28 minute read
FREIGHT FORWARDING
While the industry as a whole is relatively slow at adopting the latest technologies, there are hopes 4IR will change this, writes
ITUMELENG MOGAKI
Despite the excitement they might generate, advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things, drones, virtual reality, and 3D printing have not yet changed the way the extended supply chain operates.
“Shipping and freight forwarding are characteristically quite slow in adopting digital technologies,” says Jacob van Rensburg, business analyst at the South African Association of Freight Forwarders. “We like to call these advances ‘disruptive technologies’, because although they are innovative, they disrupt the way we do business.”
Van Rensburg says most leading thinkers in the industry believe these innovative technologies will likely transform supply chain management over the next five years. Despite these expectations, though, implementation of many of these has been in a pilot or alpha phase, with continuous development taking place.
Man vs machine?
Some individuals in the industry fear technology will render large groups of people unemployed. Van Rensburg says such fears are unfounded. “Far from eliminating jobs, most experts believe that there will be a significant net increase in employment, with most jobs being transformed by technology into higher-skilled ones. These shifts make it imperative that we prepare people for such jobs.”
However, Markus Niewoudt, chartered member of the Institute of Logistics and Transportation, says that in a couple of years, the human factor will be replaced by AI, reducing the industry workforce even more. “We already have robots that control construction machines, self-driving
ELIMINATING THE MUNDANE
By taking over the grind of monotonous and repetitive tasks – which abound in the logistics industry – technology implementation will free humans to do more challenging work, such as interfacing with customers, developing better products and managing technology to improve efficiency,” says Jacob van Rensburg of the South African Association of Freight Forwarders.
trucks, and ships and aeroplanes that steer themselves by means of autopilot.”
Niewoudt adds that there are numerous factors, though, that are curbing the rollout of fully autonomous systems and it will take some time till we reach that point. “For example, the advanced driver assistance systems meant to enhance safety systems like automatic emergency breaking and blindspot monitoring still require a driver to monitor and supervise them.”
Major changes
“As per Statistics South Africa, there are approximately 903 000 people employed in the local transportation industry, of which approximately 51 000 are truck drivers.
“The freight forwarding industry in South Africa is huge, with plenty of opportunity for growth,” says Niewoudt. “Automation will have a catastrophic impact on the trucking industry, not to mention across the entire transportation industry.”
Charles Dey, executive director of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
“Far from eliminating jobs, most experts believe that there will be a significant net increase in employment, with most jobs being transformed by technology into higher-skilled ones.” – Jacob van Rensburg
South Africa, says that the major changes impacting supply chain management include: • Online retailing: An exponential rise in online shopping and retailing has led to demand for improved levels of customer service, requiring delivery of high-standard goods at competitive prices within the shortest delivery times.
• Automation of equipment and facilities:
Human-operated machines and facilities are gradually being replaced by autonomous vehicles and freight-handling equipment. • Digitalisation of processes: All processes, from the time an item is ordered until the final product is delivered, are connected via a common digital platform, which connects not only internal functions but also external third-party suppliers of goods and services. • Integration of functions: Within companies there is a trend towards breaking down the silos that have traditionally separated departments, so that all focus is on the common goal of customer satisfaction. Supply chain management is becoming more of a management philosophy than an executive function.
• Mitigation of climate change and
environmental destruction: A driving force behind much of how companies are changing the way they do things is the recognition that environmentally harmful practices, processes and procedures must be eliminated or at least minimised.
FAST FACT
The African Continental Free Trade Area is a free trade area that commenced on 1 January 2021. Created by 54 of the 55 African Union nations, it is the largest free trade area in the world, in terms of the number of participating countries, since the formation of the World Trade Organization. Source: World Trade Organization
The Road Freight Association
Making the Road Freight Industry work for you!
The Road Freight Association was established in 1975 to support its members who are, in the main, road freight operators. It is a lobbying and negotiating body which influences the state of the industry, rates, upkeep of the road infrastructure, road safety, freight security, driver interests, cross-border transport, education, health, the fuel price, law enforcement, labour relations and many other issues related to road freight transport.
The Association’s member companies include small and medium-sized trucking companies, including many family-owned businesses, owner operators, as well as most of the largest trucking companies in South Africa. RFA members come from all sectors of the trucking industr sectors of the trucking industry. Operators transporting goods for gain, as well as private operators belong to the RFA. The RFA’s membership also includes a significant number of affiliates and associates - those companies providing goods and services to the trucking industry.
