With limited access to a formal public transport service, the South African taxi industry has become the driving force getting the workforce to city centres or industrial hubs on time. This sector, along with light delivery truck and van (LDV) drivers from the various trades such as construction, electrical and delivery, plays a key role in keeping the economy moving, needs safe and reliable transport solutions and cannot afford downtime or delays.

Add to that the average South African family of around 3.2 children and learner transporters and you have many multipurpose, people- and small cargo-carrying vehicles taking to the roads daily in the South Africa.

“Drivers of private or public transport vehicles need to consider many factors when selecting the right tyre for their people carrier, light truck or van,” says Lubin Ozoux, CEO of leading tyre manufacturer, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa. “The Dunlop SP VAN01 makes this choice that much easier. A reliable tyre brand that has been around for over 130 years, has a reputation for delivering new and enhanced technology to the market, and always puts safety first, is the obvious choice.”

Dunlop SP VAN01, the company’s newest generation of tyres developed especially for vans, takes the challenging African road conditions into consideration, delivering a safe, reliable, durable, and comfortable ride. Keeping vehicles on the road with excellent mileage in all applications, this tyre offers excellent wear resistance and safety performance, maximising time on the road, and fuel efficiency.

Designed to deliver on wear performance, durability and fuel saving, the Dunlop SP VAN01 exhibits enhanced wear life, handling stability and wet grip performance.

Product features include:

• High rigidity steel wire layer structure – strengthened to improve the rigidity of the tyre, improving the tyre load bearing performance to meet commercial needs while ensuring safe driving.
• Wide flat tread surface design – provides maximum road contact and traction in all conditions improving safety and resulting in even tyre wear.
• Strip pattern design for tyre wall protection – the reinforced sidewall stiffness provides additional kerb damage protection, enhancing durability and driving on rough roads and protecting against damage due to kerb scraping.
• Best pattern arrangement design – optimised rib distribution maintains consistent contact and directional stability, reduces braking distance, and maximises grip and wear.
• New structure carbon black formula – enhances wear life, handling stability and wet grip.

“Our in-field testing on three local South African routes showed excellent performance of Dunlop SP Van01 and no signs of cut or chipping damage nor irregular wear patterns despite rough road conditions, making this tyre the ideal choice for drivers of minibus vans, light trucks and people carriers,” said Ozoux.

Click here to fit.

Fastvan is the leading white label end to end logistics platform for enterprises, with customers in multiple countries including some of the world's best-known brands please do look at www.fastvan.com . Our highly flexible yet powerful solution enables not only Logistic companies but Enterprises/FMCG/SME’s/Retail in multiple industries to quickly streamline the way they deliver goods and services, creating both operational efficiency and the optimal experience for their entire shipping ecosystem - from single or multiple Warehouses/Retail/DC’s to the Driver and all the way to the customer, invoicing, EPOD, Barcoded Waybill, Return/failed deliveries, multiple country operations and currencies.

Fastvan open platform is simple white label SaaS based platform easy to implement, use and manage through its different modules and customized to fit your industry and business processes - web-based applications for dispatch and administration with TMS and SCM functionalities, branded mobile apps for drivers, and a branded mobile and web application experience for customers. It is highly scalable and can be used to easily customize the solution to fit our customers' needs and to integrate it across their existing systems.Enterprises and logistics service providers can now modernize their delivery infrastructure in multiple countries in multiple currencies and improve their operational efficiency from the management team at HQ or DC through the in-store and warehouse/distribution center operations teams, and all the way to the drivers and end-customers.

It is highly scalable and can be used to easily customize the solution to fit our customers' needs and to integrate it across their existing systems.

Enterprises and logistics service providers can now modernize their delivery infrastructure in multiple countries in multiple currencies and improve their operational efficiency.

With no direct competition in Africa, Fastvan is running pilots in multiple countries (USA, Ukraine, UK, Africa) 

Get in touch:
www.fastvan.com
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

APC Storage Solutions SA recently completed a turnkey storage solution installation for a new 7 500 m2 national parts distribution centre to be used by a large Japanese motor vehicle manufacturer in Midrand, Gauteng. The tailored solution had to replicate the company’s strict global logistics standards and procedures for the storing and distribution of its automobile replacement parts, and be completed within just 26 days.

