Easing the load on logistics

FIRSTLY, let us set the record straight: We are all for road safety, and we should never compromise on the roadworthiness of the commercial vehicles plying our highways and federal and state roads.

Secondly, we can all agree that the logistics sector is the heart of economic growth, as raw materials, semi-finished goods and finished products must be transported from one location to another to ensure they reach various touchpoints – including warehouses, distribution centres and final points of sale.

Thirdly, it is well understood that drivers of these heavy vehicles cannot be replaced by automation or artificial intelligence unless we reach a point where trucks and lorries are fully autonomous.

Having agreed on the three points above, we must ensure a robust logistics network capable of supporting our industries, commercial needs and consumer demand.

Recently, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, via the Road Transport Department (JPJ), declared “war” on overloaded vehicles in an operation that will last right up to year-end.

According to the minister, the issue of overloading is not a trivial matter, as it poses a serious risk to other road users and causes significant damage to the road network.

The directive issued by JPJ has been well received by most stakeholders, although there are some legitimate economic and commercial concerns about the impact of the measure.

Turnaround time

It is a known fact that outsourced logistics operators tend to maximise the load on their vehicles simply to be able to carry more goods and reduce the number of trips required to meet clients’ needs.

Speeding is also common, as drivers of heavy vehicles tend to exceed the permitted speed limit in order to complete more trips and earn a higher income.

There are no excuses for such behaviour.

Logistics operators must always ensure that their vehicles are driven responsibly, as well as within the allowable load and speed limits.

However, the reality is that many drivers tend to ignore these rules.

Hence, repeatedly, we see accidents occur involving heavy vehicles, and in many cases, the drivers involved have previously been flagged for multiple offences related to speeding or overloading.

For in-house-owned logistics services, such incidents are less frequent as these drivers are bound by company rules and regulations, and are penalised if found flouting the law.

The key to tackling this behaviour boils down to strict enforcement and measures that ensure drivers abide by the letter of the law.

Harsh penalties, coupled with continuous road safety education, are also essential in ensuring safer roads for everyone.

Nightmarish move

While the JPJ has gone on to enforce the rules on overloading of commercial vehicles with guns blazing, which is a welcome move as far as enforcement is concerned, there are serious repercussions for the logistics industry that could have a severe economic impact if not addressed head-on.

First, while overloading is common, some vehicles are capable of carrying loads greater than the allowable weight due to various measures taken to improve their load capacity.

These include enhancements to the suspension system, better braking performance, reducing kerb weight by removing unnecessary components, using tyres with higher load ratings, reinforcing frames and chassis, and installing heavy-duty axles.

How goods are loaded, packaged, and evenly distributed within the vehicle also makes a difference, allowing it to carry additional weight safely.

Second, under the new rule prohibiting overloading, fleet operators and large companies with their own heavy vehicles will require additional vehicles to transport the same amount of goods.

This raises both capital expenditure and operating costs.

Moreover, acquiring new heavy vehicles is not as straightforward as buying snacks from a convenience store – obtaining the necessary permits can take a long time, sometimes as much as six to eight months.

Third, heavy vehicles are driven by experienced drivers, and expanding this pool takes time, as there is already a shortage of qualified drivers in the market.

This also raises questions about the demand–supply equilibrium, which could push wages for transport vehicle drivers even higher.

Fourth, the JPJ’s move to clamp down on heavy vehicles has a secondary impact related to overall economic output and growth.

The reduced capacity to move goods due to the hard crackdown on heavy vehicles will result in overloaded warehouses, both for finished goods and raw materials.

Consequently, goods destined for distributors, retailers, and end consumers will take longer to reach their destinations.

This could, in turn, delay project implementation in sectors such as infrastructure and property development, as well as slow the delivery of consumer goods to stores.

Taken together, the four factors above suggest that the JPJ’s abrupt crackdown on heavy vehicles poses serious challenges for businesses and logistics operators alike.

Do it right

The right way to address issues related to overloading is through proper engagement with stakeholders and a well-calibrated policy approach, supported by sufficient time to ensure all parties are ready for implementation.

This will help prevent economic disruptions while allowing the logistics ecosystem to adapt effectively.

For the JPJ, it is equally important to expedite the approval of transport vehicle permits and to support the development of the heavy vehicle driver workforce – both by attracting new drivers and by providing retraining and education for existing ones to enhance road safety.

The agency should also strengthen its vehicle inspection processes to ensure roadworthiness, and consider allowing a higher load factor for vehicles that demonstrate the structural and mechanical capability to safely handle it.

In conclusion, the logistics sector remains the heart of the economy, and any measures introduced by the authorities must safeguard business continuity and cost efficiency.

The correct way to clamp down on heavy vehicles is through a consultative, balanced approach that ensures a win–win outcome for all, with the safety of all road users as the top priority.