The Road Freight Association is South Africa’s largest and most comprehensive national trade association for the trucking industry. Founded in 1975, the RFA represents over 1,000 member companies ranging from owner-drivers to major fleet operators. The association provides critical services including labor negotiations, technical support on transport legislation (AARTO, customs, abnormal loads, dangerous goods), fuel price monitoring, and vehicle cost schedules.

Cold Chain Relevance: Refrigerated road transport is the dominant mode for temperature-controlled distribution in South Africa, making RFA membership essential for cold chain operators. The association provides regulatory guidance specific to refrigerated vehicles, including compliance with Regulation R638 (food transport), vehicle body construction requirements, and dangerous goods certification for refrigerant-carrying vehicles. RFA’s vehicle cost schedules help operators calculate accurate transport rates that account for the additional fuel consumption, maintenance, and capital costs of refrigerated units. The association’s advocacy on load-shedding, fuel pricing, and road infrastructure directly impacts refrigerated transport profitability. For cold chain operators, RFA provides the industry voice on transport policy while offering practical support for fleet management, driver compliance, and regulatory navigation.