“While the new warehouse had to comply with stringent design and safety parameters in terms of how each product type is stowed, we were still able to suggest and implement certain customised stowage procedures to tailor the solution to the unique requirements of the South African operation,” explains Fred Albrecht, Managing Director, APC Storage Solutions SA.

The inventory, which consists of the complete range of automobile parts and accessories for distribution to all local dealerships and service centres, is shipped regularly from Japan in special containers which are then divided into large parts, small parts and airbags – each being catered for with an item-specific storage solution.

The 4 200 m2 large parts area was fitted with eleven rows of customised conventional pallet racking, all barring one of which is back-to-back, with wooden decking on each level designed to carry maximum loads of 600 kilograms. The racks have a maximum length of 39 metres and consist of five levels giving a total height of nine metres. Specialised dividers were manufactured and installed to support the various part dimensions and a unique in-rack sprinkler system in line with ASIP safety standards was installed to protect the stock in the unlikely event of a fire.

The small parts area of 750 m2 is a two-tier mezzanine system for maximum utility of available floor space. Connected via a gangway system, this section was fitted with Simplos shelving and also houses the high value stock in a dedicated area that is fenced off and access controlled. 

25 000 specialised, variously-sized cardboard storage boxes and barcodes were designed, manufactured and installed for both the large and small parts areas for a more effective inventory management, with the entire warehouse run by a state-of-the-art warehouse management system that identifies the correct logistics for each product item.

APC Storage Solutions SA also custom-designed a separate conventional pallet racking and shelving system to store the highly pressure-sensitive airbags, which in the event of accidental detonation, can shoot up to 160 metres to pose a significant safety hazard.

As part of the full turnkey solution, APC Storage Solutions SA, through its material handling division, IHS Forklifts, also provided a 1.5 ton and a 2.5 ton forklift and stock picker to manage the picking and stowing of unit loads; specialised picking trolleys for large and small parts and various work benches.

“When we received the purchase order at the end of January 2014, with an instruction to be complete by 1 May, the warehouse wasn’t erected yet,” Albrecht explains. “Once construction commenced, our ability to act quickly and flexibly, as a single-source solutions provider, set us apart from our competitors. Apart from the complete system installation, we also supplied training for the operation of the material handling equipment and the sprinkler system in order to ensure a pain-free handover.”

As part of the company’s after-sales service, APC Storage Solutions SA will conduct biannual site inspections of the warehouse’s racking to ensure each component offers the full performance and safety capabilities of its OE manufacturing specifications.

While the fuel price has dropped in recent months, it still remains a valuable commodity, call it "liquid gold". Not only is it valuable to you but it is also valuable to thieves who steal it and sell it cheaply.

One would like to trust employees but unfortunately, with the economy in its current state, the basic motivation of people is to survive and if surviving means siphoning off 20L of fuel along the road every few days and selling it for R100, they will do it. The problem is, as a fleet owner, you can only dedicate limited time to playing the policeman game and in all honesty, if your truck holds 500L of fuel and 20L is stolen along the way, you will probably not even detect a problem, but right there is an unknown and unseen cost to you. Imagine losing 20L per filling to theft. What is this cost to you?

One could install cameras on the cab of your truck to pick it up but that would mean reviewing footage daily which requires time and effort... something a busy executive can't often do. The ultimate solution is to remove the temptation where measures are taken to make it nearly impossible to steal.

The Diesel Guard range of products will take the pain out of theft for you with a complete solution including protection for the filler neck, special drain plugs, hose and sender unit covers and even solutions to cover clamps. All Diesel Guard products are made to the highest possible quality specifications and are robust. Clients have reported that even in instances where thieves try and siphon diesel in remote areas from their plant, they struggle to break the units even with a crowbar and eventually give up.

Visit http://www.velisa.co.za/index.php/products/logistical-savings/diesel-guard to watch an introduction video on the Diesel Guard range of products. 100% Proudly South African innovation for Africa, Diesel Guard will ensure that your fuel remains where it should be... in the tank.

Contact Details:

Charl Hoole - Director, 046-648-1089, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Velisa Agencies

Tel: 046-6481089

www.velisa.co.za

South African Airways has begun the process of adding additional flights between Johannesburg and popular African destinations. This increase in flight capacity has increased frequencies by 17%.

