FAW Trucks South Africa is continuing their commitment to ensuring the South African haulage industry has access to the products it needs with the introduction of the new JH6 33.420FT 6×4 truck tractor.

“The reason for our continued growth in South Africa is the fact that we cater to virtually every need,” explains Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks SA. “Our line-up includes freight carriers, truck tractors, tippers and mixers, all assembled to exacting standards to be able to withstand the harsh conditions of the African continent.

“Since first entering the South African market 28 years ago, we have gone from strength to strength, providing local buyers with products of high quality that is not only well suited to local conditions but also boast high levels of safety, convenience and comfort. We have managed to combine this with competitive pricing, low running costs and continuously improving after-sales service.”

All FAW products arrive in South Africa in completely knocked down form and are assembled at the company’s facility in Coega.

The New JH6 33.420FT, sixth-generation product has seen more than 1.5-million units manufactured to date and exported to more than 20 countries.

The Newly designed and engineered JH6 33.420FT has a high-roof forward tilt cab with seating for the driver and a passenger. It includes a double sleeper cab with air-conditioning, a radio with USB and an air suspension seat for the driver- with multi-dimensional adjustment ability. This completely new cab design has a wind resistance factor of 0,54.

The new and improved look of the interior layout includes a multi-function steering wheel and enhanced dashboard features for better driver control along with central locking and power windows.

The 11 040 cc Euro 2 specification six-cylinder inline engine is water-cooled, turbo-charged and has an intercooler, producing 312 kW at 1 900 r/min and 1 900 Nm of torque from 1 200 r/min.

The Bosch brand manual injection pump is specifically made for African application, while the gear shifting booster makes driving feel like a car, removing much of the stress, especially on long-haul journeys – as does the  Superior Engine brake of 190kW.

American brand Con-Met wheel hubs are fitted, allowing 500 000 km of maintenance free driving.

Key dimensions:

• Wheelbase 3 300 mm + 1 350 mm
• Overall length 6 938 mm
• Cab length 2 295 mm
• Overall width 2 500 mm
• Overall height 3 550 mm
• Front overhang 1 495 mm
• Rear overhang 770 mm
• Cab to rear axle 3 850 mm
• Minimum turning radius 7 500 mm
• Minimum turning diameter 13 000 mm
• Ground clearance 295 mm
• Track 2 020 mm front and 1 830 mm rear
• Chassis outer width 800 mm
• Chassis inner width 640 mm

The 12-speed manual syncromesh gearbox is matched to a set of ratios specifically designed to provide optimum performance and fuel efficiency, irrespective of whether it is operating in rural areas or on the open road.

It features a forged steel I-Section beam front axle coupled to a full floating single reduction rear axle with inter-axle, inter-wheel and differential locks. Semi-elliptical leaf springs with double-acting shock absorbers comprise the front suspension, while the rear has semi-elliptical leaf springs with auxiliary springs.

Stopping power comes from the dual circuit, full air brakes with ABS.

Mass data:

• Gross vehicle mass 33 700 kg
• Gross combination mass 62 200 kg
• Permissible gross vehicle mass 25 700 kg
• Permissible gross combination mass 56 000 kg
• Permissible front axle mass 7 700 kg
• Permissible rear axle mass 18 000 kg
• Unladen front axle mass 4 505 kg
• Unladen rear axle mass 4 300 kg
• Unladen mass total 8 805 kg

“All the products we introduce locally are carefully considered with Africa roads and driving in mind,” explains Li.

“This goes hand-in-hand with ensuring those products will provide the best possible total cost of ownership experience for the operator through the entire life cycle of the truck. Couple that with the outstanding commitment to service from all of our dealers and the value package we are offering is unbeatable.”

“At FAW Trucks customer service is, and always will be key. We go the extra mile to look after our customers and to make sure that we offer them the best deals possible,” explains Paul Lastrucci, National Aftersales Manager “When our trucks leave the showroom floor after a sale, clients can expect long-term, dedicated services and 24/7 support, ensuring their investment gives them the returns expected of modern trucks.”

Warranty and customer service

All FAW Trucks products are covered by a comprehensive warranty at industry standards, ensuring that customers have complete peace of mind in their purchases. The FAW warranty provides customers with the assurance that FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa stands behind its claim of quality manufacturing.

FAW Trucks has a large parts warehouse at its premises in Spartan, from where it supplies the four main regions in Gauteng, Durban, Harrismith and Cape Town. In addition, service dealers are fully equipped, with highly trained technicians on hand for complete servicing and repairs required for not only JH6 33.420FT units, but all other models from the renowned Chinese manufacturer.

