SAFETY RECORD OF NOTE

What a pleasure it is to deviate from the usual mess of accidents, chemical spills, taxi carnage, unlicenced drivers, irresponsible operators, unroadworthy vehicles and other 'juk' to bring to our readers a report on a company which is steadily building a sound reputation as a top-class, safe haulier.

We refer to the fuel and chemical division of Unitrans Freight whose International Contract section (Gauteng region) has completed two million kilometers without a single major accident for the period October 1, 1999 to May 31, 2001.

This achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that the International Contract section covers deliveries within Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo - and we all know what some of the road and traffic conditions are like in those countries.

Mind you, the company points out that this figure excludes any other travelling done by sub-contractors either within these areas or in Gauteng and other South African regions. As an aside, it would be interesting to find out what the safety record of the 'subbies' looks like. That could tell a story in itself. Tell you what - we'll ask them and report back! But back to the real achievement, one which has thrilled Malcolm Gordge, regional manager Gauteng fuel and chemical division.

"Our drivers' routes take them away from home base for long periods of time and we fully recognise that without the benefit of their long service, dedication and commitment, this accomplishment would not have been possible," he says proudly, adding that with this achievement safely in place, it will not be difficult to reach the division's goal of another one million accident free kilometers.

An additional success for the company is the recent attainment of the EN ISO 9001:2000 Certificate awarded for conforming to specified standards in operation in its quality management system at various depots in Gauteng. 

Well done Unitrans Freight! You and your drivers are a credit to the industry.