Author:nicci-scott

Celebrating long-haul truckers! February 29, 2024 It’s a new year, so NICCI SCOTT-ANDERSON has come up with a fabulous new concept: a series of articles themed “The Legacy of Long-Haul Truckers”. This is the first article in that series. In 2023, I embarked on a road trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg, interviewing truck drivers at each truck stop. The purpose of this trip was to evaluate a series of questions I wanted to incorporate into a national truck driver survey. […]

Challenging Gender Norms: the path to Women’s Economic Empowerment December 7, 2023 Is the transport industry in South Africa doing enough to uplift, empower, and support women? NICCI SCOTT-ANDERSON says considerable challenges remain, and that a lot more could be done… In the quest for women’s economic empowerment (WEE), we are confronted with an undeniable truth: deeply ingrained gender norms significantly shape women’s access to economic opportunities. These norms dictate what is deemed acceptable for women in various aspects of […]

All the lonely drivers November 9, 2023 One of the single biggest disadvantages of driving a truck is loneliness. NICCI SCOTT-ANDERSON ponders this fact while in Japan – and comes up with an incredible campaign to address this concern. I’m sitting calmly, enveloped in tranquillity, under the warm sun, with the soft branches of Japanese Maple draping the Sho-ten-in temple in Kyoto, Japan. Mother Nature, coupled with the brilliant artistry of the garden’s designer, have rendered the garden’s magnificence and […]

Freight Awards a testament to transport industry’s dedication October 24, 2023 The second Annual South African Freight Awards gala banquet took place recently in Johannesburg. NICCI SCOTT-ANDERSON was there, and she writes that it was a testament to the transport industry’s collective dedication. On 14 October, a gathering of distinguished guests from across South Africa convened to celebrate a remarkable journey of resilience, determination, and triumph. It was the 2nd Annual South African Freight Awards, a visionary initiative born out […]

Advancing women in the transport sector September 21, 2023 The dynamics of men in female-dominated roles versus women in traditionally male-driven professions are intriguing. NICCI SCOTT-ANDERSON undertook research hoping to show that the success of women in roles such as truck driving could be mirrored by men in unconventional jobs. The results, however, were inconclusive.   Traditionally, roles like nursing and teaching have been women-centric, while engineering and construction have remained male strongholds; it’s no revelation! Research indicates that men, […]

It’s time to shift gears and employ more women drivers! August 11, 2023 The very act of chivalry, a historical form of courtesy extended primarily to women, now stands as a potential roadblock to the progression of women in industries such as the transport sector. NICCI SCOTT-ANDERSON is intrigued by this notion. The imagery often associated with trucking – rugged roads, the vast horizon, and the solitary driver – is so intrinsically masculine that one might overlook the reality that […]

RFA Convention abuzz with ideas June 13, 2023 As the dust settles on the annual Road Freight Association Convention, NICCI SCOTT-ANDERSON reflects on a gathering that truly stood apart on the annual calendar of transport industry events. This year’s convention, though intimate in scale, was buzzing with innovative ideas, thought-provoking discussions, and meaningful connections. It demonstrated the industry’s resilience and adaptability, making an indelible mark on all who had the opportunity to attend. It was impossible to overlook the icons […]

Early movers embrace electric truck technologies May 3, 2023 Fresh from a trip to Sweden and a drive in the new Volvo FH Electric 6×4 TT, NICCI SCOTT-ANDERSON ponders e-mobility and its rollout in South Africa. In February, I got the chance to test drive the new Volvo FH Electric 6×4 TT in snowy conditions on the Volvo track in Gothenburg, Sweden. The vehicle was pulling a 40-tonne trailer, which was difficult to tell from the ease and smoothness of […]

Route risk assessments are vital! February 14, 2023 It is extremely important for all transport operators to conduct thorough route risk assessments. NICCI SCOTT explains why… In light of recent road crashes in South Africa, conducting a route risk assessment (RRA) is crucial for transport operators to ensure the safety of their passengers, drivers, vehicles, and other road users. It is also required to comply with regulations and industry standards such as the Road Transport Management System (RTMS) and Safety […]