Tip Top Milk Expands Fleet with 21 New Mercedes-Benz Trucks

Boosting its national logistics operations, Tip Top Milk has rolled out 21 new Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645 trucks, a move that solidifies a 15-year partnership and underscores the dairy giant's relentless growth. This latest investment brings its total fleet of the German marque to an impressive 155 vehicles, all dedicated to the crucial task of transporting fresh milk from farm to processing plants across South Africa.

The company's journey is a classic South African success story. It was founded in 2010 by the late Beyers de Bruin with little more than steadfast faith, a single Dyna 3500 milk tanker and a mission to assist farmers burdened with milk surpluses. Today, that vision has blossomed into a major enterprise operating from three depots nationwide. Tip Top Milk now employs around 200 people and is responsible for sourcing, collecting and moving a staggering 36-million litres of quality milk every month.

According to David de Jager, Chief Executive Officer at Tip Top Milk, this remarkable expansion has never come at the cost of the company's core values. "Our business is, and always has been, built around people—our customers and our employees. We pride ourselves on doing what is right and being honest in everything we do."

Relationship

This people-centric philosophy extends to their choice of equipment. The relationship with Mercedes-Benz Trucks began at the very start, when the fledgling company needed a partner that believed in its potential. "Back in 2010, Mercedes-Benz Trucks was the only brand willing to take a chance on us," de Jager recalls. "That’s where Beyers’ love for the brand started."

That initial trust has been fortified over the years through a close working relationship with Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Motus Daimler Trucks Airport. De Jager is quick to praise the support from Ruan Pienaar and his team. "Their support is unwavering, and they never make excuses. It’s a pleasure doing business with them," he adds.

In the high-stakes world of perishable goods transport, reliability is non-negotiable. Tip Top Milk has found this in the durability of their Mercedes-Benz trucks, particularly their powertrains. The fleet even includes a vehicle that has clocked over a million kilometres. "But no matter how reliable a truck is, repairs will eventually be needed," de Jager notes. "That’s where Mercedes-Benz Trucks truly stand out—the availability of parts makes all the difference and keeps our business moving."

Dealer Network

This commitment to uptime is backed by an extensive dealer network that provides Tip Top Milk with critical peace of mind. De Jager points out that on one of their major routes alone, there are at least two dealerships ready to assist. He shares a recent incident that highlights this exceptional service: "We contacted Motus Daimler Trucks Airport on a Saturday afternoon with an urgent need to replace a truck after an accident. By Tuesday, the new truck was delivered. That level of responsiveness is a testament to their commitment."

To further optimise operations, Tip Top Milk utilises the Fleetboard vehicle management system. This technology is integral to their drive for fuel efficiency and enhanced driver performance. The company has built a driver bonus structure around the data provided by Fleetboard, leading to tangible results. Through targeted training and data-driven feedback, the average driver performance score has climbed from 8,9 in 2014 to 9,4 today, delivering significant savings on fuel and maintenance.

For de Jager, the decision to stick with the brand goes beyond specs and service. "Mercedes-Benz Trucks are not only the most aesthetically pleasing on the road, they offer a host of features that support our operations," he says. "But the most important factor is our people. Our drivers spend countless hours behind the wheel, and their comfort directly affects their performance and well-being. That’s why we choose Mercedes-Benz Trucks: they deliver unmatched comfort, helping us take care of the people who keep our business moving."

Vision

Reflecting on the enduring partnership, Olaf Petersen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Daimler Truck Southern Africa, said, "Fifteen years ago, we saw their vision and potential, and today we’re proud to be one of the leading brands behind their business. We sincerely thank David and the entire Tip Top Milk team for their loyalty. Their continued trust inspires us to support their business as it grows from strength to strength."

As Tip Top Milk celebrates a decade and a half of operation, the arrival of the 21 new trucks is more than a simple fleet refresh; it is a powerful reaffirmation of a partnership built on a foundation of mutual trust, proven performance, and a shared commitment to keeping South Africa's dairy industry flowing.

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Volvo Trucks South Africa Enhances Service Infrastructure

Volvo Trucks South Africa has highlighted ongoing investments in its service infrastructure and product development as part of efforts to address evolving transport demands and reduce operational downtime for fleet operators. Speaking at a customer engagement event in Paarl, Western Cape, Waldemar Christensen, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa, emphasised the company’s focus on adapting to industry shifts while maintaining operational continuity for clients.

Waldemar Christensen

“Transport needs are expanding and transforming globally, requiring solutions that balance productivity with environmental considerations,” Christensen noted. He added that innovation in vehicle technology and service delivery remains central to supporting customers in navigating a dynamic sector.

Service Network Modernisation
The company is upgrading workshops nationwide by integrating advanced diagnostic tools and data-driven systems to streamline maintenance processes. A key initiative includes Uptime Monitoring Services, which uses connected vehicle technology to predict maintenance needs, schedule repairs proactively, and minimise unplanned downtime. Christensen stated these measures aim to improve communication between workshops and fleet operators, potentially reducing repair costs and improving fuel efficiency.

