Mweza Trans has significantly enhanced the safety and efficiency of its operations, addressing the unique challenges of the demanding dangerous goods sector. According to managing director Dewald Theron, these improvements ref lect the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards in an increasingly complex industry.“We have upgraded our driver and f leet safety measures by installing the Optix Fatigue Management system. This advanced system is monitored 24 hours by the Optix control room, ensuring drivers are constantly evaluated for signs of fatigue,” he told Freight News. “We have also implemented a system to alert drivers about faulty driving practices. This is part of our comprehensive training strategy to ensure we have the best drivers, thereby minimising risks on the road."According to Theron, one of the biggest challenges in the dangerous goods logistics space is the lack of compliance among many hauliers. He said that numerous operators did not adhere to all the required regulations, creating risks for both the industry and the cargo owners. “I strongly recommend to freight forwarders and importers that they verify their hauliers’ credentials, ensuring they are accredited with the relevant authorities. It’s disheartening to see valuable cargo being entrusted to non-compliant operators.”Theron said there was definitely an increase in operators attempting to appear compliant without genuinely meeting regulatory standards. “It’s a concerning trend as cutting corners poses a significant safety risk, not just to the drivers but to the public at large.”Comparing South Africa's dangerous goods logistics to the international landscape, Theron acknowledged that while the country had made notable progress, challenges remained. "Internationally, compliance is strictly enforced, with heavy penalties for violations. In South Africa, we are getting there, but there is still room for improvement in the enforcement of regulations."He highlighted the complexities of dealing with the ports. “For companies like ours, which focus heavily on the import and export of containers, direct discharges can be extremely challenging," he said. "We often have trucks on standby until the port confirms they are ready, only to be turned away when we arrive. This lack of coordination results in unnecessary costs and strain on our hauliers, which is particularly hard in the current tough economic climate."Despite the hurdles, Theron expressed a positive outlook for the dangerous goods sector in South Africa. "With advancements like our Optix Fatigue Management system and the increasing focus on safety training, I believe we are moving in the right direction," he said. "The key is to keep pushing for compliance and raising the standards across the industry. It’s crucial for logistics providers, port authorities and regulators to work together more efficiently to address the issues we face. By doing so, we can ensure that South Africa’s dangerous goods logistics sector not only meets international standards but becomes a leader in safety and ef f icienc y.” LV
