Farmwise bets on DAF

Testing before trusting

Before committing to new fleet additions, Farmwise took a practical approach: it tested a DAF XF demonstrator truck in full daily operations for a month.

“Babcock gave us the opportunity to run a demo truck in our operations for a full month,” says Raymond da Costa of Farmwise Marketing. “That real-world experience convinced us. The fuel efficiency was excellent, our drivers enjoyed the comfort and drivability, and the backup support from Babcock was solid. Based on that, we decided to invest in DAF.”

Following the successful trial, Farmwise purchased two units – a DAF XF 480 and a DAF XF 530 – designed for long-haul operations where aerodynamics, driver comfort, and operating efficiency matter most. The vehicles now form part of the company’s growing national fleet, supplying major retailers with time-sensitive produce from multiple regions.

Reliability meets local adaptation

The investment is part of a broader trend in South Africa’s transport sector, where operators are seeking vehicles that balance fuel efficiency, driver comfort, and service support with local adaptability. From agricultural routes to cross-border corridors, operating conditions can be punishing.

According to Mark Gavin, Sales Director of DAF Trucks at Babcock, these realities directly inform how DAF trucks are specified for South African conditions.

“Feedback from local operators has been instrumental in shaping our product support,” Gavin explains. “For instance, operators in agriculture and rural logistics reported excessive suspension wear due to rough terrain, so DAF trucks here now feature heavy-duty suspension setups, higher ground clearance and chassis upgrades for unpaved roads. We’ve also introduced enhanced cooling systems for high ambient temperatures and recalibrated engines to manage local fuel quality.”

These practical adaptations reflect how global truck platforms are increasingly customised for regional operating environments – a necessary step for fleets aiming to achieve consistent reliability and predictable running costs across South Africa’s diverse routes.

Data-driven fleet visibility

Beyond the vehicles themselves, Farmwise has also adopted Babcock’s Executrax fleet management system, integrating telematics, driver performance monitoring, and fuel analytics across its operations. This digital backbone provides real-time insights into efficiency and safety metrics – from idle time and fuel burn to service intervals – enabling the business to plan maintenance proactively rather than reactively.

“Fleet visibility and predictive maintenance are becoming the new foundations of reliability,” says Gavin. “Every DAF truck we deliver is now equipped with telematics that connect directly to the operator’s control room. This doesn’t just track data – it enables better decision-making about how the fleet is run day to day.”

Gavin adds that this connectivity extends to Babcock’s support network, helping technicians diagnose and resolve issues faster. “Uptime is the heartbeat of any successful transport operation,” he says. “Our telematics tools, service points and mobile support units are designed to keep vehicles on the road and earning, not waiting in a workshop.”

Operational priorities: cost of ownership and uptime

Asked where he sees the greatest competitive advantage for truck operators over the next decade, Gavin is unequivocal: total cost of ownership (TCO) will define the winners and losers.

“Fuel efficiency is critical, but it’s just one slice of the pie,” he says. “Technology like telematics, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven route optimisation all exist to improve uptime and reduce operating costs. When you combine those factors, you start unlocking the real value behind TCO.”

For transport operators such as Farmwise, that balance between operating cost and service support is vital. The fresh produce sector demands not just punctuality but also consistent refrigeration and vehicle reliability across long supply chains. The DAF investment, Da Costa says, fits squarely into the company’s long-term strategy to modernise its fleet without compromising on service quality.

Beyond the delivery: partnership and performance

The collaboration between Farmwise and Babcock underscores the growing importance of total lifecycle support in South African fleet operations. By pairing high-performance trucks with integrated digital tools and responsive aftersales service, the partnership gives Farmwise full visibility of its vehicles’ performance, fuel use and maintenance schedules.

Through Executrax, managers can monitor real-time driver behaviour and mechanical data, while Babcock’s nationwide service network ensures that any issues are addressed quickly – keeping vehicles productive and running costs predictable. For a time-sensitive business built on freshness and reliability, that level of assurance is invaluable.

“Based on this experience, we definitely see DAF as part of our fleet strategy going forward,” adds Da Costa.