between CLM Africa and Babcock sales representative, Alfred Hoyer, who has been working closely with the company for several years.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with CLM Africa for a number of years and that trust has been a major factor in their decision to go with DAF,” says Hoyer, who has built rapport with CLM Africa’s management through his previous roles before joining Babcock.
“When we first introduced them to DAF Trucks in 2024, there was little hesitation. The relationship we’ve fostered over time played a crucial role in their confidence in making the switch,” Hoyer adds.
For CLM Africa, the decision to embrace DAF was not just about the trucks but the comprehensive solution Babcock offered. “We’re not just selling trucks; we’re offering a full package – financing, maintenance and aftersales support. Our clients can rely on us for the complete package, ensuring their fleet runs smoothly and efficiently,” Hoyer explains.
The client’s first purchase in 2024 was five DAF XF480 Smart Spec models. The choice was driven by a combination of factors: the premium European brand’s reputation, the proven performance of DAF Trucks and the strong backing from Babcock.
The five DAF XF480 units delivered last year have already proven themselves in terms of performance, fuel efficiency and driver comfort, Hoyer says: “These qualities were pivotal in securing the new deal for ten more units, which will also come with ten new trailers. This new package will again be financed through Babcock Financial Services.”
At the heart of the XF480 is the Paccar MX-13 Euro engine. This engine offers more power and torque than the previous version – up to 2 500 Nm on the 480 hp model, thanks to a new common rail design and higher injection pressures. These upgrades not only improve engine performance but also lead to significant fuel savings, particularly in long-haul interlink applications.
The vehicle’s driveline is equally impressive, with the new ZF 12-Speed Traxon Direct-Drive gearbox contributing to improved fuel efficiency by offering a higher input torque rating and a lower differential ratio.
Driver comfort is another key factor in the DAF XF480’s success. Hoyer points out that the vehicle’s interior is designed to improve the driving experience without overwhelming the operator. “The ergonomic features and intuitive design make it easier for drivers to adapt quickly, even if they’re new to the DAF product. The instrument cluster and driver coaching system also help drivers optimise vehicle performance and fuel efficiency,” he adds.
As CLM Africa continues to expand its fleet, the on-going relationship with Babcock and the quality of the DAF trucks are expected to play a significant role in their future success. “It’s about more than just selling trucks – it’s about offering a complete, reliable solution that helps our customers succeed,” Hoyer concludes
Going Dutch in Tanzania
In another recent sales coup, Hoyer laid the groundwork for collaboration between Dutch Health, Babcock and Usangu Logistics, a Tanzanian logistics company expanding its operations across East and Central Africa.
When Dutch Health was tasked with sourcing a fleet of trucks for its Tanzanian client, Usangu Logistics, a critical requirement was a strong Dutch connection. Known for its expertise in medical equipment and healthcare solutions, Dutch Health had recently branched into the transport sector to assist Usangu Logistics with the procurement and financing of 30 new trucks.
Usangu, looking to enhance its capabilities as a surface logistics and road transportation provider in East and Central Africa, was particularly keen to find trucks that aligned with its expansion into Southern Africa.
“Securing financing for such a large-scale purchase can often present challenges, particularly in a market where financial institutions are becoming more risk-averse. Despite Dutch Health’s lack of previous experience in the heavy transport sector, the company demonstrated impressive agility by securing a turnkey finance solution for the acquisition of 30 DAF CF430 FTT trucks from Babcock,” Hoyer explains.
A key factor in the success of the deal was the requirement from Dutch Health’s Netherlands-based funding partner that at least 20% of the truck components originate from the Netherlands. With DAF’s strong Dutch heritage, Babcock was well-equipped to meet this requirement.
“Our collaboration with Dutch Health and our ability to deliver the right vehicle specifications were instrumental in Usangu’s decision to choose DAF Trucks,” Hoyer adds.
The trucks, equipped with flat-deck trailers to transport various goods, were successfully delivered in 2024. As part of the delivery process, Babcock sent two technicians to conduct pre-delivery inspections at Usangu Logistics’ Tanzanian depot. Additionally, a shipment of genuine DAF parts was provided to support the fleet’s operations. Although Usangu Logistics is fully capable of servicing its trucks locally, they also have the option of maintaining the fleet in South Africa during trips to the region, ensuring maximum operational efficiency.
Looking ahead, Babcock and Dutch Health are working together on the procurement of an additional 30 DAF units for Usangu Logistics, while also exploring further opportunities for other African clients.
“We’re pleased with the successful delivery of the Tanzanian project in close cooperation with Babcock. This partnership was executed with full transparency, and we are currently working on two more projects in Africa involving DAF Trucks,” says Pieter Wiemers, managing director of Dutch Health BV.
The new collaboration underscores DAF’s success in the African market, as it expands its footprint across the continent.
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