Interview of the week - Frits Kroon Transport - South Africa

Who owns the company?

Frits Kroon is the owner, manager and sometimes a mechanic. In 1999 he put the key in the ignition of his very first Paystar Truck and drove it to an outstanding company. Today we have grown into a well-established family and fleet that has spread it's wings not only across our borders, but also offering a holistic transport service.

Tell us a few words about your experience, your expertise and your business in general.

Moving various dimension abnormal loads through various countries, with various regulations takes masterminds in the office and men that can move mountains behind the wheel. Some of the staff has been with us from just a few months after Frits started the first truck in 1999.

Currently we move loads to 13 countries and here is what our team accomplished:

Where are your offices located?

• Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa (Head Office)
• Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Kitwe, Zambia

Tell us about projects that you have handled recently.

1. Load: Hawker Beechcraft Premier 1A Aircraft.
   Distance: Vilanculos, Mozambique to Johannesburg, South Africa (1300km)
   The Aircraft was in an landing accident and the wings and engine was dismantled.


2. Load: Caterpillar D11 Bulldozer (105 ton)
   Distance: Durban, South Africa to Lumwana, Zambia, this is a 3000km journey.


3. Load: LPG Vessel 
   Distance: Johannesburg, South Africa to Pretoria, South Africa, 150km
   Dimensions: 23.4m long, 5.6m wide, 7.7m loaded height, 84 tons


4. Load: Dump Truck Bodies
   Distance: Johannesburg, South Africa to Kathu, South Africa 700km
   Dimensions: 9.5m wide 


5. Load: Jameson Flotation Cell
   Distance: Johannesburg, South Africa to Kolwezi, DRC 2600km (this load was moved through 4 countries)
   Dimensions: 24m long, 5.4m wide, 32ton

Which are the main industries served in South Africa?

Mining & Minerals, Construction, Agriculture, Industrial and Energy.

What are the typical difficulties that you face in your business?

Border Post delays caused by officials can sometimes cost us a day, a week or even longer. This is not always the case, but it is costly in both time and money. It is also the main cause of grey hair in our office.

How do you ensure that you will stand out?

We strive for excellence and customer satisfaction. We also offer so much more than just moving your load. Our services include import & export, all clearances, pilot vehicles, route surveys, permit applications, storage, rigging, port & landing charges etc.

What made you join the industry?

Diesel is in my blood. This was a dream of mine since a young age.

What do you like the most about your business?

The challenge of really BIG Loads! From planning, to the adrenaline rush of moving the load, to the satisfaction of another safe delivery. Knowing I have an excellent team that can handle any load a customer brings. Versatility; we handle such a big variety of loads with different dimensions into and out of different countries, it is always interesting.

Who should be approached in Frits Kroon for inquiries?

You can contact Frits directly on +27 82 884 1600 / frits@fkt.co.za
To view a few of our loads please visit www.fkt.co.za or you can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Youtube.