Morning Session
08:30am – 09:00am
Registration and Networking
09:00am – 09:15am
Conference Opening
09:15am – 10:00am
Keynote Address: The Future of Road Freight: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
The road freight industry is at a crossroads, with transformative trends offering both opportunities and challenges. Companies that leverage technology, embrace sustainability, and innovate in their logistics operations will be well-positioned to thrive in the evolving landscape. Adapting to regulatory changes, investing in infrastructure, and addressing the driver shortage through strategic initiatives will be critical for long-term success. By staying agile and forward-thinking, the road freight industry can navigate the future with resilience and efficiency.
10:15am – 11:15am
Panel Discussion: Navigating Regulatory Compliance in Road Freight
Navigating regulatory compliance in road freight requires continuous monitoring and adaptation to evolving safety, and labour regulations. Ensuring adherence while maintaining operational efficiency is crucial for sustaining competitiveness and avoiding legal penalties.
11:15am – 11:30am
Networking Break
11:30am – 12:30pm
Workshop Session: Optimizing Fleet Management and Maintenance
Optimizing fleet management and maintenance for SME truck owners involves leveraging best practices, technology for real-time tracking and predictive maintenance to minimize downtime and reduce costs. Implementing data-driven strategies ensures efficient vehicle utilization and extends the lifespan of the fleet.
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Lunch Break
Afternoon Session
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Panel Discussion: Strategies for Sustainable Growth and Market Expansion
Growth and market expansion for SMEs in the road freight industry include building strategic partnerships to access new markets. Additionally, leveraging digital platforms can enhance operational efficiency and customer reach, driving long-term competitiveness and profitability.
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Presentations: Navigating the challenges and complexities of operating on purchase orders
Navigating the challenges of purchase orders and the lack of direct contracts as an SME transport operator involves managing cash flow issues, how to enhance financial stability in the absence of long term contracts, in an industry that is capital intensive.
4:00pm
Day one Summit Closing
Afternoon snacks and tea served.
Morning Session
09:00am – 10:00am
Keynote Address: Exploitation: The impacts of sub-contracting on growth and operational stability for SMEs
Being a subcontractor as an SME transporter can foster growth by providing access to larger contracts and a broader client base, facilitating expansion without the need for substantial upfront investment. However, it can also pose challenges to operational stability, including dependency on primary contractors for consistent work, potential payment delays affecting cash flow, and the need to maintain high service quality under variable conditions dictated by the main contractors.
10:15am – 11:15am
Panel Discussion: Insurance and Labour Optimization
Insurance and labour optimization are critical for SMEs in the road freight industry to mitigate risks and control costs. Adequate insurance coverage protects against financial losses from accidents or damages, while efficient labour management ensures optimal driver utilization, reducing operational expenses and enhancing service reliability.
11:15am – 11:30am
Networking Break
11:30am – 12:30am
Presentation: Total Cost of Ownership
Total Cost of Ownership for SME transporters include not only the initial purchase price of vehicles but also ongoing expenses such as maintenance, fuel, insurance, and depreciation. Understanding and minimizing these costs are essential for financial planning, fleet management efficiency, and maintaining profitability in the competitive road freight industry.
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Workshop: Adapting to change: The ESG perspective of how tyre management impacts on fuel management
From an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) perspective, effective tyre management significantly influences fuel management by reducing fuel consumption through proper inflation, alignment, and timely replacements, thereby promoting sustainability in the transport sector. Integrated tyre management strategies also contribute to operational efficiency and cost savings, aligning with broader ESG goals of resource conservation and environmental responsibility.
1:30pm – 3:30pm
Closing Remarks and Summit Conclusion
Lunch and Networking
How can SMEs in the road freight sector benefit from the summit?
Meet Our Speakers
Musa Ndlovu
CEO National Bargaining for Road Freight and Logistics
Oliver Naidoo, MD
JC Auditors
Kgabiso Manthata
Absa Senior Sector Specialist, Transport and Logistics, ABSA
Ryan Diesel
Sales Director, GEOTAB Africa
Kgalaletso Thoaele
Head: Enterprise Supplier Development, ABSA Group
Mpho Nkhumeleni
Executive, Sales Commercial Vehicles, Isuzu
Mark Makhubalo
CEO, MLM Logistics
Sharné Liebenberg
AIISA, Insurance Broker, Mont Blanc
Gavin Kelly
CEO, Road Freight Association
Charlin Nthuli
Supply Chain Manager, Northam Platinum
Jonathan Mphake
Supply Chain Specialist, SAPICS and Masterdrive Ambassador
Mihlali Gqaba
Director: Road Freight and Transport Infrastructure, Navigating the challenges and complexities of Department of Transport
George Van Heerden
CEO, GT Tyre Service
Lebo Letsoalo
CEO Sincpoint and AWISCA
Phuti Semenya
Founder, Maysene Logistics
Kamogelo Mampane
CEO, TK Global Experts/ Pan African Supply Chain Council
Edward Hoffmann
Contract Manager, at DP World
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