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Introduction
Given the geographic size of South Africa (and largely
because of our relatively good road infrastructure), road
freight is seen as an important mode of transportation
throughout the country. Indeed, road freight competes
with rail freight as the most popular means of moving
goods from our inland cities to our ports, as well as
between countries in Southern Africa and beyond. While
rail is almost certainly the preferred means for most
bulk goods (such as iron ore, grains and coal), road freight
competes well when it comes down to smaller consignments,
mainly because road freight can offer a factory-to-port
service, which rail generally cannot do. Even in the instances
where a company decides to use rail freight, a road haulier
will often carry the goods from the factory to the rail
or container depot.
Documentation also differs from company to company
Considering that there are many different companies that
compete in the road freight industry, the way in which
they operate, the services they offer and the standards
they meet, are often very varied. Their transport documents – referred
to as a ‘road consignment note’ – may
also vary significantly from company to company.
A listing of road hauliers
in South Africa
Road hauliers are not well-represented on the web unfortunately.
We have done our best, but have only managed to identify
the following firms:
Please suggest more companies if you
know of them by emailing us at:
You may also want to try Transport-SA’s
list of long-distance transport
companies or FreightForwarderHelp's listing of freight forwarders..
Don’t forget the courier companies
Besides for offering quick, door-to-door services, many
courier companies will also negotiate rates for carrying
your cargo (generally smaller consignments) to the ports,
container depots and rail depots. Several of the larger
courier companies will also overseas the international
movement of your consignment. Below is a listing of courier
companies:
The big boys
Other courier companies
Do the trucking yourself!
You may also want to consider handling
the trucking yourself. This is not so far-fetched – it
will depend on what you have to transport, to where,
how it is packed, and the risk involved. Some of the
larger car-rental firms also rent out medium-sized trucks. Click
here to read up on some tips on using truck rental
firms.
Additional links
The
Road Freight Association
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