Trucking cattle not a job for the faint-hearted

THE transport business is notoriously difficult and dangerous, as was brought home so violently earlier this month when a truck crashed on Field’s Hill, killing 23.

Add in the cut-throat competitiveness, and you’re destined for sleepless nights and the occasional headache.

But Fryslan Transport’s Barry Veenstra has built a company and his reputation on reliable, safe service – but it hasn’t been easy and he has also had more than his share of tragedy and heartbreak.

The Mooi River businessman owns one of the province’s largest fleets of livestock transport trucks and has 210 wheels constantly rumbling along the highways, byways and farm roads.

Fryslan specialises in carting livestock and all things agricultural, and the trucks can be seen on roads all over the country.

Veenstra is also a familiar sight in the Midlands, where he is the man to call when farmers need cattle or loads ferried around in the specialised vehicles.

With each of the 210 wheels costing between R3 000 and R5 000, and a truck worth about R900 000 – add in another R250 000 for a trailer, and R150 000 for special sides to be fitted to the vehicle so that it can accommodate 40 400kg cows – and you’re looking at a seriously expensive business.

“It’s challenging,” says Veenstra, “and one of the most difficult aspects is keeping people happy. Customers expect the world. I’ve got to keep the trucks busy, because if the wheels aren’t turning, I’m not making money.

“Calls come in from around the country at all hours, and people want their livestock transported there and then”.

Adding to the problems are the rising diesel costs, rising toll fees, road accidents, delays when loading or unloading,