The RFA is committed to serving you. Our staff and team of experts bring a high degree of professional experience, knowledge and dedication to the Association, which assists in the effectiveness of the RFA.
As the voice of the trucking industry in South Africa, the RFA is your voice. Use it today!
RFA Vision
Mission
• To be the collective voice in the interest of our members and industry; • To create a social partnership with government and promote a regulatory environment which supports growth in the industry, • To strive to promote professionalism, excellence and safety in the the road freight industry
Core Values
• Independence • Professionalism • Service Orientation • Transparency • Integrity • Respect • Sustainability
RFA Objectives
• Add sustainable & professional value to the road freight industry based on sound research; • Promote transformation of the road freight industry; • Support the growth of small businesses; • Provide a collective voice to represent the needs & interests of Members; • Collectively tackle industry-related issues on behalf of Members; • Encourage Members to adhere to the RFA core values and relevant professional standards; • Entrench a social partnership between Government, organised labour and the road freight industry; and • • Promote road safety and sustainable environmental initiatives in the road freight industry.
Why should I belong to the RFA?
is a question frequently asked – by both members and potential members. Here are some of the key benefits the RFA membership offers:
Lobbying and Negotiation:
Through tactical lobbying, the RFA makes sure that the interests of operators is protected and addressed at the right levels of government up to the highest office in the land.
Labour Relations:
Through collective bargaining, the RFA negotiates all labour matters that influence the road freight and logistics industry. Our labour experts give guidance and advice on all labour-related matters.
Networking Opportunities:
• Social events (golf days, convention, etc). • Website platform to business, offering opportunities & business linkages • Regional meetings to ensure face-to-face contact with our team members • Social media platforms sharing latest industry updates & news
Technical and Operational Expertise:
Our team gives advice and guidance on all technical and operational matters such as: • All aspects of road transport legislation (AARTO, customs, abnormal loads, dangerous goods) • SANS Standards • RTQS Programme • Green trucks • Safe trucks • Clever trucks • Maxi trucks
Vehicle cost schedule:
Specific templates to customise the cost for 81 different vehicle concepts. Note: the data provided is based on a hypothetical model derived from publicly available information using assumptions and methodology determined by an independent expert – it is not a price calculation tool and is not intended to, nor does it, reflect or determine the actual prices that may be charged by an RFA Member or any transport company rendering transport services.
AARTO and Smarter Trucking Workshops:
Preferential rates for:
• SMME starter kit • Services from transport consultants (contract assessment & route planning analysis software) • Contract pricing and indices Model prepared by Economists.co.za • Labour related matters (skills development fund, employment equity, disputes) • B-BBEE consulting • Seminars, workshops, conferences, social events & information sessions • Retirement funding • SANS1395 certification
Publications and Communication:
Newsletters, press releases, electronic industry up dates, access to online petitions. Input & feedback into impending legislation / policy pronouncements. Various social media platforms
Competition Law Guide:
Competition law guide compiled by experts specifically for the road freight industry
Small Business Support:
Support & guidance to SMME operators (telephonic, personal, electronic interaction)
Wellness programme:
Access to the Wellness Fund & Trucking Wellness through the partnership with the the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI)
For more benefits, press releases and updates visit our website www.rfa.co.za.
WITHOUT TRUCKS, SOUTH AFRICA STOPS!
For more information on how you could become a member contact us on any of the following methods:
The Road Freight Association Tel: 011 974 4399 - Email: enquiries@rfa.co.za - Web: www.rfa.co.za
Always Visible
Save costs with Ctrack
Running fleets of vehicles can be a costly business. With the price of fuel, labour, and consumables rising constantly, the effective management of business assets can significantly affect your bottom line.
“Despite the fact that Ctrack boasts 35 years of experience in managing vehicles and assets, we are always looking for new solutions that help our customers run their businesses as effectively as possible,” says Hein Jordt, CEO of Ctrack SA.
Ctrack offers a variety of technologies for positive and accurate driver identification. These technologies include Dallas iButton keys, RF ID cards and in the near future via biometrics, making it easy to determine which driver was driving what vehicle, in what manner and when. A starter lockout can be installed to prevent the vehicle from starting without the correct authorisation via the driver identification system, completely eliminating any risk of unauthorised use.
