Insights into transporting all types of goods
Most transporters specialise in specific commodities and travel on designated routes, and in most cases, this holds true. Seasons dictate what needs to be moved, where, and when. However, in the grain industry, we handle different commodities during the harvest season and other products out of season, each presenting unique challenges that require special attention.
In many cases, transport is seen as moving a package or parcel from one point to another. However, being a part of a supply chain involves a more complex process known as closed-circuit transportation. This process involves considerations such as pickup points, vehicle types, route assessments, cargo types, loading and offloading times, booking slots, and even accounting for Loadshedding in South Africa.
One of the most crucial factors for transporters is the rate or tariff, as it directly influences the cost per kilometer (CPK) used to calculate profitability. Senders typically aim to keep this rate as low as possible, while transporters strive to keep it as high as possible.
Transporting goods across South Africa from various loading points, including farms, silos, bunkers, and directly from harvesters, presents numerous challenges. Farms often encounter soil, rain, wind, or machinery that affects loading speed and, during the season, the volume of products needing transport.
Moreover, a multitude of vehicles is typically available for loading, leading to competition among truck owners for the best rates. The quality of service offered alongside the price plays a significant role in determining how many loads are available and how long it remains economically viable.
At NPC Logistics, we transport various products, including wheat, maize, lucerne, and fertilizer, among others. During slower seasons, we also move finished products across South Africa and neighboring countries.
Transporting goods to diverse destinations involves managing several risk factors. These factors, though manageable, can cause stress for planners, customers, and offloading points. Challenges such as accidents, vessels not at port, extended stays in staging areas, unconfirmed bookings, congestion at offloading points, missed loads on return trips, and driver fatigue due to noisy staging areas all contribute to these stressors.
As you can see, transportation isn't merely about moving goods; it's an integral part of the supply chain. Delays in this process can lead to late departures, product spoilage, delayed stock deliveries for specific periods, postponed income payments to suppliers, and significant paperwork delays.
Being a truck owner or transporter isn't an easy task, but it's essential as it handles 80% of all the products used by people every day, including essentials for manufacturing. Transport heavily relies on the availability of goods. However, goods aren't always readily available due to various factors that determine when and at what price products can be obtained. These factors include fuel prices, acquisition costs, exchange rates, and demand.
Since the impact of COVID-19, costs have increased significantly, particularly due to rising fuel prices, making transportation more expensive. Unfortunately, these increased costs are often passed on to the end-users. In our work with food products, we adhere to ISO 22005:2207 standards to ensure traceability in all our operations.
At NPC, we take pride in striving to be 95% on time, every time. However, since we currently don't own our own fleet, we rely heavily on the transporters we work with. Many of these are local, small fleet owners who are reliable due to their personal commitment to providing excellent service.
Transportation is more than a career; it's a calling that runs in your blood. In the transport industry, phrases like 'Be patient, your goods are on their way' or 'The truck is almost there' are commonly uttered.
NPC Logistics consists of a small group of experts in the field who are always ready to find a transport solution for you. We move an average of 42,000 tons of products across South Africa using various types of vehicles.
Being a transporter is tough, but it's a humble calling that makes a significant difference in many people's lives. Be a proud trucker, and let's keep the wheels rolling; there are many hungry mouths out there.
Safe trucking, and thank you for your patience.
Grow your products, and we'll see you next season.
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