Driver fatigue is major contributor to lost loads

DRIVER FATIGUE is by far the most common reason for drivers losing their loads, says Shipping & General Transport MD Regan Moodley. He condemned transport operators who run their businesses on the basis of pushing for additional trips, and motivating their drivers to “push another one” without giving them the adequate rest periods. “They are the most prone to accidents,” said Moodley, “where innocent lives are often lost. "In terms of current legislation,” Moodley added, “if it is proved that the driver was not allowed adequate rest by the operator, and a fatality occurs, then the operators themselves can be brought to book.” S&G, meantime, sticks rigidly to its timetable for all long-haul movements – with shift controllers monitoring rest and driving intervals throughout the duration of the transit. “For a nominal fee we also offer to arrange tremcards – the official transport document that must accompany the shipment while it is in transit,” said Moodley, “and which must comply with the UN number and IMCO class obtained from our clients.” He also stressed the need for shippers to use a professional packaging company when packing less-than container load (LCL) shipments for export. “Packaging materials and crating structures should be constructed from high-grade, durable materials,” Moodley added, “making provision for the number of times that the shipment will be handled from point-of-origin to final destination. “In the case of fullcontainer loads (FCLs), the exporter should nominate a senior delegate to supervise the packing from beginning to end – and ensure that the packing is done flawlessly.” S&G also offers the full range of Hazchem placards and decals for export containers.