MASA Specialist Drivers: The Value of Regional Networks
Many of the companies we work with value the role of our regional network drivers. As trusted technical experts, we help them navigate areas where local knowledge is highly valued by identifying those that best suit their companies’ specific logistic needs.
Generally, it is regarded that the interaction of innovative drivers within a local network increases the stock of regional knowledge, which leads to comparative advantages across the value chain.
“The amateurs discuss tactics: the professionals discuss logistics” Napoleon Bonaparte.
Every stakeholder in the supply chain system has a vital role in adding value to the logistics sector. In the transportation, freight and logistics sectors, the overall goal of the provider and any other stakeholder should be to add value to the customer needing to distribute their goods and to the end-user of the product. Value is defined as the outcomes important to the customer relative to the logistic costs of achieving those outcomes.
This article discusses the value of regional networks in the transportation and logistics sector. If you are looking for a solution to your driving needs, contact MASA to connect with the leading driving specialists in your region.
Extensive Network of Specialist Drivers – Greater Service Levels
Using regional networks can lead to greater service levels whilst potentially expanding the pool of drivers. MASA has set up four regional offices to take advantage of these local drivers, thus assisting companies with an end-to-end solution to solve localised issues. Our regional offices are based in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth – giving companies a nationwide network to leverage for operations.
Improved Comparison of Rates, Availability and Services
MASA builds distribution networks considering all critical services in the value chain. One of the main factors is the driver cost includes the sourcing and hiring process expenses. The existing regional distribution network provides simplicity and efficiency. It increases the availability of products (geographically), which reduces the costs and problems associated with the required time and capital needed to offer a high-quality service.
Rates of drivers based on a regional basis can provide ease of measurement and assist with assessing profitability as figures are comparable based on differing geographical information. Truck drivers in your larger metropolitan areas earn slightly more than those outside these areas. For example, a heavyweight (9 001kg – 16 000kg) truck driver in Johannesburg would make R5 535.62 compared to a driver outside this area who would earn R5 264.60.
Understanding and reducing these logistical costs could reduce the cost burden faced by consumers.
Improved Deliveries with Faster Last-Mile Delivery Options
Peak-hour traffic congestion in almost all large and growing metropolitan regions, including Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, is here to stay. A company having access to local drivers could be the difference of goods arriving on time or missing the scheduled drop-off.
Drivers who understand the traffic congestion problems in local areas are better equipped at ensuring that the necessary targets are met by having insight into these problematic areas. With more than 80% of South African goods transported by road, the country must have sound infrastructure. It is vital for drivers to understand the small nuances to navigate these roads, where regional knowledge comes in handy.
Access to a Larger Pool of Drivers
With companies moving towards a more digital-based approach, building a database of local drivers is essential. Companies will have access to readily available and predictable capacity over the long term and which is accessible on-demand. Knowing where drivers are based is crucial for making critical recruitment decisions.
Value chains with high levels of extra-regional trade have more potential to be reduced than already localised ones. In addition, manufacturers should consider the capacity of local delivery services, which may rely on a pool of drivers. With a larger talent pool, it becomes even more important for recruiters to better understand the talent profiles beyond the resume to ensure the right driver fills the position.
Tailored Customer Experiences
Building a functioning regional distribution network increases customer satisfaction and offers better feedback. When determining the structure of a regional distribution network, important factors include product requests, customer service quality, product variety and availability, response time and the overall return on investment.
MASA’s Specialist Drivers Division focuses on providing our clients with a bespoke solution that caters to various industries looking to improve their operations by creating value using our extensive network of drivers.
MASA has nationwide offices and a regional network in each major province
Our national footprint and wealth of expertise allow us to deliver the finest temporary workers for any industry or sector. We have supplied numerous companies with world-class drivers over the past 40 years. With such a widespread network of regional offices, we can efficiently operate when meeting our client’s needs. Having a more extensive network of drivers leads to logistics efficiency, and maintaining these levels of efficiency can make the difference during times of market uncertainty.
MASA is a leading national and international employment/staffing agency capable of effectively managing the critical elements of your employment/staffing needs ready to facilitate seamless hiring and onboarding of new employees for your company.
If you require assistance with hiring, onboarding, and training new employees in a range of industries, be sure to contact us so you can leverage the top staffing employment and labour outsourcing services in SA with a strong presence in the driving sector.
Check out our article on How to Survive and Thrive in South Africa’s Truck Driver Shortage to learn more about this topic.
