At the 2024 Fleet Safety Awards the Most Improved Truck Stop category was designed to further promote road safety. Vaal Truck Inn on the N3 was the deserving winner. Along with a trophy and certificate to proudly display, the Fleet Safety Awards added a R20 000 donation for further development of the facilities.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says it was decided to not only recognise a truck stop playing an important role in the journeys of drivers but to also assist them in reaching even greater heights. “Truck stops are more than mere refuelling stations. These stops are critical rest points for long-haul drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel on what are often challenging roads.
“These rest stops should have comprehensive support systems that positively impact driver well-being and road safety. A break at a truck shop should help drivers maintain their physical and mental health during long journeys. Vaal Truck Inn does not only provide for the basic needs of drivers but values the safety of the human beings behind the wheel,” says Herbert.
Charlene Douglas, Marketing Manager at Vaal Truck Inn, says 16 years of hard work and commitment enabled them to receive the honour of winning this Award. “We aim to be a home-away-from-home for drivers. This includes promoting a healthy lifestyle by providing safe overnight parking, hot showers, healthy food choices and medical advice and treatment from our wellness clinic.
“Truck drivers are under tremendous pressure on our roads to make deliveries within specific timeframes. Upon arrival at truck stops they are tired and hungry. Thus, in addition to the normal facilities, we also provide amenities for washing clothes and visiting a barber. Vaal Truck Inn is like a small town operating 24 hours a day.”
Douglas says there is another facility they would like to add to Vaal Truck Inn to further their objective of helping drivers stay safe on the road. “We plan to open a gym facility for drivers. There is an increasing interest among truck drivers to exercise whenever possible. Consequently, the next healthy option we want to give drivers access to is a well-equipped gym.”
Physical exercise is crucial for truck drivers spending long hours behind the wheel as it directly impacts health, alertness, and driving safety. Additionally, truck drivers are at higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular problems, muscle atrophy, and decreased circulation – compromising physical and mental performance. Gym facilities at a truck stop will help combat the sedentary health challenges, reduce driver fatigue, increase mental clarity, and improve reaction times.
Promoting safety on the road is very important to Vaal Truck Inn. “Every individual is fully committed to this objective. From the owners to each employee, we all work hard to maintain this standard for truck drivers. We highly anticipate the next step in our journey in creating the ultimate truck stop for drivers with the prize money from the Fleet Safety Awards,” says Douglas.
MasterDrive is also using the opportunity to introduce a new initiative to further recognise the efforts of truck stops in road safety. “Vaal Truck Inn will be the first Truck Stop to receive the MasterDrive star rating – a recognition we want all truck stops to aspire toward. The star rating can be awarded to deserving recipients throughout the year so contact us to get your stars!” says Herbert.
For more information on the MasterDrive star rating, email us on info@masterdrive.co.za or call 086 110 0618.
Also view:
Trucking Wellness in South Africa