In addition, FAW Trucks has a dedicated number, 0860 329 772, which is linked to a trigger number at a dedicated and specialised Emergency Call Centre. Resolution of all incidents and queries is attempted telephonically, but – where required – further assistance such as towing is arranged.

“All models in the current range of FAW Trucks sold in South Africa represent the strength, reliability, affordability and ease of operation that the brand and its products are renowned for. Most importantly, though, the JH6 33.420FT delivers on the promise of a ‘truck built in South Africa for Africa’,” concludes Li.

BMG – leading engineering solutions specialists – provides engineering components and support services to all sectors, to ensure high productivity, reduce energy consumption, minimal downtime and long service life of systems.

“BMG is a complete process solutions provider to all sectors of industry, which means companies can access all essential quality branded products and essential support services from one reliable supplier. This integrated approach guarantees lower production costs and higher efficiencies,” explains Carlo Beukes, Group Sales Development Manager, BMG. “We believe the introduction of a structured maintenance management programme, which can be implemented in-house, or partially outsourced to a professional organisation, is critical to maximising production efficiencies in all industries.

“The BMG team is committed to ensuring each plant maintains full production, by providing a 24-hour customer process support for production efficiency and reliability centred maintenance.

“Maintenance of machinery can be a very expensive exercise, not only in terms of the cost of spare parts and labour, but also lost production due to machinery breakdowns or plant stoppages for unscheduled maintenance. Careful consideration therefore needs to be given to disciplined inspections and planned maintenance of all items of plant and production machinery. Over-maintenance can be almost as costly in terms of lost production as under maintenance, so a careful balance is critical.

“Care in the initial design and manufacture stage of the plant, the selection of compatible quality branded mating components, professional installation – with particular attention to meticulous alignment of coupled components – ensure reduced downtime, lower maintenance requirements and therefore lower operating costs.

“Servicing of all sections of machinery in the factory should be carefully planned on the basis of the estimated time for each procedure or service, in order to create a controlled work-load for the maintenance staff. Even small faults in design, operation and maintenance, can have a negative impact on productivity and safety.

“BMG’s proactive maintenance service – which encompasses predictive maintenance services, including condition monitoring and oil analysis – is enhanced by advanced technical and design support across all functional disciplines. BMG’s maintenance and support services also include mobile breakdown, repair and maintenance support, that ensure production plants are up and running as quickly as possible following a breakdown.”

To achieve optimum performance and extended life of components like bearings, mill gear lubrication and industrial chain, correct lubrication is as important as the appropriate selection of each part.

Although a general multipurpose grease or oil is adequate in many applications, more arduous operating conditions demand the careful choice of the correct lubricant and lubrication system. In selecting the right lubrication system and lubricant for a specific application, factors to be considered are speed, ambient temperature, load, vibration and environmental conditions.

The effects of friction and the resulting wear of moving components are significantly reduced by effective lubrication. Through a wide range of energy efficient products – which includes synthetic oils, lubricants and bespoke lubrication systems – and the support of a technically competent team, BMG ensures efficient maintenance, extended service life of components and energy savings, in any environment.”

BMG’s specialist technical division offers an oil analysis service which consists of laboratory-based sampling and analysis, as well as on site analysis and filtration and flushing. Other services include technical applications consulting, product and system design, product quality control and assurance, as well as condition monitoring services.

Conditioning monitoring identifies lubrication problems, misalignment and vibration troubles and also helps in identifying the causes of the damage, so that units can be fixed before further destruction occurs. This means reduced downtime, efficient production and substantial cost savings.

The BMG team is committed to improving operational efficiencies for customers in all industries, by providing essential filtration, separation and purification technologies.

BMG’s distribution centre in Droste Park, Johannesburg, is operational and fully stocked at all times, to support customers around the country and into Africa. A comprehensive range of equipment and components comprises bearings, seals and gaskets; power transmission; hydraulics and pneumatics; fluid technology and filtration; drives, motors and controllers; materials handling; fasteners and tools.

The BMG team works closely with customers in all sectors, including water and wastewater treatment facilities, mining, the food and beverage sector and petrochemical plants. BMG also supplies and supports service providers to power generation and pharmaceutical plants, as well as ports, rail and road facilities.

Leading engineering solutions specialists – provides engineering components and support services to all sectors, to ensure high productivity, reduced energy consumption, minimal downtime and long service life of systems.

Customs clearance is an inevitable aspect of any business’ supply chain. The rules and regulations pertaining to the import, export and transit of goods are different for every country and subject to changes. Having a reliable partner that is up to date with the most recent regulations can help to avoid extra costs and delays.