Video footage from the in-cabin Iris Dashcam can confirm correct driver identification if need be. This windscreen-mounted camera solution includes ADAS and DSM fatigue functionality with a third wired camera for in-cab placement. Connectivity is via 4G, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Footage can be viewed via a desktop platform, web-based platform, Android or iOS mobile application or live streaming and includes GPS location and event setup.
Driving style and behaviour can also have a significant impact on your business. Drivers who breach road regulations risk their own safety, the safety of others but are also the cause of additional costs for the business such as fuel, maintenance, insurance and even traffic fines if these are not allocated to the individual driver correctly.
Ctrack’s driver management tools provide multiple solutions to ensuring that vehicles run effectively, efficiently and safely. These tools also allow for the management of operators, access, and behaviour across multiple vehicles and assets.
As an example, Ctrack can monitor speed in a variety of ways, including map speed, a predetermined speed limit on a telemetry device or via a physical speed limiter on the vehicle. If needed, Ctrack SMILE script technology can also adjust a vehicles top speed capabilities based on predetermined Geo zones.
The Ctrack Driver Centric Mobi application allows driver scores to be logged and data used to improve driving performance. The application also features a fully-fledged vehicle pre-inspection form that is completed and managed digitally through the Ctrack Driver Mobi web app.
The driver display unit provides the driver with job-specific information such as job dispatch, navigation and messaging. The functionality of this system in a safe and controlled manner means that drivers are always on the most economical route, which saves time and avoids clocking up unnecessary mileage, resulting in increased productivity.
Ctrack’s On the Road solution is high quality, reliable, fleet specific software that can be utilised with any Android-based device. It gives the driver all the tools they need to do their daily job while allowing fleet managers to ensure that their assets are being used most effectively. The On the Road product combines navigation and fleet tools with an operating system that integrates with all the Ctrack software platforms for easy data extraction.
Fuel accounts for a large portion of a fleet’s total operating cost, and with the continually increasing fuel costs, the usage thereof needs to be carefully controlled. The Ctrack Fuel Solution gives you eyes in the tank, live monitoring of fuel consumption and levels, and real-time fuel analytics. This reduces fuel loss risk.
Ctrack’s rich fleet analytics and smart interpretation of data provide the information needed for critical decision making, from cost savings to future investments.
“Saving costs is a natural by-product of Ctrack’s wide variety of tracking and fleet management solutions that allows fleet managers to have eyes on all types of moveable assets through bespoke software solutions and ensures that they are used in the safest, most effective way possible,” concluded Jordt.
Volvo, one of the leaders in developing heavy transport electric vehicles, has plans for both gas-powered and fully electric trucks.
As a growing desire to shift away from fossil fuel use takes hold globally, JAMES FRANCIS asks if trucks and buses are on the road O n 20 July 2020, the Siberian town of Verkhoyansk inside the Arctic circle recorded a daily temperature of 38°C. That is 18°C higher than the area’s daily average maximum for the period to an electric future and slightly less than the temperature on the same day in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The drums of climate change denialists are much less loud these days as it becomes clear that our planet’s atmosphere is heating up – and fossil fuels are the leading culprit.
Many different activities have contributed to that rise in temperature, but the transport sector is one of the largest. Estimates vary, though experts agree that 10-20 per cent of global carbon comes from vehicle exhausts. As such, there is substantial emphasis on replacing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs).
Yet although a lot of the public’s focus rests on cars, buses and trucks also need to go electric. While these modes of transport are more effi cient for the larger loads they carry, on a gross average their emissions are still staggering.
According to UK consultancy group Commercial Fleet, a truck travelling just shy
Trucking into a zero-emissions future
of 200 000km a year produces 223 tonnes of CO2 – roughly the same as 14 people in the developed world. And the European Commission found that around a quarter of traffi c carbon emissions on EU roads come from heavy commercial vehicles. Trucks and buses scale better, though: for every 160km, a car with one person produces 40kg of carbon per capita, whereas a full bus brings that fi gure down to 6kg, according to the Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness. Electrifying trucks and buses could enormously affect carbon levels, especially if public transport and improved logistics are a part of the picture.
Trucking to Electric Avenue
Commercial electric vehicles (CEVs) defi ne that portion of the market not concerned with passenger vehicles. The sector does not get as much attention as sexier electric sedans and SUVs, and only a handful of incumbent manufacturers work in the space, including Daimler, JAC
“The advantage of fuels like hydrogenated vegetable oil and bio-LNG is that they can reduce fossil emissions today, to a large extent using existing technology and infrastructure.” – Eric Parry
FAST FACT
Mobility accounts for around 20 per cent of global emissions. Source: McKinsey & Company
and Volvo. Several start-ups are also looking to carve an EV niche among commercial vehicles, such as BYD from China and several US-based companies, including Nikola Corporation and Rivian.
