Road Freight Transport Clerk

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Road Freight Transport Clerk. A Road Freight Transport Clerk compiles and keeps records of operational aspects and coordinates the timing of freight services in accordance with a route plan and trip schedule, contract and/or private hire, and prepares related reports. A qualified learner will be able to: • Implement transport schedules based on a route plan. • Administer the allocation of vehicles and drivers. • Monitor scheduled operations and consolidate debriefing trip documentation or electronic submissions. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: problem solving and identification, decision making, communicating information, and applying appropriate methods and techniques.

The need for this qualification resulted from the requirement to review and align an expired Occupational Certificate: Transport Clerk qualification to meet new policy requirements. Additional changes were affected in terms of the level of the qualification to better meet the needs of the industry and create a career path. In addition, the title was also changed to better reflect the scope of coverage. Transport operations refer to the activities involved in the movement of goods and animals (freight), or people using different modes of transport, from one location to another. It encompasses the planning, organization, implementation, and control of various processes and resources to ensure the efficient and effective movement of freight or individuals. In South Africa the main mean of transport for the movement of freight is by road, resulting in an increase in the demand for a qualified workforce to facilitate these processes. Road Freight Transport Clerks with the appropriate knowledge and skills are of critical importance in the implementation of processes to ensure efficient and effective road transport operations for the movement of freight. This qualification was developed to meet these needs. No other national qualification that provides the requisite knowledge and skills for the road freight clerks is registered on the NQF. This qualification will benefit the road transport sector, and the economy as qualified Road Freight Transport Clerks contribute to the efficient and effective delivery of the movement of freight. Efficient freight delivery helps businesses reach markets, fulfil customer demands, and enables them to participate in the supply chains. Effective road transport services contribute to cost savings for businesses. Streamlined logistics, shorter delivery times, and reliable transportation options reduce inventory costs, minimize stockouts, and improve overall operational efficiency. In addition, the road transport industry creates employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, by supporting logistics companies, truck manufacturers, maintenance and repair services, fuel stations, and more. robust road transport networks also promote economic growth by connecting regions and fostering regional development, thereby benefitting society. Typical learners of this qualification are those who have an interest in starting a career in road transport operations. The Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Road Freight Transport Clerk will contribute to the development of the learner by providing learners with the skills, knowledge, insights and competence to enable them to coordinate the timing of freight services in accordance with a route plan and trip schedule, and report on related operational aspects. Stakeholders from different associations and organisations operating within the road transport sector participated in the review of the qualification. The typical occupations related to this qualification include all road transport operations and logistics related occupations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for Exemption of Modules: For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) or Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA: Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 02 qualification.

• Use a route plan to implement transport schedules by selecting and applying appropriate procedures to solve problems.
• Allocate vehicles and drivers and monitor the scheduled operations by applying basic key concepts related to the discipline.
• Monitor scheduled operations and consolidate debriefing information by summarising, and interpreting information from a range of sources.
• Maintain operational documentation and prepare reports by summarising and interpreting information from a range of sources.