Non-compliant small parcel transporters face hefty fines

ALAN PEAT THERE COULD be thousands of transporters of small items out there who could end up getting hit with a R100 000 fine for not complying with the regulations demanding that they register with the postal regulator, according to Garry Marshall, executive director of the SA Express Parcel Association (SAEPA). It has not been too well publicised that this legislation not only applies to the courier industry, but actually refers to anyone who carries items under 30-kilograms – and is intended to legitimise the industry and ensure that all operators comply with a minimum set of regulations. This is businesses both in the formal and informal sectors – and includes the likes of taxis carrying parcels and bakkie operators in the townships, as well as express transporters. “They want the informal people to register, and operate legally,” said Marshall, “to effectively become part of the more formalised sector.” The registration process has run very smoothly since it was launched on June 10, Marshall added, and is still continuing. “No registration certificates have yet been released or refused,” he said, “but we have been assured that the process will be complete by the end of September.” And it’s soon after that that things will start to get tough. “Inspectors have already been appointed,” said Marshall, “and we have been told that they will be starting next month.” He expects that the first six-months will be a period when warnings will be issued – but after that it’s 'the big stick'. “The majority of people who have applied for registration so far have been SAEPA members,” Marshall said, “and that leaves thousands of people who are just not aware that the law also applies to them. “It’s quite a big educational process to alert all these people, but they will have to comply because I expect the regulations to just get tighter and tighter as time goes by.”