Driver training a key element of dangerous goods transport

A decision taken ten years ago to raise its Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) standards is paying dividends for logistics provider Cargo Carriers which has seen steady growth in this sector of its business. In the two year run-up to the 2010 Fifa World Cup™, the huge drive for infrastructure development led to a growing demand for argon and oxygen, two pivotal gases involved in the welding and manufacturing of steel. For Afrox, a leading supplier of these gases, it was important to have a distribution partner who could easily accommodate the surge in demand, and do it safely, said Andre Steenkamp, national distribution manager for Afrox.. In 2010, Cargo Carriers was awarded 50% of Afrox’s outsourced distribution for the supply of argon and oxygen to its customer base. Since then, the value of the contract has risen by 35%, with the addition of six vehicles to the fleet. “An important success factor in our relationship is Cargo Carriers’ ability to communicate seamlessly with the Afrox scheduling centre,” said Steenkamp. For Cargo Carriers, coping with the increased volumes was achieved by utilising advanced logistics software and providing in-depth training for drivers. “Our ability to compete in the gas industry not only depends on the competitive rates and high service levels but also on operating the absolute highest levels of SHEQ we can achieve,” said Andre Van Vuuren, marketing director at Cargo Carriers. Cargo Carriers’ Software division, CargoWare, implements advanced logistics software that optimises and manages fuel, maintenance, route planning and revenue, which are all fully integrated into the client ERP system. Drivers at Cargo Carriers are rigorously trained to deal with emergency situations, capable of handling what most drivers cannot. “With hazardous cargo, such as gas, the ability to gain quick control of any situation lies in the hands of the driver,” said Van Vuuren. When you’re dealing with gas, chemicals or powders, compliance with the right codes and practices means the difference between winning and losing business, he said.