Vehicle transport specialist focuses on safety

Safety remains a major concern in the transportation of vehicles in and around South Africa, says Hassan Docrat, owner of Noble Shipping. The company, based in Durban to take advantage of the port, has for the past three years been making a name for itself as a reliable automotive distributor not only in South Africa but to several southern African countries including Zimbabwe, Congo, Malawi, Botswana and Namibia. “Safety remains an issue – and only in South Africa. Once you cross the border the threat basically disappears. The threat of being hijacked or having your cargo stolen is very real for our drivers. And these criminals are not afraid to use violence which has led to people dying.” Docrat says various methods are employed to combat the risk of hijacking or theft. “We try to ensure that the vehicle moves continuously and only makes the short stops for drivers to use the bathroom or buy food Not only do we have large fuel tanks that can see a vehicle travelling up to 1500km before having to refuel, by which time you have either reached your destination or hit the border post, we also now employ two drivers for all our vehicles.” This, says Docrat, sees drivers taking turns at the wheel while the other one rests making long pit stops unnecessary. “Many people can’t believe we still do business in Zimbabwe, but the reality is that our drivers are safer there than in South Africa. And this is where the cargo is in danger when it is at its most vulnerable.” At Noble Shipping it is important to assure clients that their cargo is safe at all times. “It is important for us to give the supplier and the receiver continuous feedback on the whereabouts of their cargo. Information is key.” Noble Shipping, which is completely reliant on the automotive industry moving vehicles only, offers a one-stop shop to its clients taking control of the entire delivery and safety of the cargo.