Customs Clearance operations can often lack transparency as laws and regulations are not always easily accessible. This can negatively impact the delivery time of cargo or increase the cost of standing charges and delays due to incorrect or incomplete documentation. For this reason, Alistair Group has implemented multiple processes and initiatives to reduce these effects on our clients’ shipments.

Appointing a clearance representative at each entry point (ports and borders) where we operate.

These representatives ensure all documentation and communication to the various entities are presented in a correct and timely manner; acting as seamless facilitators for our client shipments across international borders

They allow us to detect any potential issues that may arise ahead of time.

Our customs specialists aid our clients through concessions on tariff and costing issues pertaining to valuation, documentation, rules, taxes, duties and more

Customs rules and regulations are constantly reviewed to ensure our client’s cargo reaches its destination in an optimum time

Every document is double-checked by our specialized team

Implementing an online system that provides our clients with complete visibility into the clearance status of their shipment

Our Dashboard provides our clients with real-time updates on documentation verification, shipment tracking and document management

Unlike standalone agents or freight forwarders, Alistair Group is incentivized internally to clear cargo quickly to avoid standing time on our vehicles. When it comes to customs clearance, Alistair Group offers a one-stop solution. We have gained a reputation for being among the timeliest and customer-focused operator in the market. Our efficient integration of services means that we control the entire supply chain and cut out unnecessary mark-ups and middlemen. With our network of international partners, we can clear your goods almost anywhere in the world and ship your cargo by road, rail, air or sea.

Democratic Republic of Congo plans to expand its main border post with Zambia, a source close to its government said, to ease truck queues of up to 60 km that copper miners have faced this year due to increased production and inadequate infrastructure.

The backlog of trucks at Kasumbalesa, a border town and the main exit point for metals exports from Congo, is an example of supply chain disruption that will make it harder to meet future demand for copper, essential for electric vehicles.

“A construction project for a second Lubumumbashi – Kasumbalesa road is in the process of being signed,” the source told Reuters, adding that it would take at least 18 months to complete from the date the project is approved.

The source did not give an expected timeline for the approval.

“The turnaround time of trucks has increased substantially… it takes an extra 45 to 60 days for the products to reach consumption centres in Asia, Europe or North America,” said a source at a company with operations in the central African country.

This compares to around 15 days in 2019.

Africa’s biggest copper producer, Congo accounted for 1.8 million tonnes of mined production of the metal last year, about 8.5% of the global total, according to the US Geological Survey.

The long queues of trucks are due in part to increased traffic, according to Michel Kibonge Nyekuma, chief of staff for the Minister of Mines.

The largest miners in Congo include Glencore, Canada-listed Ivanhoe Mines, China’s CMOC and Kazakh firm Eurasian Resources Group. Some have increased copper production this year.

Ivanhoe, operator of the Kamoa-Kakula mine in Congo, transports its products by truck to the South African port of Durban.

It referred to a June 6 update on production, costs and timelines, saying it expects to reach the upper end of its 2022 guidance of between 290 000 tonnes and 340 000 tonnes of copper concentrate, from 105 884 tonnes in 2021. It projects further rises for 2023.

Congo is also the world’s top producer of cobalt used to make the rechargeable batteries that power electric vehicles.

Glencore, which produces most of its cobalt in Congo, saw its global output rise 46% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year.

Miners with operations in Congo say they have been calling on the government to invest in infrastructure and switch from paper to electronic systems, arguing that projected copper shortages in future are likely to be exacerbated by transportation bottlenecks.

More border posts would add “a significant amount of processing capacity, create competition between the different provinces (and) all those customs clearing revenues would improve efficiencies,” one official at a mining company said.

As part of its strategic growth plan, CEVA Logistics has announced announced today that it has closed the acquisition of Spedag Interfreight, an international freight forwarding expert covering several countries in East Africa.

The announcement comes after finalizing all customary closing conditions, including receiving regulatory approvals by relevant authorities. CEVA purchased the logistics entity from the M+R Spedag Group, a family-owned transport and logistics company headquartered in Switzerland.

Local expert in freight forwarding, key industries

Spedag Interfreight is one of the most competent and reliable logistics providers in East Africa with dedicated industry teams possessing leading expertise in relevant market verticals including energy and infrastructure, aid and relief, oil and gas, and commodities. Approximately 400 employees at 24 locations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan have joined CEVA as a result of the transaction’s closing.

