When two companies’ passion for outstanding customer service meet, true transport magic happens. This is the case with Goldfields Logistics and Volvo Trucks, as the two companies continue a more than 13-year partnership.
Goldfields Logistics have steadily increased their Volvo fleet over the years and with the addition of another 30 Volvo truck tractors during 2023, they will have a Volvo fleet of over 250 units strong.
The company, celebrating its 35th anniversary, was established in 1988 and specialises in supply chain design and optimisation, warehousing, and distribution centre solutions. It has an extensive national footprint with a fleet of primary and secondary delivery vehicles, as well as specialised and PBS units.
“Our business is proudly built on a customer-centric approach,” said Wynand van der Westhuizen, Managing Director of Goldfields Logistics. “It is important to us to truly understand our customers. When we do this, we can anticipate their needs and preferences that in turn allow us to create meaningful experiences and build lasting relationships with them.”
This philosophy aligns precisely with Volvo Trucks’ commitment to customer service.
“Our partnership with Goldfields Logistics is more than just handing over the keys to a new truck. It marks the beginning of our journey together, as we work hard to ensure that each vehicle remains productive, efficient and an asset to their business,” said Waldemar Christensen, MD of Volvo Trucks South Africa. “This is done through ongoing communication, dedicated support, service, and parts. It’s all part of our promise to provide the best possible support throughout the entire lifecycle of a truck – and beyond.”
Another shared value is safety.
“Over the years, Volvo Trucks’ safety package has been a real game changer for us. It has led to reduced accidents and improved on-road safety for our drivers, to the benefit of other road users as well,” said Van der Westhuizen. “The trucks’ built-in incident prevention technologies go hand-in-hand with our road safety conscious way of doing business.”
Christensen said that for Volvo Trucks, developing safer trucks has always been about more than protection. “Utilising the advances in technology means that the systems may be out of sight, but they are engineered to activate and support the driver in many different road situations. Making the trucks as safe as possible for the driver and all other road users,” explained Christensen.
For this reason, Goldfields Logistics also continuously ensure that their drivers’ training is up to the highest standards.
“A good driver training programme can impart valuable defensive driving instruction, while discussions of the various accident types can reduce the likelihood of a similar incident occurring again. Additionally, having up-to-date knowledge of road safety can alert them to, and possibly eliminate many of the imminent dangers our drivers face as they crisscross the region moving valuable cargo,” explained Van der Westhuizen.
One of the challenges of doing business in South Africa is the lack of properly maintained infrastructure, which often leads to long road transit times. Rough and damaged roads also result in a fluctuation in freight delivery schedules.
Along with rising fuel cost, the company also incurs logistics costs such as wear and tear of tires and vehicle maintenance, amongst others, which play a vital role in the business’ sustainability. Van der Westhuizen said all these factors show the importance of having a reliable transport partner to support the company’s extensive operations across the region.
“This is why we keep investing in the Volvo Trucks brand. They are always more than willing to go out of their way to meet all our business needs and requests,” commented Van der Westhuizen. “Having the right business partner makes all the difference in an industry that operates on very volatile margins and in challenging environments.”