A new black-owned logistics company servicingĀ the KZN and inland fuel depot route is being aided by some of the newest tech in logistics, as it goes toe to toe with big transport companies.
Using drones to create their niche in the complex business of fuel distribution, Crusade Logistics plans routes and monitors driver safety, providing customers with two-hourly updates on the estimated arrival time to the depots, ensuring that they are ready to receive the fuel.
Currently bridging fuel for Chevron South Africa and the Caltex Brand inĀ Kwa-Zulu Natal, the 51% Black-owned and 30% Black female-owned fuel hauler recentlyĀ secured Enterprise and Supplier Development (E&SD) funding from Chevron South Africa to expand its business. Chevron South Africaās E&SD programme is not only aimed at growing its base of capable and reliable partners, but also, improving opportunities for new Black-owned entrants to drive transformation through its value chain.
Crusade Logistics hasĀ received industry accolades for driver safety, fuel efficiency and reliability. āWe mark out the routes first with drones to give drivers visual cues and familiar landmarks on an electronic journey plan. We have seen a marked improvementĀ inĀ driver safety and it also reduces the risk of trucks getting lost with a full load of fuel onboard,ā said Co-owner of Crusade Logistics, Wesley Naidoo.
āStart-up firms are held to the same exacting standards as more establishedĀ suppliers and while there can be significant barriers to entry for new entrants, we are keen to enable theirĀ success by providing them with business opportunities within ourĀ fuel supply chain,ā said Chevron South Africaās Fleet Operations Manager, Noma Dumse.
āChevron South AfricaĀ supports innovative and affordable funding mechanisms for the participation of black entrepreneurs in the fuel supply chain. E&SD funding is one of the best methods to allow for the development of black-owned small and medium enterprises and their increased participation in the mainstream economy,ā Dumse concluded.
Naidoo added, āThe interest free E&SD funding and the fuel bridging contractĀ with Chevron South Africa have boosted our cashflow and improved our access to additional credit, allowing us to expand our fleet from two to 14 trucks.ā
Chevron South Africa has identified a number of black-owned haulers which it is in the process of enrolling into its E&SD programme and bringing onstream. Other participants in the companyāsĀ E&SD programme include black-owned small and medium enterprises as diverse as advertising agency, Avatar; operational equipment cleaning business, Galion Laundry and Caltex service station owners who have successfully grown their businesses as a result of the funding received.
Naidoo went on to say, āFor us, one of the biggest benefits has been receiving mentorship fromĀ Chevron South Africa and integratingĀ their best practice standards and culture into our business. We have been so inspired by how this programme has assisted us, that we are now helping other small black-owned businesses. In our own way, we are paying it forward.ā
Source: SA Good News