‘Social responsibility should motivate haulier compliance’

Joy Orlek DESPITE THE best efforts of the authorities to enforce dangerous goods legislation and to clamp down firmly on overloaders, the transport industry continues to take a reactive rather than proactive stand. That’s the view of EC Logistics’ Eddie Crane who offers consultancy services, client workshops and staff training in all areas of dangerous goods compliance. There’s still a lot of ignorance among hauliers regarding liability in the case of non-compliance, but even those in the know appear to be doing little to fall into line, says Crane. He believes strongly that the transporter should take compliance seriously not only in order to avoid penalties, but from a social responsibility point of view. “They are responsible for keeping our roads safe and preventing environmental damage,” says Crane. This applies as much to dangerous goods as it does to overloading. According to some sources, larger companies find it more financially beneficial to set up cost centres for fines rather than keep within the overloading regulations. And these funds often run into thousands of rands, according to our source. Crane is convinced that only a major environmental disaster will force the industry to sit up and take notice. “Remember that if your vehicle or driver is not compliant, all insurance cover is voided. And in case of prosecution, the company MD rather than his driver has to face the music in court,” says Crane. He is finding a ready market for his training courses, not only for drivers but for consignors and operators. His greatest wish is for the knowledge gained to be put into practice responsibly making our roads safe for all users.