The handover mid-August of the first 20 of a total order of 50 DAF XF 480 Premium truck tractors from Babcock Transport Solutions, importer and supplier of DAF Trucks for southern Africa, to VR Cargo brings the total number of DAF models in the VR Cargo fleet to 299. This makes VR Cargo the largest single operator of DAF trucks in southern Africa writes Patrick O’Leary.

Arriving at Mbombela Stadium for the celebratory function, one felt an immediate sense of déjà vu. The braai fires had been lit, the drinks counter was manned and present at the handover function were senior management from DAF Trucks as well as VR Cargo along with a number of staff members from VR Cargo.

Over-riding all this, however, was a precisely lined-up row of 20 DAF XF 480 Premium truck-tractors linked to shiny bright red Afrit trailers. Resplendent is the only way to describe the display.

The déjà vu sense of a memory from the past was real for it was the same scene as had been played out back in October 2021 – four years ago – when VR Cargo took delivery of its first DAF trucks – 80 of them in fact. This was a break-through order for Babcock Transport Solutions, not only in the size of the order but more by the fact that it had penetrated a fleet which previously ran a competitive European brand.

Interviewing Marius Barnard, MD of DAF Trucks, at that occasion, he was over the moon that DAF had managed to break into this fleet. However, he was nervous stating that he would have preferred another six or so months of preparation before delivery.

Two months prior to this, Barnard had visited VR Cargo and in his own words “did not expect the level of professionalism I saw in the company. I knew what we could offer and realised that we would have to up our game to get onto par with the customer’s expectations in terms of our services and support.”

The next two months prior to the 80-truck handover saw him implementing systems and processes that would match VR Cargo’s requirements, not least of which was a superior after-sales service structure. “We were determined to give the support a business like this requires and lifted our game a lot over those two months.”

I have often said that trucking is about relationships rather than transactions and the fact that Barnard was prepared to admit that DAF had work to do, combined with the fact that, despite this, VR Cargo was prepared to invest in an 80-strong DAF fleet, spoke volumes for the foundation on which the relationship would grow – and grow it has.

So, what has been the main impetus to solidify the growth and the relationship? Let’s hear it from Dane Heyneke, Operations Manager of VR Cargo. “In our operation, aftersales support is critical and the support we have been getting from Babcock has been a game changer. You can always press on the button and they are there to assist in a professional way. It’s a pleasure doing business with them,” says Heyneke.

This came as music to the ears of Mark Gavin, Sales Director for DAF trucks, who said that it’s not the sales guy who sells 299 trucks. “The sales guy sells the first one but after that, it’s the level of service and back-up that sells the rest.”

Click here to hear what they have to say.

This is such an important point Gavin makes and serves to endorse the importance of the ‘relationship’ nature of trucking. You’re not there for a once-off sale like happens in the car sector. The first sale in trucking can get you into a new fleet but it’s how you service and build the relationship with the client after the sale that will build a lifetime partnership of growth.

This point is stressed by Barnard when he says: “We value our relationship with VR Cargo and have huge respect for the people and the company. It’s a privilege to be associated with them.”

Note those two statements: “It’s a pleasure doing business with them,” from Heyneke and “it’s a privilege to be associated with them,” from Barnard. There’s mutual respect on both sides. The beauty of such a relationship is that not only does it build a good business structure but also builds friendships – and what more can one ask for.

The invisible backbone of the economy

With the handover celebrations completed, I took time out to chat to Shaun van Rooyen, managing director of VR Cargo about the environment in which these stunning rigs will be operating. He had some insightful thoughts which most transporters would agree on.

Let’s face it, when the conversation turns to trucks in South Africa, it’s usually complaints that rise to the surface: too many on the roads, too much damage to the tarmac, too many accidents. Rarely do we hear acknowledgment of the lifeblood role the transport industry plays in keeping the economy running. For Van Rooyen, the story is about systems, standards and survival in a tough environment.

Van Rooyen is proud of the professional image his fleet projects on the roads but insists it’s not about shiny paintwork. “It’s just the way we operate,” he says. “We’ve got strong systems, good people and a belief in doing things right. That’s the result you see on the road.”

Fighting for reputation

For him, safety is non-negotiable. “Our responsibility is to make sure we’ve got a safe truck on the road. Miss a service and it’s a problem. That’s not the boss pushing down pressure – it’s the culture we’ve built at VR Cargo. Every team member takes ownership,” he says.

Despite trucking being the backbone of South Africa’s logistics network – especially in the wake of rail’s collapse – Van Rooyen believes the industry is largely ignored for the critical role it plays in the economy. VR Cargo moves commodities that earn the country vital revenue. Yet transporters receive little recognition for their contribution.

“We are definitely ignored,” he says bluntly. “If the roads were better and the money went where it’s supposed to, transporters wouldn’t be blamed for damaged roads. Instead, government fails on infrastructure and we carry the can.”

The frustrations run deep – and it’s not only the roads that cause this. In July alone, VR Cargo paid R1.4-million in license fees. Yet, when staff went to collect the licenses, the printers were broken or the paper had run out. “We’ve paid, but we can’t get the licenses and then our trucks get stopped and fined for being unlicensed. Those are the kinds of battles we face every day.”

On top of bureaucratic failures, it’s the poor road conditions that really hammers transporters. The R36 between Lydenburg and Machadodorp, for instance, is “not a road,” Van Rooyen says. “It’s the worst it’s ever been. And now I have to put brand new R4-million rigs on that road. Then I get fines for cracked windscreens, even though the damage comes from those very roads.”

The breaking point for many operators

For Van Rooyen, these pressures are relentless. “We’re trying to maintain the highest standards but so much is standing against us. If you don’t have the resources and the mindset to fight it, you stop spending on your assets. That’s when maintenance gets skipped. That’s why so many operators end up failing.”

The irony is that while the public often sees trucks as dangerous and unwelcome, without them the country would grind to a halt. “Without trucks, nothing moves. Fuel doesn’t move, food doesn’t move, commodities don’t move, people don’t move. This country doesn’t move without trucks,” he rightfully says.

For him, the solution starts and ends with infrastructure. “If South African transporters had better infrastructure, the perception would change,” he argues. “Vehicles would suffer less damage, transporters would spend less on repairs and they’d be able to reinvest into their rigs.

Asked whether he would rather have recognition or working infrastructure, Van Rooyen doesn’t hesitate. “I’ll take the infrastructure. Recognition can come later. We as transporters already know our worth. But fix the infrastructure – that’s recognition enough.”

Pride in an unloved industry

Despite the hardships, Van Rooyen is unequivocal about his pride in being a trucker. “I’ve been doing this for 23 years. I can’t see myself doing anything else. Yes, the perception is negative. But I’m proud because I’m getting it right. That’s what makes me proud.”

His pride is not just personal – it’s about contribution. South Africa’s trucks have filled the void left by a broken rail system, keeping the economy afloat through commodity booms and busts. That contribution, Van Rooyen believes, deserves acknowledgment but more importantly, it deserves roads that are fit for purpose.

“Fix the infrastructure and everything else will follow. That’s where the change starts,” he says. FleetWatch fully agrees – as we know many transporters will too.

Behind every potholed road and every delivery lies an industry under siege but still proud, still essential and still keeping the country alive. Huge congratulations to VR Cargo and to DAF. You do the industry proud. You do the country proud.

Click on photographs to enlarge