E-commerce Drives Demand For Last-mile Solutions

A notable upturn in road freight volumes across several regions, spurred by robust economic rebound following the Covid-19 pandemic and a surge in online retail transactions, bodes well for the transport sector, says Louis Marais, general manager of commercial at Dunlop Tyres.

'There have been significant investments in road infrastructure to improve connectivity and reduce congestion, with key projects such as the N3 highway upgrade and various provincial road improvements.

'We also see increased intelligent transport systems (ITS) implementation for better traffic management and accident prevention.'

Marais says the rise of e-commerce has been a massive force driving change in the road sector as demand for efficient last-mile services has necessitated innovations in logistics and delivery network optimisation.

'Overall, the outlook for road freight in South Africa is very optimistic, with growth driven by economic recovery, urbanisation and technological advancements.

'The sector does, however, have some serious challenges that it needs to navigate, particularly around fuel price volatility, environmental regulations and competitive pressures from rail transport.'

According to Marais, there has been a drive for improved rail solutions in South Africa.

Upgrading existing rail infrastructure and rolling stock, including introducing high-speed trains and modern signalling systems, indicated more to come.

'There have also been more collaborations between the government and private sector to fund and manage rail projects, enhancing efficiency and service quality.

'A focus on improving freight rail services to reduce road congestion and support economic activities, particularly in mining and industrial sectors, is a growing trend.'

Dunlop Tyres, the only local tyre manufacturer to offer free Dunlop Sure truck tyre insurance for 18 months through a Dunlop branded dealer, have been service providers to the South African road freight sector for many years.