Case Study: Delivering Heavy-Duty Used HOWO 375 6x4 Fuel Tanker Trucks to DRC

Project Overview

Client: Fuel Logistics & Mining Services Provider

Location: Kolwezi & Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga Province, DRC

Equipment: Refurbished HOWO 375 6x4 Fuel / Oil Tanker Truck (20,000L - 25,000L)

Industry: Mining Energy Supply & Oil Transportation

Background & Customer Challenge

The southern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)—particularly around Lubumbashi and Kolwezi—is world-renowned for its rich copper and cobalt mining operations. Reliable fuel delivery to these remote mining sites is critical for powering heavy machinery and power generators.

Our client, a local fuel distribution contractor in Haut-Katanga, faced a significant operational challenge:

• Extreme Road Conditions: The transit routes from border ports (such as Dar es Salaam or Durban) into inland DRC involve hundreds of kilometers of unpaved, corrugated, and muddy roads.

• Fuel Security & Tank Durability: Transporting hazardous fuel across rough terrain requires highly stable chassis frames and leak-proof tank designs.

• Budget vs. Fleet Expansion: The client needed to double their fleet capacity within a tight timeframe and budget, making brand-new trucks cost-prohibitive.

They needed a rugged, high-horsepower fuel tanker with verified mechanical reliability and affordable maintenance in Africa.

The Solution: Refurbished HOWO 375 6x4 Fuel Tanker Truck

After detailed discussions regarding their haulage routes and payload requirements, our export specialists recommended the HOWO 375 6x4 Fuel Tanker Truck.

Why the HOWO 375 6x4 is the Best Fit for DRC:

• WD615.95E Engine (375 HP): Provides strong low-end torque, excellent gradeability, and exceptional tolerance to varying fuel qualities. It is one of the most widely used engines in Africa, making spare parts easily accessible in local DRC markets.

• Heavy-Duty 6x4 Drive & HC16 Axles: Reinforced double-reduction rear axles offer maximum ground clearance and superior traction on unpaved mining roads.

• Custom Multi-Compartment Tank: Fabricated with high-grade carbon steel, equipped with anti-wave baffle plates inside to minimize liquid surge during rough transit.

Our Inspection & Refurbishment Process

To ensure 100% operational readiness upon arrival in DRC, the vehicle underwent our strict Reconditioning Standard Procedure:

1. Powertrain Overhaul: Engine, gearbox, and differentials were fully tested. Cylinder head gaskets, fuel injectors, oil seals, and filters were replaced with genuine SINOTRUK parts.

2. Fuel Tank Integrity & Safety Test: The tank body was pressure-tested and sandblasted to eliminate internal rust. Safety accessories, including emergency discharge valves, anti-static grounding systems, and bottom loading/unloading manifolds, were newly installed.

3. Suspension & Frame Reinforcement: Chassis frames and leaf-spring assemblies were rigorously inspected and reinforced to absorb severe off-road vibration.

4. Tire & Electrical Renewal: Equipped with 100% brand-new 12.00R20 radial steel tires for heavy loads, alongside complete wiring overhaul, high-illumination LED lights, and cabin AC restoration.

Delivery & Results

The trucks were shipped via Ro-Ro vessel to Dar es Salaam Port and driven overland via the transit corridor into Kolwezi, DRC. Our team provided full export documentation and tracking support throughout the logistics chain.

Key Deliverables:

• 40% Cost Savings: The client expanded their fleet by 3 trucks for the cost of 1.5 brand-new units.

• 99% Fleet Availability: Across 8 months of daily continuous supply runs between Lubumbashi and regional mining camps, the trucks experienced zero major downtime.

• Enhanced Transport Safety: Anti-wave baffle technology and upgraded safety valves eliminated fuel leakage during high-vibration long hauls.

Customer Feedback

"In the DRC mining corridor, a breakdown on the road can cost thousands of dollars a day. We were cautious about buying second-hand trucks, but this team delivered top-tier quality. The HOWO 375 horsepower engine handles our steep, muddy mining roads with ease. These trucks look brand new, run efficiently, and parts are easy to find locally. We are placing our next order for HOWO dump trucks next month."

— Fleet Logistics Director, Katanga Province, DRC

Looking for Reliable Used Trucks in DRC or Central Africa?

We specialize in exporting fully refurbished HOWO, SHACMAN, and FAW fuel tankers, dump trucks, and tractor heads directly to DRC (Lubumbashi, Kolwezi, Goma, Kinshasa), Tanzania, Zambia, and surrounding regions.