We make sure all vehicles are fit to drive
IN the past two years, Kapil Patel has thoroughly enjoyed being the operations manager of DN Patel & Company Ltd. Mr Patel was born and raised in Suva and moved to New Zealand when he was 20 years old. He lived there for 10 years.
From there it was on to Australia where he gained experience working in a logistics company before he moved back to Suva.
DN Patel is a family-owned business, and after seeing his father manage it for several years, Mr Patel decided to take the reins to continue its operations with the help of members of the family.
“It’s all about teamwork,” he says. “We all help each other run this family business.
“Working as a team is the main thing, and we are a very close family.”
On the factory floor, Mr Patel shares more about the type of vehicles used to transport cargo.
“We’ve got the side lifter, a three-tonne truck, all the twelve-wheeler trucks and prime mover," he says. "We have got about eighteen vehicles at the moment."
According to Mr Patel, the drivers are all employed by the company.
“The drivers usually start at 8am and finish around 10 or 11pm," he says.
He also shares the tasks involved with the transport department.
“First of all, we make sure that all the vehicles are fit to drive.
"We ensure that all the services are upto-date and if there are repairs needed, we make sure it’s done as soon as possible.”
While managing the vehicle is an important aspect, he also ensures the well-being of the drivers.
“We make sure all the drivers take a break as well at the appropriate times.”
He says this avoids fatigue among the drivers, while also warding off accidents.
Mr Kapil acknowledges that the transport drivers also have families to return to and this helps ensure they return safely.
Today DN Patel has 22 transport drivers. These individuals are involved in heavy duty cargo transportation.
“So, we transport containers from the wharf to the customer, and when we deliver the containers, we make sure we place the containers in a safe place where no one gets hurt.
"This prevents accidents as well.”
Mr Patel says they're also involved with loose cargo loads (LCL).
“We get the loose cargo from the shipping line, and we deliver it to the customers. When delivering, we make sure the load is tied properly.”
He says these loads are checked to ensure they are properly placed to prevent them falling off the truck. Tarpaulin is also added to make sure the cargo is covered during unfavourable weather conditions.
The drivers are equipped with full licences as each of them is needed for various categories of vehicles.
The drivers also take a refresher course every six months. “This is to make sure they know how to secure the cargo and unload the container to the ground.”
Mr Patel says this tests their knowledge of operating cranes as well.
Each driver is accompanied by a colleague to guide them in manoeuvring the vehicle.
The operations manager shares that transport drivers have the basic knowledge of maintenance and the upkeep of their vehicles to help while they are out on a trip.
In his line of work and experience, he shares a few words of advice about the transportation industry.
“First of all, hard work and honesty, and if you want to grow you should have a good team as well," Mr Patel says.
He also stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with other colleagues at work.