Lightening the Load

Proposals for a series of truck stops in the UAE would be welcome for haulage drivers and serve as a focal point for logistics services

As the weather starts to cool and UAE motorists start to dream up enjoyable daytrip itineraries, spare a thought for the thousands of truck drivers who, come winter or summer, drive through the heat for hours on end, are restricted in when and where they can drive, and have little in the way of amenities and services to help them off the roads.

But if proposals for truck stops by oil major Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) are given the green light, then at least that last point will be consigned to the scrap heap.

The spacious, trucker-focused facility would have everything on one convenient site with designated sections for specialist oil, water, truck wash and repair facilities, as well as a convenience store with first level accommodation, garbage skips, weighing stations for trucks and power generating points. A stand for taxis and buses would also be available to shuttle drivers to and from the city.

ENOC has earmarked five locations in various Emirates, including one in the heart of Dubai Industrial City, but hasn’t received approval yet, or consequently started construction.

“It’s something that’s really been ignored,” says Zaid Alqufaidi, Chief Operating Off icer, ENOC, which operates 170 stores across the UAE. “Drivers come from Jordan, Syria, Turkey and Lebanon – where do they go? They end up sleeping in the trucks. If a driver wants to go to the washroom, he has to go behind the truck which is really uncivilised – or they end up cooking under the truck. I’ve heard of a lot of bizarre accidents where people have been sleeping and someone has backed up into them. Since the whole country is developing, we should be part of the development.”

The weight monitoring facility would be a useful service, especially as by 2013, the UAE will have 49 bridges crossing water, so operators will need to know their loads and be aware of any restrictions. The convenience store would be modified to serve drivers’ specific tastes – “these guys don’t eat Burger King”.

Emergency services would also be on site. “Whenever we have an accident today, the ambulances are finding it hard as they get stuck in traffic – so having them on the highway may help them get to the scene quicker.”

Power points would enable leads to be connected to trailers so chilled units can be kept running in a more environmentally friendly manner. “A lot of people bring in fresh dairy and meats – and they end up running the trucks just to keep the products cool.”

The current sticking point is the investment. ENOC hopes to get the RTA on board and other government partners to help get the project off the ground. He said once the truck stops are up, you can create a mandate and law around them. “If you see someone park on the side of the road, the authorities can impose heavy fines or confiscate the truck,” he says.

“This really has nothing to do with our business – unless we end up charging them, and if they can park on the side for free, why would they want to pay?,” he added. “It’s a good service but if it doesn’t justify it economically, it will be hard to sell to the board. The government can help by giving us the land, but we still need help for the rest. Putting everyone together on one table will take time. Then there’s the issue of who will manage it. But it’s not impossible.”