Answer to Question #153701 in Macroeconomics for Karabo Maluleke

Question

. Identify and elaborate on any four current issues/challenges that are facing the motor carrier industry in South Africa.​​​​​​(5×4=20)

Answer 1

The rising cost of fuel/ petrol. The rising cost of fuel in South Africa has negatively impacted the freight industry in terms of fuel consumption by the trucks, which has led to the increased cost of operation for the freight industries.

Road safety and frequent traffic accidents caused by low road network and congestion in most of the country's major highways have compromised freight industries' freight services.

The changing climatic conditions have also been a challenge to the freight industries. For instance, the snow and heavy rainfall have affected freight services due to poor view as the truck drivers hardly see the roads due to heavy rainfall and snows, which often blocks the roads and the air transport.

Shortage of skilled workforce in operating trucks and other machines involved in freight services has compromised the service delivery by freight industries, limiting the quality of services they intend to offer to the market.