South African transport operators are dealing with record nominal inland diesel prices, and Truck Test 2026 will examine how 20 extra-heavy trucks from 13 manufacturers perform on fuel efficiency and productivity under these conditions.

The test will run from 10 to 12 November 2026 and is set to be the largest truck test yet held in Africa, as well as one of the larger comparative truck tests internationally.

Florian Engel, chairperson of the International Truck of the Year Jury, said the event brings together 20 extra-heavy trucks from 13 manufacturers for a demanding real-world test on the same route and under the same conditions.

He said the scale of the event makes it the biggest truck test staged in Africa and one of the more significant comparative truck tests globally. It also serves as a showcase for South Africa’s commercial vehicle industry and reflects the professionalism, technical expertise and commitment present in the country’s road transport sector.

The test takes place as the inland wholesale price of diesel sits at about R29.11 per litre for 500ppm and R30.05 per litre for 50ppm. During the last Truck Test in July 2022, when fuel prices were also under pressure, inland diesel was around R25.40 per litre for 500ppm and R25.53 per litre for 50ppm. The 50ppm price is now about R4.50 per litre higher than in July 2022.

Fuel costs affect more than transport companies

The effect of higher diesel prices reaches beyond transport companies. Most products consumed in South Africa are carried by truck for at least part of their journey. Food, clothing, building materials, medicine, machinery and household goods all move through the supply chain by road.

When the cost of moving these goods increases, businesses face higher distribution costs. This places added pressure on the economy and, ultimately, on consumers. Truck productivity therefore becomes more important, especially in a country where road freight moves a substantial share of goods.

Charleen Clarke, editorial director of FOCUS on Transport & Logistics and organiser of Truck Test 2026, said fuel efficiency has always mattered, but at current diesel prices every litre saved carries more weight.

She said truck operators cannot control the diesel price, but they can make informed decisions about the vehicles they add to their fleets. Truck Test is intended to provide credible real-world data to support those decisions.

20 trucks to take part

Daewoo, DAF, FAW, Foton, Hino, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Powerstar, Scania, Shacman, Sinotruk and Volvo Trucks will enter a total of 20 extra-heavy vehicles.

The trucks will run the Johannesburg–Durban–Johannesburg route on the N3, starting and finishing at Engen Blockhouse 1 Stop North.

The participating 6×4 truck tractors will operate at a gross combination mass of about 55.5 to 56 tonnes and will be coupled to identical Afrit tautliners.

The arrangement is intended to allow meaningful comparison between vehicles. Fuel consumption will be measured using controlled refuelling procedures, while trip times, average speeds and operating data will also be recorded.

The results will not only show which vehicle uses the least fuel. Truck Test will also calculate a productivity index that considers fuel burned in relation to average speed. This reflects the commercial reality that a truck must save fuel while also moving freight efficiently and productively.

Independent data and technical oversight

Several specialist partners will support the event. Engen is the official fuel and lubrication partner, and TruckScience is the official technical data collection and results analysis partner. Afrit is the official trailer partner, Bandag the official tyre partner, Ctrack the official telematics partner, WearCheck the official condition monitoring partner, ZF Aftermarket the official aftermarket partner and the Changan Hunter the official bakkie partner of Truck Test 2026.

Technical oversight will be provided by Truck Test technical director Jayesh “Tiny” Daya. He is director of TDRSA, a commercial vehicle driveline remanufacturing business focused on reducing downtime and improving fleet profitability.

Ctrack will monitor the vehicles throughout the test, while TruckScience will assist with technical analysis and axle-weight information.

Industry support

Truck Test 2026 has also received endorsement from transport, freight and logistics organisations.

These include the Road Freight Association, the South African Association of Freight Forwarders, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa, Transist Bureau, the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations, the African Union of Transportation and Logistics Organisations and supply chain professionals body SAPICS.

The participation of manufacturers, suppliers and associations reflects the event’s importance to the wider transport industry.

The official results will be announced at the Truck Test 2026 Results Breakfast at Bryanston Country Club on 19 November. They will then be published in the December edition of FOCUS on Transport & Logistics and on its digital platforms.

With diesel costing South African operators more than before, this year’s results will go beyond bragging rights. They will show what it costs to move freight when every litre counts.