CEVA extends global reach, local know-how

CEVA Logistics remains committed to a “think global, act local” growth strategy by adding Spedag Interfreight’s local market understanding to CEVA’s leading global network. The acquisition further supports CEVA’s global end-to-end logistics capabilities. CEVA Logistics is now present in 44 countries in Africa.

The company’s ambition is to make the African market account for a significant share of its revenue by 2025, and Spedag Interfreight will open new opportunities to the growth potential in East Africa. For example, Kenya acts as a key maritime gateway for East Africa. Through a recent expansion and modernization project, the port of Mombasa is expected to move more than 1.7 million TEUs in 2023. The Kenya Ports Authority expects the port to handle 47 million tonnes of cargo by 2032—a 57 percent increase from current levels.

Strategic development, growth ongoing

CEVA continues to implement its strategic growth plan under the vision of the CMA CGM Group. With the Group’s support, CEVA welcomed more than 20,000 new employees through acquisitions of Ingram Micro’s former Commerce & Lifecycle Services business and Colis Privé, France’s leading private last mile provider.

In addition, the CMA CGM Group announced in April that it had signed an agreement to purchase nearly 100% of the capital of GEFCO, the European leader in automotive logistics and an international expert in multimodal supply chain solutions. The European Commission authorized the Group to acquire the capital of GEFCO immediately, pending the final approval.

Mathieu Friedberg, chief executive officer, CEVA Logistics, says “With the addition of Spedag Interfreight in East Africa, we are continuing to execute key regional initiatives in our strategic growth plan. This acquisition is the perfect follow-on to our organic growth and M&A activity in Africa over the past two years, as well as the recent acquisitions of Ingram Micro CLS and Colis Privé. Our global scale allows us to offer a wide range of responsive logistics solutions thanks to our experienced local teams.”

Partnered with Cummins and Chevron, Walmart’s first CNG-powered truck is on the road in North America

Last year, Walmart announced several sustainability initiatives among its Class 8 transportation fleet, with a vision to achieve zero emissions across global operations by 2040.

In line with this ambition, Walmart is debuting the first of five 15-liter compressed natural gas (CNG) engines to be incorporated into its fleet. Fitted with a Cummins X15N engine designed for heavy-duty transportation, the truck will be fueled by Chevron’s CNG, linked to renewable natural gas.

Fernando Cortes, Walmart’s Senior Vice President of Transportation, commented: “Walmart transportation is focused on the continuous piloting of solutions that aren’t just changing the industry, but are having a lasting impact on the world.”

As trucking historically relies on diesel engines, moving to natural gas is a significant step towards lowering emissions. This renewable gas is produced when biomethane from decomposing organic matter is captured, treated, and processed into natural gas.

“Working with partners like Walmart to test new products like the X15N gives Cummins valuable real-world data that helps us validate our engines prior to moving into full production,” said Puneet Jhawar, General Manager of Spark Ignited Products for Cummins. “Chevron has also been very helpful in our test; to help increase CNG fuel availability that will enable adoption of alternate technologies faster.”

The CNG-powered truck made its inaugural trip from Indiana to California, refueling at Chevron stations across the country to demonstrate the next era of lower carbon emissions.

On completion of this journey, the first-of-its-kind truck was featured at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in California, where attendees had chance to see the truck and even take a ride!

New Master Lubricants Agreement sees Shell continue its 2020 commitment as Wärtsilä’s designated testing partner

Originally signed by the two companies in 2020, the Testing Oil Partnership agreement placed Shell as Wärtsilä’s exclusive oil test partner for engines in the research and factory testing process.

But Shell has now extended the Master Lubricants Agreement (MLA) to cover lubricant solutions for all engines, including first fills and Wärtsilä Lifecycle Solutions for stationary power applications.

With a long history of developing high-quality lubricants, in line with world-leading OEM engine requirements, Shell is a longstanding supplier of engine oils to Wärtsilä. Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply at Wärtsilä, commented: “The fact that our collaboration with Shell dates back to 2007 is testament to our shared values.

“As the global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets, we prioritize excellence, speed, and reliability in all we do, and I know that Shell is no different,” he added. “This latest agreement will help solidify our longstanding partnership, helping us to maintain our reputation as an organization that delivers customer-focused and industry-leading products.”

Ade Ajala, Vice President of New Business Development and Global Key Accounts at Shell, stated: “From development through to testing and post-delivery, every step in the process is led in collaboration, helping to ensure that our lubricants keep Wärtsilä’s meticulously engineered engines well protected even in severe operating conditions.”

Overall, the partnership will continue to strengthen both Wärtsilä and Shell’s engine oil offerings and facilitate the co-development of lubrication technologies, enabling a wider product portfolio and global footprint.