Operating a successful transport operation takes a cunning business sense, careful planning, a keen eye for opportunities and a healthy dose of creativity.

And Honey Lotus Farms, a transport operator situated just outside of Nigel in Gauteng, is certainly such a business.

Operating mainly as a commodity transporter, Honey Lotus Farms is owned by Richard Burns.  The company currently has a fleet of 40 trucks, with ambitious plans to expand its operations exponentially over the medium term.

One of the stalwarts of the company’s fleet, a 2008 UD 440 6×4 truck tractor recently crossed the million kilometre mark without experiencing any major problems.

Burns says, “The truck still has all its original parts and it simply keeps on going. During this time the truck has moved over 92 000 tons of freight and generated more than R10.3 million in revenue.  This UD certainly keeps on producing a great return on investment.”

Burns’ partner in the business, is Elfie Mgidi, who was also coincidentally the vehicle’s first driver.

Mgidi adds, “According to our company’s replacement policy, we should already have replaced this UD440 some time ago but it just keeps on going without giving any real problems.”

The company’s vehicles that are still under warranty are serviced by UD Trucks Middelburg, while the older vehicles are serviced onsite at the company’s workshop.

Willie Linde, dealer principal at UD Trucks Middelburg, states, “It is just a pleasure to work with a company like Honey Lotus Farms who has such a high level of professionalism and expertise.”

“We are very proud to be associated with a company of Honey Lotus Farms’ caliber, and are looking forward to maintaining a long and successful partnership with them going into the future.”