Johannesburg, South Africa –South African Airways (SAA) has announced that it has begun the process of adding additional frequencies to its network which will substantially increase air services to some of its key African routes.

The additional capacity injection answers the commercial mandate of the Long-Term Turnaround Strategy (LTTS), and is in response to positive market growth and demand.  As of yesterday, Harare (Zimbabwe) and Maputo (Mozambique) have included additional frequencies, with Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), Harare (Zimbabwe) and Mauritius to follow.“

The strengthening of these routes comes in the wake of positive load factors and increased traffic between the countries,” says SAA Acting Chief Executive Officer Nico Bezuidenhout. Presently, GDP growth in Mozambique (7% - African Development Bank) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (8.1%- African Development Bank) exceed World Bank growth statistics for the continent (4.7%-2013) while South Africa’s trade and demand for leisure and business travel to Mauritius is growing at a steady pace. “Air lift services traditionally lead GDP in all markets and also track the rate of increased leisure travel, investment and business engagement between South Africa and its continental peers.”

Operative from 1 December, SAA increased frequencies between Johannesburg and Maputo by 19%. The flights increased from 17 to 21 weekly frequencies while flights between Johannesburg and Harare increased from 18 to 19 every week (5%). From  4 December, flights between Johannesburg and Kinshasa will increase in capacity from 6 to 7 a week (6%) and, flights between Johannesburg and Mauritius from 9 to 10 weekly frequencies (9%). Updated schedules are available across all SAA distribution channels, including the website www.flysaa.com.

  For more information contact: SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali  +27 82 333 3880 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

About South African Airways South African Airways is a Star Alliance member that offers flights to 38 destinations worldwide. Domestically, SAA operates 544 flights a week between Johannesburg – Cape Town, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth. Regionally SAA offers 24 destinations across the African continent and its international network creates links to all major continents from South Africa through 10 direct routes. In the regional category, SAA has received the Skytrax ‘Best Airline in Africa’ Award for 11 consecutive years.   

Shopify users in South Africa will be pleased to know that eSolutions, by DPD Laser, one of the premier sponsors at our eCommerce Confex, has launched the first free Shopify Shipping App specifically for the South African eCommerce logistics market. 

The app provides Shopify store owners the functionality to integrate seamlessly with one of DPD Laser's operating businesses, Dawn Wing. After signing up with eSolutions and receiving your Dawn Wing account number, the store owner will be able to download and install the free application directly from the Shopify application store and start shipping parcels. 

Shopify is an industry leading commerce platform that allows anyone to easily sell online, at their retail location, and everywhere in between. Shopify offers a professional online storefront, a payment solution to accept credit cards, a point of sale system to power retail sales and a card reader to process credit card transactions through a mobile phone. Shopify currently powers over 120,000 retailers in 150 different countries, including: Tesla Motors, Gatorade, Google, Wikipedia, LA Lakers, CrossFit, and many more. Shopify was founded in 2006 and it has received US$122 million in funding from OMERS Ventures, Insight Venture Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, FirstMark Capital, Felicis Ventures, and Georgian Partners.  

Learn more about eSolutions, by DPD Laser and their new Shopify App at their stand at the eCommerce Africa Confex. Advisory panel members, Jaco Jonker, CEO of BidorBuy, and Paul Galatis, Director of Yuppiechef, will both be presenting keynotes during the 2-day conference sessions. Other speakers include Simdul Shagaya, CEO and Founder of Konga.com, Colin Fleming, eCommerce Executive of Massmart and Paul Casarin, Operations and Strategy of gumtree.co.za and eBay.

Join the experts on the 3rd and 4th February 2015 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre for Africa's biggest eCommerce event. There are a limited number of delegate spaces still available, register for a VIP conference pass here or a general expo pass by contacting Greg Johnson on  021 180 4700 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Website: www.ecommerce-africa.com

Velisa Agencies CC
Tel: 046-648-1089
Site: www.velisa.co.za

Gaining a competitive edge in logistics, mining or construction  

The cost of providing logistical services is constantly on the rise and is expected to continue to do so. Labour costs, tyres, parts, toll fees, competition, regulations and the increasing pressure on companies to reduce emissions will never decrease. The question is, how much more can you cut to stay in the green band of finances and guarantee you will still be operating in 5-10years?  

