Materials handling, logistics and transport have the power to make life better, but not all areas of the world benefit equally. Mark Nicholson finds out how Transaid is working to close the gap – and what eureka readers can do to help.

Without forklift trucks, imagine how much longer it would take for goods to reach us, how much more it would cost to move them and how much harder that work would be. And consider how different things would be without lorries, buses and cars.

In relatively wealthy countries we take it for granted that high-quality, well-maintained vehicles and forklift trucks will always be there, along with the necessary skills and training to operate and maintain them safely.

Transaid, an international development organisation, gives our industry the opportunity to contribute to improving people’s lives in the developing world by making transport more available and affordable. As well as setting up or upgrading local transport systems it offers heavy goods vehicle, passenger carrying vehicle and forklift truck operator training, and promotes safety.

A positive Impact

A good example of what can be achieved through Transaid has been set by Impact, the Cat® lift truck distributor for UK and Ireland. Earlier this year, Impact’s National Training Manager Mark Prickett spent a week at the Industrial Training Centre in Zambia. There he taught a group of engineers – including managers and teachers – how to check and maintain a forklift truck.

The students gained practical experience on a new DP30N diesel counterbalance forklift truck donated by Cat® Lift Trucks. Specified with additional protection to cope with a dusty environment, the truck is there to fulfil a vital role in training teachers and students on maintenance and efficient, safe operation of forklift equipment.

Industrial Training Centre (ITC), Zambia

“As one of the first training institutions in Zambia to provide forklift training, we have seen remarkable growth in demand for our course,” ITC’s Executive Director Levy Kamanga reports. “This has succeeded only through the support of Transaid and its co-operating partners.”

He adds, “In addition to the Cat forklift truck, Impact also provided training from Mark Prickett, one of their national trainers, on maintaining the truck. This training was greatly appreciated and the skills shared with our staff will ensure that the forklift will allow us to train significant numbers of operators over the coming years.”

An eye-opening experience

When Impact’s Mark Prickett was asked if he would like to work in Zambia for a week, he had to think for a while – especially as he knew so little about the location. Being keen to help people, particularly in the area of safety, he decided to go. His experience has been a real eye-opener.

“The poverty out there is a nightmare,” he says. “We are so lucky in comparison. It’s not unusual for someone to have to walk four or five miles for a little food. In the rainy season, the torrential downpours cause many fatalities on the roads – often because of vehicle defects like worn tyres and windscreen wipers.”

He adds, “Getting aid to communities in that situation is so important but it isn’t easy. Above all, what these countries desperately need is funds – and donations to Transaid really do have a great effect.”

Global teamwork

Cat Lift Trucks called on support from Mantrac, a member of its global network of official dealers, to make sure the vital forklift truck reached its destination safely and on time. Along with logistics and materials handling expertise, this Pan-African Cat lift truck dealer provided local knowledge and experience in dealing with the challenge of working across borders. Making use of its network of depots, Mantrac received the forklift at its branch in Tanzania and then shipped it directly to Zambia.