Formerly our diploma course, this covers transport management, distribution and fleet operation for managers, managers-to-be and others involved in operating vehicle fleets.

PART 1: LEGISLATION

The National Road Traffic Act and the Road Transport Quality System

• The RTQS Operator – registration and duties
• Driver licences and Professional Driving Permits
• Vehicle roadworthiness, compulsory specifications, (including SANS 10047 and SANS 10212)
• The road transportation of dangerous goods
• Vehicle dimensions
• Loads on vehicles
• Plating
• Bus passengers

Abnormal Load Policy

AARTO Act

Occupational Health and Safety Act

PART 2: VEHICLE SELECTION

Selecting Fleet Cars

• Analysing fleet requirements
• Fleet car utility
• Social utility
• Practical utility
• Selecting light commercial vehicles

Selecting heavy vehicles – matching the truck to the task

• Terminology and glossary of terms
• Payload analysis
• Factors affecting body size
• Chassis selection
• Vehicle quality level and performance
• Optional and extra equipment
• Cab type and ergonomics
• Vehicle configurations
• Operating costs
• Other factors
• Vehicle blueprint

Vehicle performance

• Basic engine requirements
• Turbocharging
• Torque and power development
• Measuring engine performance and reading engine performance graphs
• Factors affecting vehicle performance
• Determining engine power requirements
• Road map of performance, gear-split and gradability charts
• Determining road performance
• Developing the road map of performance
• Constructing the gear-split chart
• Constructing the gradability chart

Vehicle chassis and body selection

• Vehicle terminology and glossary of terms
• Mass and dimensions
• Chassis design
• Basic strength of materials
• Type and size of body
• Frame repairs
• Body design principles
• Trailers and semi-trailers

Vehicle and payload mass distribution

Costing vehicle operations

• Cost categories
• Fixed costs
• Variable (Running) costs
• Cost allocation and recovery
• Uneconomical deliveries
• Vehicle utilisation, availability and downtime

Selecting mechanical handling appliances

PART 3: TECHNICAL

Preventive maintenance

• Objectives and basics of planned maintenance
• The driver’s role in reducing vehicle costs
• Maintenance scheduling
• Maintenance records

Tyre maintenance

• Tyre types, sizes and marking
• Tyre selection
• Tyre care and maintenance
• Wheel rims
• Dual tyre fitment
• Tread depth
• Tyre rotation
• Driver participation
• Yard maintenance

Determining workshop requirements

• Workshop task categories
• Standard methods and standard times
• Establishing targets
• Teamwork

Workshop control

• Quality control
• Recording and processing data
• Parts control
• Work flow
• Calibre of personnel
• Distribution of information
• Repair times and costs
• Vehicle downtime
• Productivity and efficiency
• Workshop daily control

Budgeting workshop expenses

Lubrication

Automotive electronics

PART 4: MANAGEMENT

The professional driver – micro business manager

• Business basics
• Responsibilities of the professional driver
• Driver evaluation and testing
• Driver training requirements
• Driving techniques

Contract for drivers of goods and passenger vehicles

Accident reporting and investigation

Distribution logistics

• Warehousing
• Routing and scheduling

Security in distribution

• Operations management / despatch
• The vehicle
• The driver
• In transit / general
• On return to the depot
• Hi-jack prevention procedures

On-board recording devices and vehicle tracking

• The tachograph
• On-board computers
• Vehicle tracking

Communication

• Basics of communication
• Verbal communication
• Telephonic communication
• Written communication
• Electronic communication

Supervision and organisation

• Leadership qualities
• Action planning
• Basic rules of effective decision-making
• Motivation