Compiled by Eamonn Ryan from the presentation
At the 2024 GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference held on August 23 in Cape Town Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA), delivered a presentation on ‘Cold Chain Sustainability in a Changing World’. His insights highlighted the critical issues facing the cold chain sector in Africa, particularly within the context of trade and logistics. This is Part 2 of a five-part article.
Kelly’s insights on cold chain sustainability highlighted the pressing need for innovation and adaptation within the sector. As he continued, he called for increased collaboration and proactive measures to navigate the evolving challenges facing road freight and the cold chain in Africa.
He set the stage for vital discussions on how the cold chain sector can thrive in a rapidly changing environment, emphasising the collective responsibility of industry players to drive sustainability and efficiency as well as the challenges posed by new market dynamics and regulatory frameworks.
Kelly opened with a reflection on the shift in consumer behaviour brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We stopped using traditional car hire companies and began relying on Uber for transportation,” he noted, pointing out that this change has also impacted the freight industry. “Just as Uber disrupted the car rental market, brokers are now undercutting prices in freight, which threatens the operational sustainability of transporters.”
He highlighted how online shopping has reshaped consumer expectations, particularly among younger generations. “My daughters now buy dresses from online retailers in China and Japan, which puts pressure on local retailers and alters the entire supply chain,” he said, underlining the importance of adapting to these new realities.
Kelly emphasised the critical role of technical expertise in the logistics sector, noting that the ability to efficiently load and manage different types of cargo is vital. He illustrated this with the analogy of transporting a ton of granite versus a ton of feathers, explaining that the volume and handling requirements differ significantly. “Understanding how to load vehicles properly is a major factor that separates successful operators from those who struggle,” he explained.
As the discussion moved to cold chain specifics, Kelly pointed out the importance of having the right equipment to maintain temperature-controlled logistics. “If you’re moving refrigerated containers, you need vehicles equipped with proper cooling systems such as air conditioning units,” he said. He also noted that additional equipment impacts the vehicle’s carrying capacity, highlighting the delicate balance operators must manage.
“Choosing the right vehicle for the job is essential,” Kelly stressed, advising against the common tendency in South Africa to opt for oversized trucks. “If you’re just moving lighter loads, you don’t need a 720-horsepower six-by-six truck. Understanding the requirements of your specific cargo is crucial.”
Kelly also touched on the complex legislative landscape for road freight operators, noting that they must navigate at least 25 pieces of national legislation, as well as various provincial regulations. He highlighted the importance of compliance, especially when working with specialised cargo like seafood, which is subject to additional regulatory scrutiny.