A R180 million order by Ngululu Bulk Carriers (NBC) for 133 new DAF XF105.460 FTT 6×4 truck tractors, makes this the biggest single order to date for Babcock.

The order placed in March 2014 sees the trucks being delivered to NBC’s Steelpoort and Phalaborwa operations in batches to allow sufficient time to fully enrol the fleet over a six month period. The final delivery takes place in October this year.

NBC is involved in the logistics and transporting of raw and beneficiated mining commodities , mostly for export via Maputo, Richards Bay and Durban ports.

Babcock is the sole importer and distributor of DAF trucks in the southern African market.

Jan Maritz, senior sales executive for DAF says, “We are delighted to have entered into a partnership with NBC. We attracted this order based on our understanding of NBC’s needs and our ability to match these requirements. We expect our relationship with NBC to provide a long term showcase of our products along with our team’s back-up capabilities.
This order is significant because it means we can compete on equal footing with other European brands in South Africa.”

Mark Gavin, DAF sales director adds, “The order follows the utilisation of a demo XF105,460 truck in the NBC fleet. Soon afterwards a comprehensive transport solution was negotiated that includes technical backup, a repair and maintenance contract and a finance option. By the end of the year NBC will have established fully fledges workshops at its Steelpoort and Phalaborwa operations where DAF personnel will be permanently deployed to maintain the fleet. The deal incorporates extensive driver training as well as a ‘train the trainer’ component where NBC’s driver trainers will also be instructed.”