Abnormal trailer from Barloworld adopts RTMS, green standards

The PBS vehicle represents a mindset change from traditional vehicle design to a focus on optimisation of vehicle design to maximise productivity at enhanced safety levels and the company's compliance with the requirements of the RTMS standard will ensure that such PBS vehicles are operated in the context of a stringently controlled operational environment.

One of the most important benefits of its aerodynamics design, is the trailer's ability to cut carbon emissions and fuel consumption significantly, thus aiding the achievement of carbon reduction targets for Barloworld Logistics' clients.

The 27m long vehicle has a payload of 45 tons and a volumetric space of the trailer of 162.8m³. Coupled with environmental benefits, its extra load capabilities aid in reducing fleet capacities, a major cost benefit to clients in tough times.

Barloworld Logistics has become one of the first supply chain and logistics service providers in South Africa to adopt the RTMS standard.

“We put considerable effort, innovation and investment into these initiatives, which not only benefit us as a company by making us more efficient, but benefit our clients by passing on cost savings and efficiencies to them. Ultimately, the recognition from RTMS is also acknowledgment that we are doing the right thing for our country and the environment - and we're proud of that,” states Heath Dormer, GM at Barloworld Logistics.

Audit process

Paul Nordengen of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) headed the national PBS committee that supervised the PBS concept vehicle design. Oliver Naidoo, from Judah Compliance Auditors, performed a complete audit of Barloworld Logistics' trucking operations, as per the requirements of the RTMS standard, over the past year.

The findings raised during the first audit stage were effectively cleared at the second stage audit, after which the RTMS national committee, comprising representatives from various industry stakeholders and the national department of transport, ratified the accreditation. The RTMS accreditation award was made by Paul Nordengen, RTMS national chairman at a luncheon held at Barloworld Logistics Longmeadow Cross-Dock earlier this year.

This enabled the building and testing of the new aerodynamic ‘green' trailer to go ahead.

“The whole RTMS team was very impressed with the Barloworld Logistics operation, as well as the company's commitment to innovation and efficiency improvements in our road freight transport system. We recognise the significant effort and congratulate Barloworld on becoming the first general freight operator to achieve RTMS accreditation in the country,” stated Nordengen.

RTMS initiative

RTMS is an industry-led initiative, which seeks to encourage consignors, consignees and transport operators engaged in the road logistics to implement a management system that preserves road infrastructure, improves road safety and increases the productivity of the logistics value chain.

It is currently receiving acclaim as a national self-regulating scheme for heavy vehicle road transport, resulting in a safe, equitable and competitive heavy vehicle logistics value chain. The standard represents a holistic approach to responsible and productive management and focuses on four key areas: load optimisation, driver wellness, vehicle maintenance and productivity.