Technology is a powerful too in mitigating risk in the transport sector. According to Tasveer Madhunlall, project manager at Forte Transport Solutions, the recent trucking strikes and attacks on trucks have created havoc in the transport industry – negatively affecting not only the movement of highvalue goods, but all cargo in general. “Many transport companies now face a dilemma,” he said. “Ensuring the safety of their vehicles is a priority. That means choosing between a route that is optimal in terms of mileage and cost or having to reroute and rather use safer roads not affected by strike action or the burning and looting of vehicles.” While transporters are not the only industry affected by these events, the shipping industry has faced similar challenges in the past, especially in terms of piracy along the African coast. “Many shipping lines choose the safer shipping lanes, but a major fallout of rerouting is cost. It is no different when it comes to road. The decision that transporters are taking to opt for safer but different routes has a knock-on effect, resulting in higher mileage and more diesel. The economies of small towns, built around specific routes, will also feel the pinch as truckers turn to other routes.” And it’s not just local strikes that affect the country. “The recent drone strike in Saudi Arabia, which affected 5% of the world’s oil supply, will now drive diesel costs further into the red. According to Madhunlall, an effective Transport Management System (TMS) can make a significant difference during these trying circumstances. “A TMS flags diesel consumption, thus managing costs through various features and addressing the fuel challenge while a driver incident report is provided for each trip. This allows transport companies to pull reporting of dangerous routes where escorts are needed,” he said. Using technology transport companies can manage fuel costs better and minimise the risk of rerouting, giving them a competitive advantage.
