Driver Training Key to Safe and Efficient Abnormal‑Load Movement

This week, we spotlight the importance driver training offerred  by Daimler Truck Southern Africa and dealer network in a recent abnormal-load convoy for Vanguard Heavy Lift, a long-standing customer of DTSA.

Vanguard Heavy Lift operates a wide variety of Mercedes_Benz Actros product, some of it from the mid 2000 era demonstrating the product’s durability up to the latest Actros 4058S/39 models delivered in 2025.

A unique Mercedes_Benz Actros feature employed in much of the Vanguard fleet is the  Turbo Retarder Clutch (TRC). This is a lockable type fluid coupling which provides very smooth pull-away and manouvering under heavy load conditions without bouncing and jerking as is common with dry clutches on heavy haul tractors. The TRC being a fluid coupling also can’t be burnt out by low speed reversing and positioning as is required positioning large multi-axle trailers with heavy loads. 

In addition to this, the TRC is unique in that being mounted at the front (input) side of the transmission, it also offers excellent dynamic retardation at low speed where most other vehicles have to rely on their service brakes which consume a huge amount of air when a truck is pulling up to sixteen axle lines. 

All this said, no tool can be used to it’s full effectiveness without proper operator training, which is where Daimler Truck’s driver training program comes into play.

During 2025 and 2026 Vanguard heavy lift has put four additonal units equipped with TRC into their heavy haul fleet meet the needs of a wind turbine contract where loads are collected in Richards Bay and moved to Mpumalanga via the N2. This route includes declines down to the Pongola river and then ascending the notoriusly steep Itelejuba climb North of Pongola.  

The Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of each truck and trailer combination varied between 110 and 160 tons, depending on the size of the load with daily distance covered limited to between 150 and 200km due to operating hours and route constraints.

The almost 500 km route takes three days to cover with up to six combinations travelling in convoy to minimise disruptions to other road users, and police escorts in attendance the whole way.
Driver training starts with a thorough briefing of all the vehicle systems, and how the various features on the vehicle work. This is followed by real world driving in the cab where the driver is given a practical demonstration of operation of the stand out features, especially operation of the Turbo Retader Clutch. This is especially popular with drivers as it significantly  reduces any anxiety around negotiating tough sections of roads without any fear of becoming stuck on steep inclines or having the combination run away on down hills.

 
The other immediate noticeable benefits of proper driver training is that drivers are trained to better manage the heavy combination’s kinetic energy safely. This makes for faster trip times without speeding, while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption through proper management of the powertrain, by making use of the appropriate features such as using the correct gearshift mode and using cruise control or limit function where appropriate.  

Vanguard heavy lift expressed their appreciation for the training and support provided, reinforcing their relationship with Daimler Trucks and reaffirming the Actros range as the backbone of their heavy abnormal-load transport operations.