Paul Dangerfield, Head of Trucking at Hollard
The world of goods in transit and heavy commercial vehicle insurance finds itself at a crucial crossroads, where insurers must embrace innovation or risk being left behind. This is not just a choice – it’s a necessity.
The transportation and commercial logistics industry is changing fast, raising the spectre of new challenges and risks. Insurers need to adapt and come up with fresh ideas to meet the evolving needs of their customers.
Whether it’s dealing with the growing threat of theft and damage to trucks or addressing sustainability concerns in our increasingly environmentally aware society, insurers have to be creative. Innovative insurers will respond by creating new insurance products, using technology to monitor risks in real-time, and finding clever solutions for the unique problems that businesses face when moving goods and running heavy commercial vehicle operations.
For Hollard Trucking, innovation has meant a transformative journey aimed at reshaping perceptions surrounding truck drivers. Rather than stereotyping them as “reckless” road users, our focus has been on championing road safety and improving driver well-being. Through our initiatives, we have sought to change the perceptions around truck drivers and highlight the professionalism and dedication that so many display.
Our Hollard Highway Heroes campaign, initiated in 2015, has been instrumental in recognising exceptional drivers who drive responsibly, looking out for fellow road users and safeguarding their fleet owners against preventable losses.
During the competition, trucks are equipped with Hollard-approved telematics devices and competitors are evaluated based on speed, harsh braking, fatigued driving during the day, and fatigued driving at night. Drivers must adhere to speed limits, take regular rest breaks, and avoid emergency braking situations.
Cutting-edge technology to grow & adapt with you
PROFIDA will meet your needs, both now & on our journey together into the future
Remarkably, this competition has encouraged lasting improvements in driving habits. Participants not only enhance their driving behaviour during the competition but also maintain these improvements long after the competition concludes. This, in turn, leads to lower fuel and maintenance costs, fewer accidents, and reduced insurance claims.
Since its inception, the initiative has grown significantly. This year, we’ve introduced a bus category and received over 4,000 entries. We’re excited to crown this year’s winners on November 24, 2023. Looking ahead to 2024, we plan to expand the competition to include additional categories.
But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We’re actively improving driver safety and well-being through partnerships with organisations like the SaferStops Association. By collaborating with public and private sector entities, we’re creating a more compassionate environment for these unsung heroes who traverse our highways daily.
Additionally, drivers employed by Hollard Trucking’s customers, fleet owners, have the opportunity to receive rewards cards. These cards allow them to earn up to R400 a month, providing an extra incentive for safe driving.
Since launching the programme, we’ve paid out over R5 million and currently have more than 2,500 truck drivers enrolled. We’re proud to partner with truck stops, expanding the benefits received by participants in the driver rewards card program.
Hollard plans to continue to leverage its relationship with truck stops to improve the well-being of truck drivers.
This approach of forming partnerships – where the public and private sectors share information, work together, provide resources, and offer their expertise – is undoubtedly the way forward for the sector. Crucially, such teamwork coupled with innovation will lead to a safer and more efficient transport industry.