GT Fleet Management Solutions achieves RTMS certification

GT Fleet Management Solutions has made history by becoming the first and only road transport service provider in South Africa to achieve Road Transport Management System (RTMS) certification. This significant milestone not only highlights GT’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability, but also sets a new benchmark for the industry.

The RTMS certification is a voluntary, self-regulatory scheme that encourages transport operators to adopt best practices in safety, compliance, and fleet management. For GT Fleet Management Solutions (GT), this certification is the result of a four-year journey characterised by perseverance, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

George van Heerden, CEO of GT, has expressed his pride in this achievement: “I am humbled and overjoyed by this achievement. It has been a four-year journey with our JC Auditors family, and we are proud to share our improvements and milestones. This recognition comes with great responsibility, and we are committed to setting a high standard for our industry.”

Raising the bar for the transport industry

The significance of GT’s achievement was also emphasised by Oliver Naidoo, managing director at JC Auditors, at the certification handover. “Well done team on your vision and foresight to embrace RTMS. We trust that this certification will add significant value to your business and support your growth in the years to come. RTMS is more than just a certification – it’s a commitment to safety, efficiency, and quality in road transport,” he said.

By obtaining RTMS certification, GT has reinforced its industry leadership position , providing a model for other transport operators to follow. The certification process involved a comprehensive review of GT’s operations, including compliance checks, data management, load optimisation, and driver management systems.

The many benefits of RTMS certification include improved safety standards, enhanced efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. For GT’s clients, this means a partner that not only meets international standards, but also prioritises safe and sustainable transport solutions.

Overcoming certification challenges

The journey to achieving RTMS certification was not without its challenges. From understanding and complying with complex standards to implementing new systems and processes, GT had to navigate numerous hurdles. However, through strategic planning and a focus on continuous improvement, the company was able to successfully align its operations with RTMS requirements.

“Achieving RTMS certification required us to integrate safety and compliance into every aspect of our operations. It wasn’t just about passing an audit – it was about embedding a culture of safety and efficiency across the organisation,” stresses Van Heerden.

GT’s approach incorporated advanced telematics systems to monitor driver behaviour, data analytics for real-time decision-making, and rigorous maintenance schedules to ensure vehicle safety and compliance. By investing in technology and staff training, GT managed to streamline its processes, reduce downtime, and improve overall efficiency.

Impact on safety and efficiency

One of the most notable achievements following RTMS certification has been GT’s ability to reduce breakdowns and downtime by 80% and extend tyre lifespan by 70% through sustainable practices. These improvements have not only enhanced fleet efficiency, but have also significantly reduced operational costs – savings that can be passed on to clients.

Telematics and tracking systems have played a crucial role in this transformation. By monitoring vehicle speed, location, and driver behaviour in real-time, GT has been able to ensure compliance with RTMS standards while optimising route planning and load management. This has directly contributed to safer road operations and better resource management.

Van Heerden highlights the importance of these enhancements: “RTMS accreditation is more than just a badge – it’s a framework that has helped us improve safety and efficiency across our entire fleet. It has allowed us to offer our clients a higher standard of service, backed by data-driven insights and best practices.”

A commitment to excellence

GT’s achievement is a significant step forward for the South African transport industry, setting a precedent for other only-road transport service providers to pursue RTMS certification. As regulatory pressures increase and clients demand higher standards of safety and efficiency, compliance with RTMS is likely to become a key differentiator in the market.

Naidoo believes that GT’s success will inspire other transport operators to follow suit: “This achievement not only enhances your business operations but also reflects your dedication to raising industry standards. RTMS is about making South Africa’s roads safer and more efficient, and GT has shown what’s possible when a company commits fully to that vision.”

With RTMS certification secured, GT Fleet Management Solutions is already looking to the future. The company is in the process of obtaining ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management, further reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence. Van Heerden says that the company will continue to focus on safety. “Our objective is simple – getting our drivers home safely to their families and loved ones, and keeping our fellow road users in consideration. Together we can make our roads safer!” he emphasises.