Driver training can salvage the tarnished image of the transport sector.

This is according to Toni Fritz, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Business at Standard Bank, who says there is no doubt that poorly developed and maintained driving skills in South Africa are at the heart of the problem.

She told TWA that there is a shortage of 3 000 drivers in the South African transport industry.

“It is a huge problem but a massive employment opportunity if done right.”

“Due to the shortage of skills, many transport operators take the credentials presented by new recruits on face value without adequate verification of their skills.”

“Furthermore, a large portion of fleet managers do not have the capacity to take their drivers to training courses, and much needed vehicle familiarisation training before putting a driver behind the wheel, due to staff shortages. There is also the fear that skilled drivers will be poached by competitors.”

“Whilst truck manufacturers as well as a handful of transport operators in South Africa have state-of-the-art driver training academies reinforced with driving simulators and even medical facilities, the number of graduates still falls short of industry needs.”

Positive note

“On a positive note, there are signs that the transport industry may have started turning the corner.”

“One of the most important industry responses to the crisis is the Road Management Transport System (RTMS), which has already been adopted by major players and is fast catching on.”

RTMS is a voluntary accreditation system, much like the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) mark of approval. In fact, RTMS has been developed into a formal industry standard by the SABS.

“A fleet that can demonstrate that it abides by a full set of operating standards ranging from vehicle maintenance, prevention of overloading, driver wellness and training, can acquire RTMS certification. Like an SABS stamp or ISO accreditation, RTMS certification shows clients and the authorities that a fleet runs safely and efficiently.”

“Driver training and development is one of four pillars of RTMS. An accredited fleet must implement an annual training plan and promote safe driving behaviour through mentoring, monitoring, counselling, awareness and education. Detailed records of these interventions must be kept and audited annually in order to qualify for RTMS certification.”

“Furthermore, a new set of ground-breaking road safety regulations is ready to be signed by the Minister of Transport. When it comes into effect, it will, for the first time, make the clients of transport operators co-responsible for the safety and compliance of the transport operation.”

Concluding, “Clients will therefore think twice before hiring fly-by-night transport operators, and RTMS accreditation will most likely become the norm in the industry. This will push driver training right to the top of the priority list, where it belongs.”