From the Editor’s Desk
June 19, 2026
In response to the ‘From the Editor’s Desk’ comment in last week’s newsletter titled “While politicians debate ideology, businesses navigate the fallout”, I received an email from Jayesh “Tiny” Daya, director of TDRSA (Pty) Ltd (Trans Diff Remanufacturing SA). In his mail, he explained how the points made in the comment resonated with him as the owner of a small specialist driveline remanufacturing business. For those who missed it or would like to refresh their memories, the comment can be read here. https://fleetwatch.co.za/fleetwatch-article/while-politicians-debate-ideology-businesses-navigate-the-fallout/.
Reading his words struck a chord that we all too often miss. It’s a chord played by hundreds of smaller technical businesses across the country, yet one that is seldom heard above the orchestral music played by the larger players. This is a mistake often made when talking about the trucking industry. We mention well-known names such as DP World, Unitrans, Value Group, Hestony Transport, HFR, Reinhardt Transport, Ni-Da and other major operators. However, the vast majority of trucks on our roads are operated by small- to medium-sized companies with nowhere near the fleet sizes of the industry’s biggest players.
These companies seldom attract the limelight but they are essential members of the trucking industry. I am reminded of one night some years ago when we conducted a truck lighting survey on the N3 at Tugela Plaza. We started at around 20h00 and finished at approximately 03h00 the following morning. Relaxing over a cup of coffee back at our accommodation, my dear friend, the late Dave Scott, a man who had spent his life in the industry, commented on the huge number of trucks that had passed through during the survey period. “Did you recognise many of the company names?” I asked him. “A few,” he replied, “but the vast majority I’ve never heard of.” And that was precisely the point. Many of those trucks belonged to smaller operators running only a handful of vehicles. Their trucks are visible as part of the greater flow of freight moving across the country but their company names largely go unnoticed.
The tendency to focus on the biggest names is not unique to trucking. Across business and society, attention naturally gravitates towards the largest companies and most prominent personalities. Yet beneath every successful industry lies a network of smaller businesses quietly performing essential work. Trucking is no different. While the large operators are highly visible, they are supported by hundreds of specialist companies providing technical expertise, repairs, parts, maintenance and countless other services that keep vehicles moving and supply chains functioning. It is for this reason that I want to hand over the balance of this platform to Jayesh “Tiny” Daya as a reminder that small businesses also keep the trucking industry moving. Here’s what he says…
“One of the often-overlooked realities within the trucking industry is the role played by small specialist businesses operating behind the scenes to keep fleets moving. While OEMs, transport operators and large logistics companies understandably attract most of the attention, there are hundreds of smaller technical businesses across South Africa carrying significant responsibility within the commercial vehicle support network. These businesses rebuild transmissions, repair differentials, support workshops, source technical parts, provide specialist diagnostics and help operators minimise downtime under increasingly difficult conditions. And the pressures facing these businesses continue to grow.
“Global instability, rising fuel prices, exchange-rate volatility and supply chain disruptions eventually filter through to the South African transport sector. Even businesses operating at workshop level feel the impact of international events through imported component pricing, delayed parts availability and increased operating costs. At the same time, local challenges continue adding pressure. Infrastructure deterioration, electricity costs, delayed service delivery and on-going economic uncertainty create an extremely difficult environment for SMEs trying to grow, employ staff and invest in technical capability.
“Modern trucking technology has also become significantly more complex. Automated manual transmissions, advanced electronic systems and modern fuel-efficiency technologies require constant investment in tooling, diagnostics and technician training. Small businesses are expected to maintain OEM-level capability while simultaneously managing cash-flow pressure, rising costs and increasingly price-sensitive market conditions. Yet despite these obstacles, many SMEs continue investing in South Africa’s transport sector because they understand the importance of trucking to the economy.
“When trucks stop moving, the economy slows. As you stated in your comment, the trucking industry remains one of the clearest indicators of economic health in South Africa. But keeping trucks operational depends not only on transport operators themselves but also on the broader network of support businesses working behind the scenes every day. These businesses may not always be visible, but they remain an essential part of keeping South Africa moving.”
Thank you, Jayesh, for reminding us of the vital role smaller businesses play in the trucking industry and that they too suffer the consequences of decisions – or lack thereof – made by politicians who are insulated from the fallout arising from some of their decisions. In this context, I find it most fitting that the reminder comes from a man whose nickname – due to his height of well over six feet tall – is “Tiny”.
Patrick O’Leary
Managing Editor, FleetWatch
