National truck stop framework study underway

Truck drivers in South Africa spend an inordinate amount of time at truck stops, but there is no central source of information or database of truck stops across the country. Sometimes, this means truck drivers face perilous conditions. A new study aims to change this…

The study, which was unpacked at a Transport Forum meeting on 5 September, is a collaborative effort between the SaferStops Association, the Department of Transport (DoT), and various road agencies. Its goal is to assess the existing infrastructure that supports truck stops and rest areas for drivers nationwide.

Nicci Scott-Anderson, the founder and CEO of the SaferStops Association, has been a relentless advocate for safer truck stop environments. “Before the launch of the SaferStops Association, I personally conducted site assessments on the N3 and N1 highways, engaging truck stop owners and transport operators to understand the gaps in safety and sustainability,” she says. “This study is a direct result of those efforts, which aimed at building a safer, more supportive network for drivers.”

As part of this initiative, Scott-Anderson has also emphasised the importance of facilities accommodating all genders, so that all drivers – regardless of gender – can feel safe and have access to appropriate amenities.

Scott-Anderson and her team also began surveying truck drivers to gain deeper insights into their needs. To date, 3,500 surveys have been completed. “We found that many truck stops did not meet the necessary security standards, especially in areas dealing with dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals. This has been a critical element in shaping where we are today,” she notes.

The SaferStops Association was officially launched in July 2023, and a steering committee was established. “Earlier this year, we partnered with the DoT to create the first-ever Truck Driver Safety and Wellness Symposium. Now, we are taking the next logical step by conducting this comprehensive study,” Scott-Anderson elaborates.

Study relevance and impact

Mihladi Gqada, a freight specialist at the DoT, highlights the need for this study, pointing out that there is no specific legislation governing truck stops. “We do have regulations in place, like the National Transport Act, which governs transportation in South Africa, but there is nothing specific to truck stops,” she explains.

Ayanda Pasiya, a logistics specialist at the DoT, agrees. “There is no dedicated policy or legislation on truck stops from the DoT,” he states. “Yet, the road freight industry is crucial to South Africa’s economy, carrying about 80% of freight commodities. The volume of goods transported by road is increasing daily due to inefficiencies in the rail network, putting more pressure on our roads. Truck stops are essential in this logistics supply chain, providing rest, safety, and medical services to drivers. However, there is no central database or clear understanding of how truck stops operate.”

He continues: “We lack knowledge of the challenges truck stops face. There are no established standards or grading systems, and gender parity at these facilities is an issue. Without accurate information, we cannot plan effectively.”

This lack of information is not new. “The need for a truck stop framework was highlighted in the Cabinet-approved 2017 Road Freight Strategy (RFS),” Pasiya reveals. “The RFS pointed out that trucks were parking illegally due to a lack of facilities. We realised that desktop research was not enough because there was little to no accurate data on truck stops in South Africa. So, we initiated site visits to better understand these facilities.”

The DoT has since visited 24 local truck stops and examined three in other African countries, as well as one on the border between Poland and Germany – Parking Automatyczny Citronex – which even has a hotel where drivers can stay overnight. However, gathering data from just 28 truck stops is clearly not sufficient, and that’s where SaferStops’ comprehensive study comes in.

How will the study work?

At the core of the SaferStops Association’s mission is the well-being of truck drivers. “Through detailed surveys and infrastructure assessments, we aim to raise safety standards that will not only protect drivers but also improve their overall health and working conditions. With improved rest areas, healthier dining options, and accessible wellness facilities, we can extend driver lifespans, reduce accidents, and enhance productivity across the transport sector,” says Scott-Anderson.

The study will involve a detailed survey covering critical areas such as security, amenities, environmental sustainability, and driver health and wellness. Each question in the survey will be weighted based on its importance to driver safety, comfort, and operational efficiency. The results will be categorised and used to create a tiering system aligned with international best practices.

The process will start with a self-assessment, where truck stop managers complete an online survey of about 70 questions detailing their facilities and services. This will be followed by external assessments, where assessors visit each site to verify the information and collect additional evidence, including photographs. The survey data will then be analysed and the sites ranked according to their scores, similar to the star-rating system used for hotels.

Each site will receive two ratings: one for service levels and another for security levels. Should the truck stop meet the minimum service and security levels required by the SaferStops Association, it will be acknowledged via a certification and given use of the SaferStops emblem. Its information will also be uploaded into a database of trusted truck stop sites. Sites that fail to meet the minimum standards will receive guidance and support from the SaferStops Association to help them meet these standards.

The SaferStops Association is also pioneering the development of an app that will revolutionise how truck drivers and fleet managers interact with truck stops in South Africa. Much like Airbnb, the app will allow drivers to find, rate, and eventually reserve spaces at certified truck stops. This will not only enhance safety and driver satisfaction, but also provide valuable data to truck stop owners, enabling them to continuously improve their facilities and services, thereby contributing to a more sustainable, driver-friendly logistics network. “We anticipate the app will result in more traffic being directed towards certified truck stops,” says Scott-Anderson.

While there are clear benefits for transport operators and truck stops, the greatest advantage will be for the drivers. As Scott-Anderson aptly points out: “At the heart of everything we’re doing is a human being who deserves dignity and support.”

As the SaferStops Association continues its work, one thing is clear: safer roads, healthier drivers, and more sustainable fleet operations are within reach. “By setting higher standards for truck stop facilities and services, and through innovative solutions like the upcoming SaferStops app, we can transform the logistics industry for the better. Our truck drivers – the backbone of the industry – deserve nothing less,” emphasises Scott-Anderson.

Indeed, this is a crucial point – and one that is too often overlooked in our industry.

Apply here for FREE membership to the SaferStops Association:

Truck and rest stops: https://form.jotform.com/242523797459066

Affiliates: https://form.jotform.com/242524681631556