Record diesel prices put Truck Test 2026 firmly in the spotlight
With diesel at record highs and transport costs feeding directly into the price of goods, Africa’s biggest-ever comparative truck test could not come at a more important time for South African operators.
South African transport operators are facing unprecedented fuel costs, with inland diesel prices reaching record nominal levels in September 2026. Against this backdrop, Truck Test 2026 will put the fuel efficiency and productivity of 20 extra-heavy trucks from 13 manufacturers under the microscope.
The test, taking place from 10 to 12 November 2026, will be the biggest truck test ever staged on the African continent and one of the largest comparative truck tests of its kind in the world.
“Truck Test 2026 is an extraordinary undertaking. Bringing together 20 extra-heavy trucks from 13 manufacturers for a demanding real-world test on the same route, under the same conditions, is impressive by any international standard,” notes Florian Engel, chairperson of the International Truck of the Year Jury.
“The scale of the event makes it not only the biggest truck test ever staged in Africa, but one of the most significant comparative truck tests anywhere in the world,” he continues. “It is a remarkable showcase for South Africa’s commercial vehicle industry and demonstrates the professionalism, technical expertise and commitment that exist within the country’s road transport sector.”
The test comes at a time when the inland wholesale price of diesel has climbed to approximately R29.11/litre for 500ppm and R30.05/litre for 50ppm. By comparison, when the last Truck Test took place during the fuel-price crisis of July 2022, inland diesel was around R25.40/litre for 500ppm and R25.53/litre for 50ppm. That means 50ppm diesel is now about R4.50/litre higher than the July 2022 level.
Fuel costs reach far beyond trucking
The impact of the rising diesel price extends well beyond transport companies. Almost every product consumed in South Africa spends at least part of its journey on a truck. Food, clothing, building materials, medicine, machinery and household goods all need to be transported through the supply chain.
When the cost of moving those goods rises, businesses face increased distribution costs, creating additional pressure throughout the economy and ultimately on consumers. This makes truck productivity increasingly important, particularly in a country where road freight carries a substantial share of goods.
“Fuel efficiency has always mattered, but at current diesel prices every litre saved has become even more significant,” says Charleen Clarke, editorial director of FOCUS on Transport & Logistics, organiser of Truck Test 2026.
“Truck operators cannot control the diesel price, but they can make informed decisions about the vehicles they put into their fleets. Truck Test is designed to provide credible real-world data that helps them do exactly that.”
20 trucks put to the test
Truck Test 2026 will see Daewoo, DAF, FAW, Foton, Hino, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Powerstar, Scania, Shacman, Sinotruk and Volvo Trucks field a total of 20 extra-heavy vehicles.
The trucks will tackle the demanding Johannesburg–Durban–Johannesburg route on the N3, starting and finishing at Engen Blockhouse 1 Stop North.
Participating 6x4 truck tractors will operate at a gross combination mass of approximately 55.5 to 56 tonnes and will be coupled to identical Afrit tautliners.
The aim is to create conditions that allow meaningful comparison between vehicles. Fuel consumption will be measured under controlled refuelling procedures, while trip times, average speeds and operating data will also be recorded.
Importantly, the results will not simply identify which vehicle uses the least fuel. Truck Test will also calculate a productivity index, considering fuel burned in relation to average speed. This recognises the commercial reality that a truck must not only save fuel, but also move freight efficiently and productively.
Independent data and technical oversight
A range of specialist partners will support the event. Engen is the official fuel and lubrication partner, while TruckScience is the official technical data collection and results analysis partner. Afrit is the official trailer partner, Bandag is the official tyre partner, Ctrack the official telematics partner, WearCheck is the official condition monitoring partner, ZF Aftermarket is the official aftermarket partner and the Changan Hunter is 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 specialist commercial vehicle driveline remanufacturing business focused on minimising downtime and maximising fleet profitability.
Ctrack will monitor the vehicles throughout the test, while TruckScience will assist with technical analysis and axle-weight information.
Industry throws its weight behind Truck Test
Truck Test 2026 has also secured endorsement from major transport, freight and logistics organisations.
These include the Road Freight Association (RFA), South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA), Transist Bureau, Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (FESARTA), African Union of Transportation and Logistics Organisations and supply chain professionals body SAPICS.
The breadth of manufacturer, supplier and association participation reflects the significance of the event for the broader transport industry.
The official results will be revealed at the Truck Test 2026 Results Breakfast at Bryanston Country Club on 19 November, before being published in the December edition of FOCUS on Transport & Logistics and across its digital platforms.
With diesel costing South African operators more than ever before, this year’s results will be about considerably more than bragging rights. They will show what it really costs to move freight when every litre counts.
*Information provided by the publicist.
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