Stakeholders from South Africa’s transport and logistics sector gathered recently for a Road Transport Management System (RTMS) awareness workshop, a platform dedicated to sharing knowledge and advancing industry standards, with support from Michelin Connected Fleet and Standard Bank.

The day highlighted how the RTMS standard SANS 1395-1:2019 and the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Smart Truck pilot project drive safer, more compliant operations.

Case studies have demonstrated how small emerging fleets and large established ones are implementing these standards to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and support sustainable growth in road transport.

Participants included fleet operators, logistics professionals, regulators, and industry partners, reflecting the broad engagement in advancing RTMS standards and promoting safer, more efficient transportation.

Charl Lensley, the newly appointed Country Manager for Michelin Connected Fleet South Africa, said the company understands the realities of running fleets in South Africa, including compliance challenges, rising costs, and concerns about driver safety and wellness.

“By supporting initiatives like RTMS, we align with standards that enhance safety and compliance and improve overall operational performance. Our goal is to equip operators with practical tools and insights that help them act proactively, not reactively”, he said.

Many operators rely on manual planning processes. Michelin presented a live customer case study demonstrating how fleet management solutions support operators in meeting the elements of the RTMS standard and improving safety outcomes.

The demo introduced new capabilities such as digital vehicle checks and smart jobs management, practical tools that streamline compliance and safety practices. By combining compliance monitoring with actionable insights, operators are better equipped to prevent risks and achieve sustainable performance improvements.

According to Dr Paul Nordengen, Director at RTMS, compliance with the RTMS standard is not just about ticking boxes; “It’s about promoting safer and more efficient road freight and passenger transport, and more responsible businesses”.

He said industry transport workshops help operators, regulators, and industry partners share knowledge and drive meaningful improvements across the sector.

Sessions explored how adopting RTMS certification and aligning with PBS standards ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks while directly contributing to road safety. Through responsible fleet practices, encompassing driver wellness, vehicle standards, and load management, operators can enhance operational performance while safeguarding people and goods on the road.

The event underscored the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including operators, insurers, regulators, and consultants, to support South Africa’s journey toward safer and more efficient transport.