Cargo Carriers – Over Six Decades of Driving Excellence in Transport & Logistics
With its roots dating back to 1956, Cargo Carriers has built a reputation as one of Southern Africa’s most respected and specialised logistics partners.
From its modest beginnings with a single truck, affectionately dubbed “Old Faithful” – Cargo Carriers has evolved into a logistics powerhouse. Founded by visionary entrepreneur Des Bolton, the company was built on the core values of tenacity, integrity, competence and innovation, underpinned by an unwavering commitment to excellence. These founding principles remain the driving force behind the company’s operations to this day.
The transport industry is notoriously competitive and characterised by high-value assets, high-risk cargoes and a crowded marketplace. In such a demanding environment, innovation isn’t optional – it’s essential. From its earliest days transporting goods to the Free State goldfields, Cargo Carriers continues to operate in the mining industry – from the transportation of iron ore, manganese and chrome amongst others, to delivering hazardous chemicals specifically required in mining operations throughout South Africa.
Cargo Carriers has continually innovated to stay ahead, embracing cutting-edge technology and developing value-added scheduling and routing systems that drive efficiency and reduce risk.
The company’s strategic evolution saw it expand from its early base to new territories, including an Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) branch in 1959, and amongst others Cargo Carriers Botswana (Pty) Limited in 1971 with growth continuing into other parts of Southern Africa. Over the decades, Cargo Carriers has diversified its service offering, building specialised expertise across multiple sectors, including mining, chemicals, fuel, steel, cementitious products e.g. dry bulk powders and agriculture mainly sugar.
Today, the company operates through two focused business entities:
- Cargo Trucking – which handles road freight logistics implementation
- Cargo Carriers Supply Chain Solutions – which drives warehousing and distribution and supply chain optimisation
Within its Trucking Division, Cargo Carriers operates three industry-verticals:
- Chemicals & Steel & Mining
- Fuel & Powders
- Sugar
These verticals are designed to deliver focused service, technical expertise and customised solutions that create meaningful value for clients, many of whom have remained with Cargo Carriers for over 47 years.
Pioneers in Hazardous Chemical Transportation
As a leader in the transportation of hazardous chemicals, Cargo Carriers has been at the forefront of safety and compliance for over three decades. The company was a founder signatory to the Responsible Care Programme of the Chemical and Allied Industries Association (CAIA), championing the safe handling and movement of dangerous goods throughout Southern Africa.
This deep-rooted focus on compliance has earned the company multiple certifications and accolades, including regular external and internal audits, DEKRA accreditation and OHSAS 45001 compliance. These benchmarks ensure operational excellence and the health and safety of both employees and the communities in which it operates.
Award-Winning Supply Chain Innovation
Cargo Carriers’ commitment to innovation and operational optimisation has earned it significant industry recognition. Notably:
- Gold Logistics Achiever Award (2010); Platinum Logistics Achiever Award for transformation in the Sugar industry; Gold Award for Supply Chain Innovation in the Apparel industry and Gold and Silver Logistics Achiever Awards for Supply Chain Innovation and Optimisation.
These awards are a testament to Cargo Carriers’ approach to integrated logistics, combining high-level strategy with real-world implementation to unlock lasting value for its clients.
Technology, People and Purpose
From installing its first computing systems in the 1980s to deploying today’s intelligent telematics, Cargo Carriers has always stayed ahead of the curve. Its high-tech fleet and logistics platforms offer clients full supply chain visibility, while enabling internal efficiencies that support long-term sustainability and profitability.
Alongside its technological prowess, the company remains deeply committed to its people. Regular health screenings, driver training and skills development programmes form the bedrock of its workforce strategy. Compliance is non-negotiable and safety is not just a priority – it is part of the company’s DNA.
“Health and Safety are intrinsic to the Cargo Carriers culture. We are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for our most important asset – our employees – while offering our clients safe, smart, and innovative solutions.”
A Legacy That Lasts
With a history spanning more than six decades, Cargo Carriers remains steadfast in its commitment to the core values that have shaped its journey – integrity, excellence, innovation and accountability. These principles are not just aspirational statements but are embedded in the company’s culture, reflected in its day-to-day operations, strategic decisions and long-standing client relationships.
As Cargo Carriers looks to the future, its vision remains unchanged:
“To be recognised as the preferred partner in supply chain and logistics solutions and to be rated as the leader in our selected specialised markets.”
