Fuel transporter Inyameko has partnered with Babcock to propel its business forward with 10 new DAF XF 480 Premium Plus trucks. The KZN-based company has seen an exponential rise in demand for its turnkey petroleum supply services to customers in the mining, agriculture, aviation, private and government sectors, primarily due to its exceptional customer service.

Inyameko was founded in 2020 to address the market need for a transparent and responsive fuel transporter; where customers could have one point of contact, whether placing an order, or tracking the location of a vehicle at any time of day or night,” says Inyameko owner Ashlen Lutchmiparsad.

“Our customers appreciate our honesty, and the streamlined order-to-cash service we provide. We have seen remarkable growth and are signing up new customers every day.

“Service excellence is of utmost importance to us, and we have built our company on providing our customers certainty of delivery – safely, reliably and cost effectively. “Naturally, the trucks that we use must reflect these criteria.

“To meet the demand for our services, we have had to significantly expand our truck fleet and were looking for a partner that aligned with our principles,” says Lutchmiparsad.

“Based on recommendations from other well-regarded transporters who run DAF trucks in their fleets, Inyameko turned to Babcock to test the DAF XF 480, which has gained a reputation for being one of the most fuel-efficient and driver-friendly trucks currently available.

"Babcock's customer service was exceptional, echoing our own principles of service excellence," Lutchmiparsad says. "The fuel consumption of the DAF XF 480 met our expectations, and we were confident in Babcock's ability to support our growth.”

Inyameko opted for the DAF XF 480 Premium Plus models, fitted with safety specifications that meet international and local Hazchem requirements for the fuel transportation industry. These include liquid transport shifting software and an electronic four-pole isolator switch in the cab, ensuring no current runs through the truck while loading fuel in the gantries for maximum safety.

Lutchmiparsad also highlights the importance of driver training for the safe transportation of hazardous products. “We invest a lot of time and effort in driver training to ensure that the products are transported safely. Facilitated by Babcock, our drivers undertook a comprehensive driver training programme specific to the new DAF trucks, covering aspects such as defensive driving, fatigue management and efficient use of gears and cruise control.

Babcock’s hands-on approach from the beginning, including support with financing negotiations, senior management involvement during the truck delivery, and the attentive service team during preventative maintenance inspections, reinforced Inyameko's confidence in the partnership.

“Babcock has been proactive in finding solutions to our challenges and supporting our growth,” says Lutchmiparsad. "We have built a strong relationship with both Babcock and DAF, and I am certain they will remain key partners in our continued success.”