Commercial Trucks to Compete in November Fuel Test
Twenty heavy vehicles will traverse the N3 corridor in November 2026 to assess fuel efficiency and performance.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Trucks
Live Poll
Is now a good time for transport companies to prioritize fuel efficiency over other operational costs?
The Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders has organised a comparative fuel efficiency test for 20 heavy commercial vehicles. This event will take place from 10 November to 12 November 2026 on the route between Johannesburg and Durban.
Why it matters
As operators face rising fuel costs, this test aims to provide transparency and data-driven insights into vehicle efficiency. The results will assist companies in making informed decisions about their heavy-duty fleets.
A total of 20 extra-heavy commercial vehicles from 13 different manufacturers are set to participate in the upcoming performance assessment. The test subjects these vehicles to sustained heavy-duty operation and steep gradients along the N3 corridor.
The players
Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders
This is a trade association that represents the interests of freight forwarders operating within the South African logistics sector.
TruckScience
This organisation specialises in the collection and analysis of technical data for the commercial vehicle industry.
Ctrack
This company provides advanced telematics and fleet management solutions for the transport and logistics industries.
DEKRA
This international organisation serves as the safety partner for the event and provides vehicle inspection and testing services.
The details
The test will evaluate key performance indicators including fuel consumption, journey times, average speeds, and overall productivity. Technical data collection will be managed by TruckScience, while Ctrack provides telematics support to ensure accuracy throughout the journey.
Timeline
The official sponsorship of Truck Test 2026 was announced on 26 October 2026.
Vehicles will undergo testing on the N3 corridor from 10 November to 12 November 2026.
Official test results are scheduled for release on 19 November 2026.
Roadmap
This initiative reflects the broader industry trend of prioritising fuel economy to counter the impact of rising fuel costs within the South African freight sector. By standardising performance metrics across 13 different manufacturers, the programme helps move the logistics industry toward greater operational transparency.
Operators and logistics companies can use these standardised results to compare vehicle efficiency before making future fleet investments. These findings offer practical benchmarks for fuel consumption that may influence long-term maintenance expectations and operational budgeting.
The takeaway
Transport operators can use these comparative results to better identify the most efficient vehicle models for their specific routes. Implementing data-driven insights from such tests is a critical step for companies looking to reduce their long-term fuel expenditure.
What happens next
The official results of the 2026 Truck Test are expected to be announced on 19 November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving standards for heavy transport, visit the Trucks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freight News.
Live Poll
Is now a good time for transport companies to prioritize fuel efficiency over other operational costs?