Volvo Trucks’ local service network comprises 19 strategically located centres, enabling rapid response times. Christensen stressed that geographic proximity to customers reinforces reliability, a priority as the transport sector undergoes significant technological changes.

Product Development and Sustainability
Recent product updates include the introduction of Euro 6-compliant engines in the Volvo FH long-haul model, designed to align with global emissions standards while catering to South African conditions. Christensen clarified that while Euro 3 and Euro 5 engines remain available, the company is committed to incorporating tested technologies that enhance efficiency without compromising performance.

Internationally, Volvo Trucks recently unveiled an electric long-distance truck model in Europe, boasting a 600-kilometre range and 40-minute charging capability. Though primarily tailored for European markets, Christensen confirmed that South African clients could request the model for niche applications. “This innovation signals potential future advancements for local markets as infrastructure and demand evolve,” he said.

Strengthening Partnerships and Skills
Volvo Trucks has appointed Jarryd Language as Director of Retail Operations South, leveraging his 13 years of experience as a technician and leader within the industry. Language emphasised the importance of collaborative customer relationships: “Understanding clients’ operational challenges and co-developing solutions is as critical as technological innovation.”

The company continues to invest in staff training to align with technological advancements and shifting customer expectations. This approach forms part of its broader strategy to position itself as a long-term partner for fleet operators.

Legacy and Local Footprint
Marking 98 years of global operations and 25 years in South Africa, Volvo Trucks reaffirmed its commitment to the local market. Its Durban assembly plant and 750 employees nationwide underscore its entrenched presence. “We aim to continue contributing to South Africa’s transport sector for decades,” Christensen concluded.

The event in Paarl served to reinforce Volvo Trucks’ dual focus on technological advancement and human-centric service, framing both as pivotal to sustaining customer success amid industry transformation.

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Meet South Africa’s Youngest Long-Haul Fleet Owner – And She’s Driving Change

Durban, South Africa – At just 21 years old, Kiara Baijnath has already achieved what many in the trucking industry spend decades working towards. She’s the proud owner of five brand-new Volvo FH extra heavy trucks, each decked out in bold pink branding and matching double-link trailers. These eye-catching vehicles mark the launch of HerWay Logistics, Baijnath’s new long-haul transport company set to shake up the male-dominated industry.

Her passion for trucking was sparked at an early age, riding alongside her grandfather in his old truck as he delivered crops to the local farmer’s market. “Even back then, I told him that one day I wanted to drive my own truck,” she recalls.

Kiara Baijnath (centre) takes ownership of five brand-new FH extra heavy trucks, presented by Herman Steyn, Volvo Trucks Sales Executive (left) and Anders Friberg, Director of New Truck Sales at Volvo Trucks South Africa (right). 

That dream never faded. After finishing school, Baijnath began crafting a business plan focused on establishing a female-led haulage operation that would train and employ women drivers. With the backing of her supportive parents—who helped her with initial funding—she approached Volvo Trucks in Durban, expecting a tough sell.

“I was bracing myself for rejection, but to my surprise, the team was just as excited as I was,” she says. “They immediately started brainstorming and setting up timelines, which only fuelled my own enthusiasm.”

Her bold vision soon grew bigger, with a fleet of high-tech trucks that could compete for major contracts from day one. HerWay Logistics’ vehicles come equipped with Volvo Connect, a fleet management system that allows her to monitor everything from mechanical performance to driver behaviour remotely.

Herman Steyn, Sales Executive at Volvo Trucks Durban, explains, “Volvo Connect helps operators run a more efficient and profitable transport business. It’s a perfect match for forward-thinking entrepreneurs like Kiara.”

Anders Friberg, Volvo Trucks South Africa’s Director of New Truck Sales, agrees. “The new generation of fleet owners understand the power of technology in trucking. Kiara, for example, has already calculated that driving just a little more efficiently—saving 400 metres per litre—could cut fuel costs by R100,000 per truck per year. That’s the kind of smart thinking we love to see.”

HerWay Logistics officially hits the road on 1st February, starting with long-haul deliveries between Durban and Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s busiest routes. But Baijnath and her team have even bigger plans, aiming to expand into neighbouring countries with the support of Volvo Trucks’ service network across sub-Saharan Africa.

“We’ve structured our business and service agreements to allow cross-border operations,” she explains. “Beyond that, we’ll be working on our driver-training programme. Women’s empowerment and road safety are non-negotiable for us.”

And those bright pink trucks? They won’t just stand out on the road; they’ll serve as a statement. “They’ll be hard to miss, and that’s the point,” Baijnath says. “We want people to know we’re here, we’re serious, and we’re doing things differently.”

HerWay Logistics’ headquarters is based in Prospecton, Durban, with plans to establish depots across South Africa as the business grows. With its fresh approach and strong backing, it’s clear that this young entrepreneur is set to drive change in more ways than one.

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