Yet it can be a volatile space for newcomers, due to nervous investors. For example, Rivian’s share price shot up on the news that Amazon would buy 100 000 of its CEV delivery vans, then dropped when Amazon also announced a deal with Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler.) Even though the Rivian deal still stands, this nonetheless spooked shareholders.
Thus we can reasonably expect that the big push for CEVs will come from established brands that transportation companies know. Commentators often point to Volvo Trucks as an emerging leader in the electric truck market – not hard to believe, considering it has unveiled six different heavy commercial electric trucks. But the company takes a broader strategy towards reducing carbon that isn’t limited to CEVs.
“Some examples of recent developments are gas-powered and fully electric trucks, and the electro-mobility journey is accelerating with more products and services,” says Eric Parry, senior manager for sustainability at Volvo Trucks South Africa. “Even in a future where the majority of vehicles are electric, we still foresee a need for ICEs, but then running on biofuels. Two promising fuels are hydrogenated vegetable oil
Brands such as Daimler Trucks are focused on increasing the range of heavy transport electric vehicles.
and bio-LNG (a highly sustainable version of liquefi ed natural gas, also called LBG). The advantage of these fuels is that they can reduce fossil emissions today, to a large extent using existing technology and infrastructure.”
Daimler Trucks is another name that regularly pops up in CEV discussions. Several concepts are waiting in the wings, including two heavy transport trucks and an electrifi ed school bus. One, the eM2, is already in limited service.
“We are clearly committed to the Paris Climate Accords and we want to have a signifi cant part in shaping the future of CO2 neutral transport,” says Maretha Gerber, vice president of sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa. “Having CO2-neutral transport on the road by 2050 is our ultimate goal.
“The electrifi cation road map will start by addressing the short-distance distribution (up to 300km range) application, then move to medium-distance distribution (up to 500km range), and then the long-distance application of 1 000km and above. This has already started and will be rolled out in the next fi ve-to-10 years.”
Extending range is an important goal for the industry. Currently, Daimler’s eCascadia truck claims a range of around 400km on a gross weight of 27 tonnes. The Volvo FH Electric’s specs claim a gross combination weight of up to 44 tonnes and a range of 300km. Though the record for the longest electric truck distance without a recharge is over 1 000km (set by Futuricum), 300-400km is currently the general benchmark. Such numbers indicate that CEVs have a larger hill to climb than their passenger contemporaries.
DID YOU KNOW?
Road transport is responsible for 91.2 per cent of South Africa’s overall transport emissions. Source: Department of Transport
Inner-city travel
While the aforementioned numbers aren’t exactly great for long-haul applications (unless you add a few recharge stops along the way), the case is much stronger for urban uses. Chinese manufacturer JAC is one of the groups focusing on lighter CEVs, with models of up to 12 tonnes. JAC claims its N55 EV truck can cover 300km with a 2.5-tonne load, and sees the effi ciencies of running a CEV fl eet as a big selling point.
“Transport operators in the logistics industry are constantly under pressure to fi nd the cheapest route to a destination,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. “Therefore, electric fl eets make much more sense than the traditional ICE approach. Reliable data on the grassroots level is being gathered to showcase the tremendous benefi ts and cost savings when logistics companies migrate to CEV fl eets and renewable energy resources, for example solar panels at warehouses and distribution centres, the optimisation of charging stations and so forth.”
JAC is also looking at the public transportation market and is importing a panel van to test its viability for local taxi services. These trials will ultimately decide the future of CEVs in the country, Göbel notes. “Valuable operational data will be collected to plan for the future roll-out of our range of EV products in the country.”
The same goes for local buses. Last year, BYD imported two EV buses in a joint trial with Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS). Their performance will inform the possibility of more such vehicles, wrote GABS company engineer Gideon Neethling in a statement: “For the fi rst few months, we tested the buses in a range of circumstances without passengers. The aim was to get to know exactly how these vehicles perform before incorporating them into our operations. Testing these vehicles has been a joy for everyone who is part of the project. Each time we carry out a new test or reach a new milestone, the level of excitement increases further.”
