DAF XF 480 trucks join Valostar’s fleet
As South African transport operators battle rising fuel costs, tight margins and growing pressure to improve efficiency, fleet decisions are increasingly shaped by long-term operating costs rather than purchase price alone. And, at Valostar, this has meant purchasing more trucks from DAF.
Transport and logistics company Valostar has expanded its fleet with the addition of 10 new DAF XF 480 truck tractors, continuing a relationship with the Dutch truck manufacturer that began in 2022. The vehicles have been deployed in tautliner breakbulk operations servicing long-haul routes across South Africa, where uptime, fuel efficiency and driver productivity remain central to profitability. The latest acquisition forms part of a broader fleet replacement programme as the company gradually phases out older vehicles and standardises portions of its fleet around the DAF brand.
From brokerage to national fleet operator
Valostar traces its origins to Omeida Trading, a family-run transport brokerage business founded by Jonathan and Roueen Singh. Initially focused on brokerage and overflow loads, the business steadily expanded through partnerships with transport operators and long-term customer relationships. “Omeida Trading began as a hands-on family business, with my husband, Jonathan Singh, operating our first vehicle while I managed the administrative and operational functions,” explains Roueen Singh. “As the business grew, we identified opportunities within the brokerage space and gradually expanded our operations.”
In 2016, the company secured a major contract with a blue-chip customer, prompting a shift towards fleet ownership and direct transport operations. By 2017, Valostar had begun investing in its own vehicles, laying the foundation for the national logistics business it operates today. The company now runs a substantial tautliner fleet transporting fast-moving consumer goods across South Africa. Through its sister company Valostar Steel Construction, the business also manages internal logistics involving tri-axle vehicles and smaller trucks delivering steel structures, cladding and roofing materials to construction sites nationwide.
DAF’s growing role in South Africa
Although DAF Trucks has a relatively smaller footprint in South Africa compared with some established European competitors, the brand has gained increasing traction among long-haul operators focused on fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership. DAF forms part of the PACCAR group, one of the world’s largest heavy commercial vehicle manufacturers, which also owns Kenworth and Peterbilt in North America. The Dutch manufacturer has built a strong reputation internationally for aerodynamic design, low fuel consumption and driver-focused cab layouts. The DAF XF range is particularly associated with long-distance transport applications and has won multiple International Truck of the Year awards in Europe over the past two decades.
In South Africa, DAF trucks are distributed by Babcock, which also manages aftermarket support, servicing and parts supply for local operators. Valostar purchased its first five DAF XF 460 units in 2022 after operating several other truck brands within its fleet. According to Roueen, the trucks quickly proved themselves in demanding long-haul applications. “One of the major attributes of the DAF truck is driver comfort. Our drivers quickly fell in love with the truck,” she says. “Prioritising driver comfort contributes to wellbeing and job satisfaction, while also helping reduce driver fatigue and improve productivity.”
Efficiency under pressure
Fuel efficiency has become an increasingly important consideration for South African transport operators as diesel prices and operational costs continue to fluctuate. For long-haul fleets covering extensive national routes, even marginal reductions in fuel consumption can significantly influence profitability over the lifecycle of a vehicle. The latest-generation DAF XF 480 incorporates updated driveline technology, aerodynamic refinements and improved powertrain efficiency aimed at reducing operating costs. According to Valostar, reliability and uptime remain equally important in the purchasing decision. “In a highly competitive logistics environment, operating costs and uptime are critical, and DAF consistently delivers on both fronts,” says Roueen.
The company says Babcock’s structured trade-back and buy-back options also played a role in the investment decision, particularly in managing vehicle replacement cycles and long-term asset planning. “When making capital investments of this scale, we take a holistic view,” Roueen explains. “Beyond the initial purchase, we evaluate after-sales support, maintenance structures and resale or buy-back options. These factors are essential for operational continuity and long-term sustainability.”
Importance of aftermarket support
Aftermarket support continues to play a critical role within South Africa’s transport industry, particularly for fleets operating under demanding delivery schedules and long-distance operating conditions. Vehicle downtime can have significant financial consequences, especially within FMCG distribution where delivery reliability is closely linked to customer retention and contractual performance.
According to Valostar, responsive technical support and parts availability remain key considerations when selecting fleet partners. “Our experience with Babcock has been very positive. The sales team demonstrated a strong understanding of our operational needs, and the after-sales support has been responsive and reliable, both of which are critical in our industry,” concludes Roueen.