Today’s environment shows that the cost of fuel is the biggest input to daily operations and becomes an expense as soon as you touch the key, before the wheels even start rolling. The cost of fuel is also constantly rising, faster than other inputs. It doesn’t stop there as the value of fuel has now become such that it is also a target for theft.  

We at Velisa Agencies have a long standing relationship with two major suppliers in addressing both fuel combustion efficiency as well as fuel theft prevention.  

Firstly, we are able to offer clients considerable savings in the usage of fuel by enhancing the combustion properties of it by adding the revolutionary Naf-Tech product. Savings of up to 20% have been achieved in trucks and in some cases up to 25% savings in generators with this nano-fuel technology. It is a fact that fuel which combusts properly also performs better and eases the strain on your injection system since fuel in its native state was never designed to completely combust which causes efficiency issues not to mention reduced engine life. In burning better, emissions are also greatly reduced and the power which an engine was designed to deliver is now attainable. The product has been extensively tested and proven not to damage engine components. For the peace of mind of the client, it is also backed by a considerable international insurance policy in the event that any damage is caused by the product. Our reach currently spans South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia with strategic support in cross-border regions. Applications include mining, road freight, agriculture, construction and others. More information is available at http://www.velisa.co.za/index.php/products/logistical-savings/fuel.

Secondly, we put a stop to diesel theft through the Diesel Guard range of products. These units are made to fit perfectly to almost any application and consist of a complete solution for the filler neck, drain plugs, hose and sender unit covers and more. Fitting the Diesel Guard range lets your fuel in and not out into the wrong hands. All Diesel Guard products are made to the highest possible quality and we guarantee customer satisfaction. For a short video, have a look at http://www.velisa.co.za/index.php/products/logistical-savings/diesel-guard.  

Both the Naf-Tech and Diesel Guard products are proudly South African. We are registered importers and exporters and are also SADC registered. Contact us today for more information and allow us to do an analysis of your operations and fine tune your fuel spend and efficiency.  

Contact details:

Charl Hoole
Director and Logistical Savings Expert
Tel: 046-6481089
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In recent times, the cost of fuel has become astronomic with far reaching implications for all. Shipping costs have risen and so has the cost of living as a result. At the root of it is the cost of fuel as the common denominator. Fuel is now "liquid gold" on a whole new level.

Shipping companies have done what is possible to mitigate such costs through intelligent routing and economising through better vehicle choices in an effort to reduce the ever growing operating costs while also looking at ways of keeping abreast of international pressures to reduce their carbon footprint. At the end of the day, the consumer ultimately pays.

It is a fact that the more expensive fuel becomes at the pump, the more valuable it becomes to firstly, potential thieves and opportunists, and secondly its safeguarding with checks and balances to monitor its usage.

Director, Charl Hoole of Velisa Agencies says, "We have been closely involved with trucking companies and others who use a lot of fuel both as a service provider to them and also as a company that does distribution using their services, and we see it all the time, executives are stressed out! Their directors are looking at the bottom line and demanding a lower fuel bill, lower emissions and better control mechanisms. What we do is address all of these issues for them... radically make an impact which is statistically verified".

Hoole goes on to say, "We have dealt with the biggest and the best out there and more than 90% of them do not have proper systems in place for monitoring fuel usage or preventing theft. Worse still, ask them for a running average fuel consumption on a vehicle over a month and it is at best, a guess, even when they outsource to contractors they are often billed double the actual fuel usage amount... we had such a case this year with a Blue Chip logistics concern at the Durban harbour. With our two core products, Diesel Guard and Naf-Tech, we get stuck in and assist to the last drop!".

Being aware of products out in the market to reduce fuel consumption, theft and emissions, has become a neccessity in our modern business environment. To ignore the usage of your liquid gold is fatal, if not wreckless. Velisa Agencies will gladly assist clients with recommendations both in South Africa and other SADC states.

Contact details:

Charl Hoole,
Director and logistics specialist
Tel: 046-6481089
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Velisa Agencies CC
Tel: 046-6481089
www.velisa.co.za

{pp}Managed Freight launches its Negotiator Service, aimed at reducing your freight and associated costs, through ongoing consultation with your existing service provider, ensuring that you always receive the best price and service delivery.