Fleet Controller

Role overview

The Fleet Controller keeps every truck, driver and load moving safely and on time, from dispatch to proof of delivery.

• Location: Hillcrest, South Africa
• Reports to: Operations Manager
• Works with: drivers, planners, workshop, customers and subcontractors
• Job type: Permanent, full-time
• Salary: Market-related, based on experience

Purpose of the role: monitor the fleet through the tracking and TMS systems, direct drivers in real time, and act fast on delays, route deviations, breakdowns and safety incidents. The controller protects the cargo, the driver and the vehicle while hitting customer delivery windows.

Key responsibilities

Fleet monitoring and tracking

• Monitor all vehicles live on the tracking system and TMS; confirm departures, arrivals and stops against plan.
• Flag and act on route deviations, unauthorised stops, excessive idling, speeding and harsh-driving alerts.
• Manage high-risk routes and hotspots; follow the company's anti-hijacking and cargo-theft procedures.
• Coordinate with armed response, SAPS and the tracking provider during panic, hijacking or theft incidents.

Driver control

• Brief drivers on loads, routes, rest stops and customer requirements before departure.
• Keep in regular contact with drivers by phone or messaging app throughout each trip.
• Enforce driving-hour and rest-period rules; prevent fatigue-related risk.
• Record driver behaviour events and escalate repeat offences to the Operations Manager.

Load and trip management

• Allocate loads to vehicles and drivers with the planners, balancing utilisation and empty kilometres.
• Update load status in the TMS in real time: loaded, in transit, delayed, delivered.
• Ensure proof of delivery (POD) and trip documents are collected and uploaded on the same day.
• Arrange subcontractor vehicles when own fleet capacity runs short, and track them to the same standard.

Incidents, breakdowns and customer communication

• Arrange roadside assistance, tow-ins and replacement vehicles for breakdowns; transfer loads where needed.
• Log every incident (accident, breakdown, theft, damage, delay) with time, location and actions taken.
• Give customers proactive ETAs and early warning of any delay.
• Liaise with border agents and clearing agents on cross-border trips.

Vehicle compliance and maintenance

• Track licence discs, roadworthy certificates, permits and cross-border documents; flag expiries in advance.
• Schedule vehicles into the workshop for services and repairs with minimum disruption to loads.
• Monitor fuel usage per vehicle and route; investigate abnormal consumption or fuel theft.
• Check driver licences, PrDPs and medicals are valid before allocating a load.

Reporting

• Complete an end-of-day handover report: open trips, incidents, delays and outstanding actions.
• Produce daily and weekly reports on on-time delivery, utilisation, kilometres, fuel and exceptions.
• Keep TMS and tracking data accurate, since management reports are built from it.

Requirements

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• 2–3 years' experience as a fleet controller in road freight or logistics.
• Hands-on experience with vehicle tracking platforms (e.g. Cartrack, MiX Telematics, Netstar, Ctrack) and a TMS.
• Computer literate: MS Excel (filters, pivots, basic formulas), Outlook and Word.
• Valid South African driver's licence.
• Available to work Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 17:00, plus alternate weekends and public holidays.
• Clear criminal record.

Advantageous

• Diploma or certificate in Logistics, Transport or Supply Chain Management.
• Experience with long-distance and cross-border (SADC) operations.
• Experience in an RTMS-accredited operation.
• Additional South African language(s), to communicate easily with drivers.

Knowledge of legislation and standards

• National Road Traffic Act and its regulations (vehicle mass, load securing, dangerous goods).
• AARTO and traffic-fine management.
• Driving-hour and rest rules under the road freight bargaining council (NBCRFLI) agreement and the BCEA.
• Occupational Health and Safety Act as it applies to drivers and vehicles.
• RTMS (Road Transport Management System) standards.
• Basic cross-border documentation and border procedures.

Skills, working conditions and KPIs

Skills and attributes

• Stays calm and decisive under pressure, especially during incidents.
• Firm but respectful with drivers; clear, confident communicator.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping.
• Solves problems quickly and escalates at the right time.
• Honest and trustworthy with high-value cargo and confidential information.
• Works well in a team and hands over cleanly at the end of the day.

Working conditions

• Permanent, full-time position based at [depot].
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 17:00, plus alternate weekends and public holidays.

Key performance indicators

• On-time delivery on at least 95% of loads
• 100% of tracking alerts actioned within 5 minutes
• 100% of incidents logged in the same shift
• PODs uploaded within 24 hours of delivery
• Zero driving-hour violations
• Load status updated in the TMS in real time
• Customers warned of delays before the delivery window is missed

To apply: send your CV and certified copies of qualifications to piet@valostar.com by 9 October 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Pay: R15 000,00 - R20 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person