Excitement may be great, but commercial acceleration is essential. Deadlines to phase out ICE transport are at most 17 years away, and cities such as Moscow have already stopped buying diesel-powered buses. Several companies, such as Volvo, are proponents of hybrid commercial choices such as trucks using LNG. Hybrids might be the nearterm solution to the short timelines and the transport market’s performance requirements, until fully electric trucks can carry the load.
If local policy refl ects an earnest intention to switch to cleaner emissions, it would help a lot, says Gerber. “The fi rst step is to make clean fuel mandatory, then move vehicle emission standards to Euro 5 or Euro 6 as a country as soon as possible. This will show the rest of the world that we are also serious about protecting the environment. It would be diffi cult to talk about CO2 reduction and saving the planet if your own backyard were not in order.”
FAST FACT
More than 100 signatories support the COP26 Declaration on Zero-Emission Cars and Vans to transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2040, including 11 major vehicle manufacturers.
Source: World Economic Forum COMMITMENT TO ZERO EMISSIONS
The list of countries and companies that agree to zero-emission milestones is growing steadily, and 15 countries agreed at COP26 that, by 2040, 100 per cent of their truck and bus sales should be zero-emission vehicles. But there is still a long road to travel.
According to data from the Drive Electric campaign, commitments to zero emissions cover 23 per cent of global transport demands, of which: • 19% are cars • 27% are trucks • 35% are buses
THE IVECO DAILY RANGE: SAVING YOU MORE WITH EVERY KILOMETRE
The IVECO Daily is the vehicle of choice in the express delivery sector thanks to its revolutionary cost-saving technologies which lower the total cost of ownership while boosting the productivity and profi tability of your business.
The express delivery market in South Africa is growing rapidly and to get ahead in this highly competitive industry, businesses must cut costs. This is where the IVECO Daily range comes in: with its fuel-saving technologies, longer service intervals, and an increased carrying capacity, businesses are getting more savings with every kilometre.
With fuel being one of the biggest expenses for operators, the IVECO Daily proved its fuel effi ciency on a 1,084km round trip between Johannesburg and Durban in a recent test conducted by Focus On Transport And Logistics magazine and TruckScience. The 16 cubic metre IVECO Daily 50C15V panel van, carrying a payload of 2.8 tons, achieved a fuel consumption of 8.61 km/l, while the 70C15 chassis cab with a 25 cubic metre van body and a payload of 3.2 tons achieved 6.57 km/l! With such incredible fuel effi ciency, it’s no wonder many companies have added the advanced IVECO Daily to their fl eets.
Micky Caisutti of Randburg Commercial Vehicles (RCV) and Mikhail Johnson, National Linehaul Fleet Manager at NGL Logistics – a long-standing IVECO Daily proponent – have both praised the 30,000km service intervals of the IVECO Daily vehicles. Mikhail added that NGL’s vehicles do roughly 30,000km per month and these long service intervals ensure minimum downtime for their Dailys, increasing asset availability and making planning easier, thus improving asset utilisation.
Built with a 3L diesel engine, the IVECO Daily’s durability and power is unmatched. Several of NGL’s IVECO Dailys have done over one million kilometres mileage and, with just general maintenance and services, are still going strong. Micky Caisutti (RCV) has also likened the Daily to driving a bakkie with the power of a truck, stating that it’s perfect for those time-sensitive industries, such as express delivery.
The IVECO Daily range also offers fl eet owners/operators vehicles from 3.5 tons to 7.2 tons with a chassis which can be further customised to meet their business’s specifi c requirements. The IVECO Daily also has a 3.5ton towing capacity which is the best-in-class towing capacity! Along with its incredible power, the IVECO Daily range offers drivers a comfortable space which is ideal for the long road. With steering wheel controls and easy access to their mobile phones, drivers can fully focus on the road, minimising distractions for safer trips. With cruise control, fuel effi ciency, comfort and reliability, and a stylish look, many drivers have claimed that driving the IVECO Daily is similar to driving their own cars.
The IVECO Daily range is built to help improve a business’s productivity and profi tability. The further your fl eet drives, the more you will save with the IVECO Daily range. The savings for high mileage fl eets are game-changing and can fi nance rapid expansion in a competitive segment of the road transport industry. The IVECO Daily is your total transport solution that will sustain your business on the road to success!
HOW MUCH WOULD 8.61KM/L IMPROVE YOUR EXPRESS DELIVERY BUSINESS?
