Leading all along the greener path

Cargo Carriers, a leading South African road transport logistics specialist, is continuing its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its extensive road-transport operations.

This drive is in line with the commitment of many of the company’s industrial customers to sustainable and “green” business practices. It also supports the carbon-reduction policies of the South African government, which is one of more than 100 signatories to the Paris Agreement. (This Agreement, concluded within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, covers issues such as the mitigation of greenhouse-gas – GHG – emissions, climate adaptation and finance.)

“Transport operations, including freight logistics, make up a notable portion of South Africa’s GHG emissions,” notes Elmarie Ollewagen, business development and communications manager at Cargo Carriers. “Responsible road hauliers, which dominate the country’s overland transport industry, understand that they have a large part to play in assisting the country to reduce its carbon footprint.”

Cargo Carriers’ efforts include the responsible use of natural capital, such as diesel, which has enabled the company to significantly reduce operating costs and, in so doing, improve supply chain efficiencies to provide customers with a strategic competitive edge.

“The company’s fuel efficiency drive in transport, fleet and freight is supported by sophisticated information communications technology, as well as supply chain execution management,” Ollewagen points out. “Moreover, a highly skilled and experienced team of drivers ensures the efficient use of fuel. What is considered to be best practice in terms of the operation of trucks is entrenched through ongoing driver training programmes, with an intense focus on, among other factors, correct braking, gear changes and speed.”

She says that Cargo Carriers’ ongoing investment into sophisticated technologies, such as on-board cameras, has greatly improved route-monitoring methods and enhanced the efficacy of its own driver-training programmes.

“In addition, an experienced team of in-house mechanics ensures a well-maintained and fuel-efficient fleet, comprising brands from leading European truck original equipment manufacturers that are at the forefront of research and development into clean-engine and fuel-efficient technologies.”