JC Auditors (JCA), a certification body, has announced its plans to showcase the cost benefits of implementing the Road Transport Management System (RTMS) for businesses in the transportation industry.
RTMS is a voluntary, self-regulatory system designed to ensure road safety, protect the environment, and promote operational efficiency in the road transport industry. It provides a framework for managing the performance of commercial fleets and their drivers, and includes standards for vehicle loading, vehicle maintenance, driver training, operational controls and driver wellness.
“In our experience there is often a misguided perception that safety and compliance is a business cost, and not an investment. We believe that RTMS is a valuable tool for businesses in the transportation industry to improve their operations and reduce their costs,” says Oliver Naidoo, Managing Director of JC Auditors. “By showcasing the cost benefits of RTMS, we hope to encourage more businesses to adopt this system and reap the numerous rewards it offers.”
By improving road safety, reducing accidents and downtime, and enhancing the overall performance of their fleet, businesses can save costs and increase their profitability. RTMS workshops hosted nationwide over the last 15 years have included many case studies by various transport businesses, who have reported on these tangible benefits.
JC Auditors will be focusing on this cost benefit theme at upcoming webinars and workshops, to educate businesses about the benefits of RTMS and provide guidance on optimising the system. The events will cover the correlation between safety gains and the cost benefit and will be led by experts in the transportation and logistics industry.
For example, the RTMS requirement of driving at a safe speed can have several cost benefits, including:
- Improved fuel efficiency: Driving at a safe and consistent speed can lead to better fuel efficiency, by reducing the amount of acceleration and braking required. reduces fuel costs.
- Reduced vehicle maintenance costs: Consistent and safe driving can reduce wear and tear on the vehicle, including the tyres, brakes, and suspension. This can result in fewer repairs and replacements, which saves money on maintenance costs.
- Lower insurance premiums: Safe driving habits can lead to a lower risk of accidents and claims, which can result in lower insurance premiums.
- Reduced legal costs: Speeding tickets and other traffic violations can result in fines, legal fees, and higher insurance premiums. Driving at a safe speed can help avoid these costs.
- Improved safety: Driving at a safe speed can reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, which in addition to the primary safety benefit, also has significant cost savings for individuals and society.
Another RTMS requirement is to comply with the loading regulations. This is not just for safety reasons, since overload reduction in road transport can have several cost benefits, including:
- Reduced vehicle maintenance costs: Overloaded vehicles are more likely to experience mechanical problems, such as tyre blowouts, brake failure, and suspension damage. Reducing overload can lead to fewer repairs and replacements, resulting in lower maintenance costs.
- Improved fuel efficiency: Overloaded vehicles require more fuel to move the same distance than a properly loaded vehicle. Reducing overload can lead to better fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs.
- Increased safety: Overloaded vehicles are more difficult to control, especially in emergency situations. Reducing overload can improve vehicle handling and reduce the risk of accidents, which can result in significant cost savings.
- Compliance with regulations: Overloaded vehicles can result in fines and penalties being issued, as well as damage to roads and bridges. By reducing overload, companies can avoid these costs and ensure compliance with regulations.
These are just two examples showcasing the cost benefits of RTMS, explains Naidoo, but there are many others which will be given coverage during the upcoming events.
“We are committed to supporting businesses in the transportation industry to improve their operations and achieve their goals,” adds Naidoo. “By working with industry experts and sharing our knowledge and expertise, we hope to contribute to a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable road transportation industry in South Africa.”
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