PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – RDM Logistics, the family-owned South African cross-border transport company, has marked a major milestone by taking delivery of its 100th truck from New Vaal Motors Commercial Vehicles. The milestone vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2652 Pure, underscores the enduring partnership between RDM Logistics and Mercedes-Benz Trucks and reflects the company’s remarkable growth since its founding in 2009.
Founded by Allan Taylor and now managed alongside his three children—Richard Taylor, Dale Taylor, and Megan Van der Waal—RDM Logistics began with a modest fleet of just ten trucks servicing the World Food Programme into Zimbabwe. Over the years, the company has expanded to a 100-strong fleet operating across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, transporting a diverse range of commodities including grains, beer, chrome, lithium, soda ash, timber, and mining equipment.
Growth Through Resilience
Despite challenging market conditions, from the 2009 global recession to the Covid-19 pandemic, RDM Logistics has grown sustainably by prioritizing reliability, efficiency, and customer service.
“Reaching our 100th truck is a proud moment for our family and our team. Choosing Mercedes-Benz Trucks for this milestone was an easy decision. The brand represents reliability, advanced technology, and strong after-sales support. This partnership has been instrumental in our success story,” says Dale Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of RDM Logistics.
Currently, 52 of RDM’s trucks are Mercedes-Benz Actros models, highlighting the brand’s performance and durability. The company maintains a strict equipment replacement policy, refreshing trucks every five years to minimise downtime and ensure consistent service for its clients.
A Partnership Built on Trust
Reflecting on the relationship with Mercedes-Benz Trucks and New Vaal Motors Commercial Vehicles, Dale Taylor explained:
“My father, Allan Taylor, has been in the transport industry for over 45 years, and his long-standing relationship with Daimler Truck Financial Services made our initial decision to partner with Mercedes-Benz seamless. From day one, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has provided robust, reliable vehicles and exceptional after-sales support. The people behind the brand are always invested in our success, which has helped us build trust and grow together.”
When asked about Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Dale noted, “We manage maintenance internally and ensure all trucks are serviced at Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Over five years, we’ve always maintained costs within budget.”
He highlighted key features that benefit both the company and drivers: “Power Shift Control ensures smooth shifting and fuel efficiency. Lane Keeping Assist and Attention Assist improve safety, while FleetBoard and Mercedes-Benz Trucks Uptime help monitor driver performance and fuel consumption. For our drivers, the comfort of the driver suspension seat, large cab space, and advanced multimedia cockpit makes long hours on the road much easier.”
After-Sales Excellence
Dale emphasised the importance of after-sales service: “Buying the truck is easy; what matters is what happens after. Mercedes-Benz Trucks offers fast turnaround, effective dealer support, and a vast breakdown assistance network. Their service ensures our trucks are always ready and reliable.”
“Mercedes-Benz is a brand that supports transporters from start to finish with great products, people, and after-sales service,” concludes Dale.
Olaf Petersen, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Daimler Truck Southern Africa, added, “We extend our sincere appreciation to RDM Logistics for their continued loyalty. We congratulate them on this remarkable milestone and wish them continued success.”