Focus On Transport And Logistics magazine and TruckScience recently tested the IVECO Daily 50C15V 16 cube metre panel van with a payload of 2.5 tons and the 70C15 chassis cab with a payload of 3.2 tons on a 1,084km round trip between Johannesburg and Durban and achieved fuel economy of 8.61km/l and 6.57km/l respectively.
Scan the QR code to check out video footage of the test drive.
If you can save on your fuel bill, why wait?
Contact your nearest dealer for a quote or call our National Sales Line on 011 243 6065 and let us help you find the right Daily for your unique business needs.
www.iveco.co.za
SAFETY IS A BUSINESS IMPERATIVE
For logistics operator Crossroads, safety is an integral core value, ingrained in the company ethos and integrated into everything they practise
Crossroads CEO Arend du Preez says that there is zero compromise on safety standards in the company – an approach that has contributed hugely to the success of the company that was established more than 80 years ago in the Northern Cape.
COMPANY CULTURE
Everyone in Crossroads lives this safe culture. “Everyone has the right to return to their families, healthy and alive, after work each day. That is why we strive for zero incidents,“ says du Preez.
“We are all responsible for safety – it is not something for which the SHEQ department is solely responsible. Management ‘walks the talk’ with visible safety leadership,” continues du Preez. “We all focus on the task at hand. No one takes shortcuts. We are all responsible for each other. No work is so urgent or important that we cannot do it safely.”
TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION
Crossroads has introduced several new technologies to improve safety within operations, including geotagging technology that allows for real-time information to be accessed from vehicles out on the road.
“We have developed solutions where we can push information to our drivers only at specifi c locations and times where they can access it safely. That way, there are no distractions while they are driving,” says du Preez.
“Safety is always top of mind in our business, and we are proud of our safety compliance record. Our ongoing driver training includes keeping our teams up to date with the risks associated with long-distance driving. Our drivers spend many hours on the road, and we equip them with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to stay safe. Safety compliance goes a long way towards reducing risks.”
Drivecams have been installed across the fl eet. These in-cab devices continuously analyse driving behaviours as well as events inside, outside and around the vehicle to keep drivers and vehicles safe. This technology allows Crossroads to closely manage the behaviour of drivers, while continuously mitigating on-road risk. “Embedded sensors capture information regarding risk events such as harsh braking, sudden acceleration, swerving, excessive speed and other unsafe actions that could lead to collisions.”
The technology is further used to monitor the road in front of the vehicle, giving alerts when there is an unintentional deviation from a driving lane, ensuring safe following driving distances are kept and even recognising certain traffi c signs and speed limit signs and alerting drivers.
Another tool is the breathalyser, also installed in the vehicle’s cab. It protects against the vehicle being started and driven by an individual whose blood/alcohol content is higher than a predetermined level. “This device analyses a breath sample and provides an accurate alcohol reading, ensuring that no vehicle in our fl eet is ever operated by a driver under the infl uence of alcohol,” says du Preez.
The company also employs technology to recognise fatigue – even before a driver closes his eyes. This is done by monitoring a driver’s retinas and face using a Percentage of Eye Closure system. “A high-pitched alarm followed by voice alerts is used to make drivers aware of their fatigue levels or even distractions that might occur while on the road.”
Other implementations to enhance safety include refl ective branding decals on vehicles that enhance the refl ective impact of vehicles at night, while water spray suppressor mud fl aps on the trucks and trailers assist in wet weather conditions.
“These devices prevent spray from moving to the side of the vehicle or into other lanes, ensuring that vehicles passing the truck always have clear views in wet conditions.”
EFFECTING CHANGE
Along with the use of technology, the company has adopted 13 life-saving rules for its employees that include no use of mobile devices while driving. “Our policy is simple: engine on, cellphone off,” says du Preez. Other rules include wearing a safety belt at all times, not driving under the infl uence of alcohol or drugs or when tired, wearing the correct and required personal protective equipment for the job, ensuring the safe loading and offl oading of vehicles, always driving with headlights on, and obeying all traffi c laws at all times.
This strong approach to safety has led to Crossroads’ accident ratio decreasing across all operations. “Safety at Crossroads is an ongoing journey,” says du Preez. “We are evolving all the time. Safety training as part of our internal values on which all staff are trained happens continuously.”
➔ Scan this QR code to go directly to the Crossroads website.
For more information:
businessdevelopment@crossroads.africa www.crossroads.africa
