What South African Businesses Need To Know About Chemical Transportation and Partnering with a Reliable Trucking Company
With strict regulations surrounding the transportation of dangerous chemicals and hazardous materials, South African businesses must ensure they collaborate with a trucking company who understands these regulations and experienced in transporting dangerous materials.
The development, manufacture and transport of chemicals is essential for many industries in South Africa as it has become a major industrial and manufacturing hub. Businesses who manufacture chemicals and related products, as well as those who use them will probably need to transport the chemicals or hazardous materials at some point. This process requires expertise, experience and a reliable logistics partner, particularly when transporting dangerous material.
Why Is It So Important To Partner With The Right Trucking Company?
In South African, the safe transportation of hazardous materials is governed by the Dangerous Goods Act of South Africa. The regulations set out by the act must be adhered to, they guide transporters on the correct classification and packaging of the shipment. Depending on the classification of the material this can include the need for dedicated specialised types of transport. It is essential that the trucking company used to transport these goods has the right qualifications.
The penalties for not complying with the regulations are severe, putting both the shipper and the transporter at risk of facing legal ramifications. Therefore, South African businesses should research potential trucking companies and ensure they have the necessary qualifications, experience and knowledge of the act. Ultimately, it’s important to ensure you select the right company for the job.
What Chemicals Can Be Transported By Road?
The list of Schedule 2 hazardous substances, which can be safely transported under the Dangerous Goods Act, includes substances such as corrosive substances, oxidizing substances, flammable liquids and solids, combustible substances and even explosives. With the right logistics partner undergrounds, the shipment of chemicals and the associated dangerous goods can be safely transported.
Special permission may be required for some chemicals
Certain dangerous goods may require special permission from the South African Railways before movement. The shipper is responsible for providing the safety advisor approval from the railway, to prove that the company is clear to transport the goods as planned.
Choosing a Reliable Trucking Company for Chemical Transportation
The key to choosing a reliable trucking company for chemical transportation is the 6 Ps rule; which is the acronym of:
- People
- Plans
- Policies
- Performance
- Processes
- Pressure
The first 5, People, Plans, Policies, Performance and Processes are all important things to consider when looking for a reliable trucking company. It is worth noting that when dealing with dangerous goods, it is not just the driver’s responsibility to deliver the goods safely, but the company who hired the driver. This makes a detailed look into all people associated with the transportation process essential.
The last point refers to transporting the goods under pressure. While ensuring the goods are delivered in a timely manner is important, it should never come before the safety of personnel or the environment in any way. Before committing to working with a trucking company, discussion of safety and delivery policies should take place.
Any company transporting materials that are classified as dangerous goods should gain accreditation from the South African Railways. Companies that are not accredited to transport hazardous materials need to be avoided while looking for a reliable trucking company to partner with.
QikTruck: The Best Trucking Company For South African Chemical Transportation Businesses
When it comes to chemical transportation, partnering with the right trucking company is essential. QikTruck is one of South Africa’s leading logistics specialists and is an ideal partner for companies which deal with hazardous material. We have the right qualifications and accreditations to transport dangerous goods and understand the importance of safe, secure and timely delivery.
QikTruck’s trucks and drivers are highly trained and experienced in transporting dangerous goods throughout South Africa. Furthermore, our team are experienced in lifting, handling and storage of hazardous materials, meaning you can trust us to take the utmost care of your shipment. Our fleet of trucks is also well equipped to transport large amounts of chemicals safely.
At QikTruck, our team has extensive knowledge of the regulations and the regulations of the South African Railways, the specifics of each shipment so that whatever is transported reaches its destination in a timely manner, safely and securely.
If you have been looking for an experienced and reliable trucking company to help you with chemical transportation, look no further than QikTruck! Our team of experienced professionals is here to make transportation of dangerous goods easy and hasslefree. Contact us today to discuss your chemical transportation needs and receive a free, no-obligation quote.
