A three year contract to transport liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for Easigas has been awarded to Imperial Logistics’ operating company Tanker Services.
According to the divisional chief executive officer Lucky Maluleke, the company’s management systems in key areas such as driver selection, recruitment and training, as well as its uncompromising health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) standards, led to it securing this contract.
“Other factors that contributed to the win,” Maluleke adds, “are our effective operational management of the logistics activities – and our commitment to forging a mutually rewarding partnership with Easigas.”
Outlining the scope of the contract, Maluleke says that it encompasses the management of HSSE policies and practices to meet both legal and Easigas requirements (including regular defensive driving training), as well as the implementation of daily delivery schedules prepared by Easigas and the management of the dispatch and driver workforce. “We will also undertake the operation and maintenance of tankers and trailers in accordance with legal and Easigas requirements, and provide management information to allow for the effective monitoring and control of the service and business.”
A key factor will be maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing business and market requirements, he notes, explaining that Tanker Services must adapt their fleet to seasonal demand for LPG. “The biggest challenge is to match the supply and demand in the market, since the forecasted volumes can vary according to demand and seasonality, and Tanker Services needs to adapt to these changes,” Maluleke stresses.
Tanker services will use an existing fleet, with three vehicles operating around Port Elizabeth and six vehicles in KwaZulu-Natal. “The product will be loaded from the respective pick up points in Port Elizabeth and KwaZulu-Natal and distributed to Easigas customers and depots around the country, as well as Swaziland and Lesotho,” he explains. “This will be a 24/7 operation.” Easigas has always had a valuable relationship with Tanker Services over the years and this contract will cement it, Maluleke concludes.
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