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.