Ensuring that a chemical fleet is tailored for compliance by maintaining stringent International Organisation for Standardisation- (ISO-) and Chemical Allied Industries Association- (CAIA-) accredited standards, supports environmental responsibility and operational effectiveness, says supply chain and logistics services provider Cargo Carriers.

The company maintains these standards in addition to deploying purpose-built tankers and continuously investing in newer-generation vehicles with higher payloads and enhanced fuel efficiency, says Cargo Carriers marketing director Andre Jansen van Vuuren.

This helps to facilitate operational agility, enabling the business to adapt quickly to seasonal and demand fluctuations and further strengthening its value proposition to customers.

Cargo Carriers is a prominent player in South Africa’s logistics and supply chain industry and remains a key partner in the transportation of hazardous chemicals, operating primarily from production hubs, such as Sasolburg, in the Free State.

With a “deep commitment to safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ)”, the company continues to deliver specialised logistics solutions.

In its assessment of geopolitical pressures and supply chain resilience, the company acknowledges the ripple effects that these factors have on fuel price increases, where geopolitical instability in oil-producing regions contributes to fuel price volatility, hiking operating costs.

Cargo Carriers adds that, although it transports finished chemical products, many customer operations rely on imported raw materials and the delays or shortages in these inputs may impact on production levels, and in turn, logistics volumes.

Despite these challenges, the company’s focus on “operational excellence, safety and customer relationships” ensures its resilience in a shifting landscape.

Safety Processes

Cargo Carriers continues to strengthen its position as a logistics provider in the highly regulated and sensitive chemical transportation sector, delivering specialised supply chain solutions tailored to the complexities of hazardous materials.

With SHEQ epitomising the core of Cargo Carriers’ strategic approach, the key objective is to achieve and maintain zero harm to people, property and the environment.

The company places importance on exceeding compliance with local and international standards by retaining ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certifications, and the CAIA Responsible Care affiliation.

It also conducts safety and quality assessment for sustainability audits and prioritises rigorous driver training for the handling of hazardous goods while championing proactive risk identification, emergency preparedness and a “deeply embedded culture of safety”.

“Cargo Carriers’ approach to chemical logistics is comprehensive and anchored in safety; it is shaped by experience, empowered by technology and driven by partnerships. The company remains committed to setting the benchmark as Southern Africa’s most reliable logistics partner in the chemical industry,” Jansen van Vuuren outlines.



In adherence to its comprehensive hazardous material transport protocols, the company’s pre-transport procedures include checking the hazard classification, with every substance being classified in various safety classes to guide handling and packaging requirements. Documentation, vehicle and equipment compliance checks, as well as driver readiness checks, are also included.

Additionally, loading takes place in secure, well-lit zones, with spill-containment. Route risk assessments are conducted, and safest routes selected to minimise risks. 

Cargo Carriers also uses specialised vehicles tailored to the specific chemical profile and hazard classification; these include stainless steel bulk liquid tankers, rubber- lined or pressurised tankers, as well as dry bulk tankers. Additionally, tautliners are used for transporting packed, granular and powdered materials. 

Innovative Service Delivery

Extending significantly beyond efficiency tools, technology forms the backbone of the Cargo Carriers’ service delivery, compliance, risk mitigation and customer experience.

The key areas where technology elevates service delivery include enhanced safety and risk management, where telematics and fleet board systems enable real-time tracking, allowing for driver coaching and unsafe behaviour alerts and aiding accident prevention.

Predictive maintenance is enabled through onboard diagnostics.

“By integrating innovation across operations, the company not only enhances safety and efficiency but delivers real-time transparency and measurable value” Jansen van Vuuren concludes.