Page 56 - Logistics News - September October 2023

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Unitrans wins two prestigious awards in annual

MasterDrive competition

UNITRANS HAS once again demonstrated its
commitment to excellence by securing two prestigious
awards in the annual MasterDrive Fleet Safety Awards.
The company landed first place in the Best Employer
and Best Company – Medium Commercial Vehicles
categories.

“Unitrans is steadfastly focused on fostering a culture
of safe driving practices and on-road experiences. We
believe that the well-being of our drivers is paramount
to the success of our operations,” says Tracy van
Helsdingen, Unitrans Head: Centralised SHERQ Services.
“We are truly honoured to receive these awards in
recognition of our relentless pursuit of excellence in
logistics. At Unitrans, safety and innovation are at the MasterDrive’s Eugene Herbert, Carli Venter, Nishani Chetty and
core of everything. These awards are a testament to our Gomolemo Kutlwana.
team’s hard work and dedication and our commitment to
providing the best possible service to our clients.” According to Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive,
Unitrans stood out amidst the more than 100 entries
The Fleet Safety Awards were introduced last year to received this year. “It is one of the most far-reaching
recognise the efforts of fleet managers and companies organisations in the country when it comes to
dedicated to promoting road safety in South Africa. In transportation and has a reputation for going the extra
addition to the top two categories, Best Fleet Manager mile,” he said. “Lowering the alarmingly high number of
and Best Company, three new categories were added in road fatalities is a shared responsibility among all South
2023 to honour individuals and companies contributing Africans and one effective way to initiate this change is
to road safety: Road Warrior, Best Employer and Best through businesses.”
Truck Stop.
A critical factor in Unitrans’s success is its
In the Best Employer category, Unitrans stood out as a commitment to driver safety. The company’s dedication
company that prioritises the well-being of its employees, to ensuring the safety of both its drivers and the public
providing a supportive and nurturing work environment. Its is evident in its strict safety protocols, continuous
dedication to driver training, ongoing education and overall monitoring and education programmes. “Safety isn’t
safety culture has satisfied employees and led to improved confined to a single department; instead, it embodies the
efficiency and better service to clients. Organisations had pursuit of excellence throughout our entire organisation.
to exhibit their commitment to road safety through fleet It encompasses the entirety of our value chain,
policies and strategies and showcase how they foster a encouraging us to think differently. We understand that
company culture that values road safety. achieving excellence in one department while neglecting
others, or vice versa, is insufficient. Ultimately, it’s a
Unitrans emerged as the Medium Commercial Vehicle mindset that drives our pursuit of excellence,” explains
category winner, highlighting its ongoing investment in van Helsdingen.
cutting-edge technology and adherence to strict safety
protocols. Through innovative solutions, the company With over 4,000 drivers in the organisation, the
has further enhanced its operational excellence, ensuring Unitrans commitment is not just about doing what’s right;
the safe and efficient transportation of goods for its it’s about doing it correctly and constantly improving. •
customers.

54 SEP T E MB E R/O CT O B E R 2023 www .l o g ist i csn e w s .c o .z a