Johannesburg, July 2021 — New data released by Netstar has revealed the massive impact the protests and looting of last week have had on the trucking industry’s ability to deliver much needed goods to market.
Netstar says three major clients lost more than 613 000km in delivery miles in just five days. That is the equivalent of traveling around the globe 15 times.
According to the telematics company between July 10th and 16th their clients’ ability to deliver goods across the country fell by more than 74% when compared to the previous three months data.
It says between these three clients nearly 30 000 (thirty thousand) delivery trips were cancelled or delayed.
Netstar, a subsidiary of Altron, says the commercial clients were the hardest hit in Kwa-Zulu Natal with more than 78% of transport vehicles being unable to travel during the protest action. Although Gauteng was severely impacted initially, with nearly half of all trucks standing still, its clients in the province were able to recover faster to lose only 15% of their delivery capacity.
However, Netstar says the industry started to show signs of recovery towards the end of the week with the average number of trips returning to near normal levels, except in Kwa-Zulu Natal which suffered a net loss.
The provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West were the least affected.
Netstar Managing Director, Pierre Bruwer, says the company is closely monitoring developments across the country, even as the situation normalizes.
“Our ground teams and helicopters have been supporting our clients and the law enforcement agencies throughout the crisis. The trucking industry is the lifeblood of our economy as they play a critical role in getting goods to market and keeping the wheels of trade turning. We are hopeful that the situation will return to normal and that drivers can return to work safely.”