Intermediate Occupational Certificate: 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.

Rationale

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.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 432301-001-01-KM-01, Emotional intelligence and Active Learning, NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-KM-02, Basics of Computers and Computing Systems, NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-KM-03, Ethics and Basic Business Principles, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-KM-04, Principles of General Health, Fire Safety, and First Aid, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-KM-05, Principles of Business Communication and Customer Services, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-KM-06, Incidents, Accidents and Transport Risks, NQF Level 3, 7 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-KM-07, Legislation and Quality in Road Transportation, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-KM-08, Monitoring of Scheduled Operations, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-KM-09, Basics of Driver and Vehicle Allocation, NQF Level 3 ,5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40

Practical Skill Modules

• 432301-001-01-PM-01, Monitor On-Route Fleet movement, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-PM-02, Monitor On-Route Behaviour of Drivers, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-PM-03, Schedule Vehicles for Maintenance and Certificate of Fitness (COF), NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-PM-04, Allocate Vehicles Based on Freight Characteristics, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-PM-05, Co-ordinate the Allocation of Drivers to Vehicles and Administer Pre-Inspection report, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-PM-06, Monitor Collection and Delivery of Freight, Driving Hours and Calculate Driver Renumeration, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-PM-07, Consolidate Trip Documentation, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-PM-08, Reconcile Delivery notes and obtain Feedback from Drivers, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 35

Work Experience Modules

• 432301-001-01-WM-01, Processes for Implementing Transport Schedules for Specific Route Plans, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-WM-02, Processes for the Allocation and Dispatching of Drivers and Track Scheduling Operations, NQF Level 3, 20 Credits.
• 432301-001-01-WM-03, Processes for Consolidating Debriefing Trip Documentation or Electronic Submissions, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 45

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

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Use a route plan to implement transport schedules by selecting and applying appropriate procedures to solve problems.

• Implement the trips schedule in accordance with the route plan.
• Monitor vehicle movement along route in terms of trip schedule to determine deviations.
• Monitor the driver's on-route driving techniques and behaviour to detect irregularities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Allocate vehicles and drivers and monitor the scheduled operations by applying basic key concepts related to the discipline.

• Administer vehicles and drivers' compliance requirements in accordance with legal requirements.
• Coordinate and identify drivers in line with the trip request received and according to standard operational procedure.
• Select and classify vehicles in accordance with the Road Traffic Act and customer requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Monitor scheduled operations and consolidate debriefing information by summarising, and interpreting information from a range of sources.

• Correctly interpret vehicle telematics and identify impact on transport operations.
• Inspect and consolidate reports in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Record vehicle and driver information in a manner to enable planning processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Maintain operational documentation and prepare reports by summarising and interpreting information from a range of sources.

• Determine driver remuneration requirements in accordance with legislative requirements and agreements.
• Prepare debriefing trip documentation and reflects on driver adherence to legislative and policy requirements.
• Adhere to reporting processes that are related to incidents and accidents to comply with legislative requirements.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Formative Assessment

The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment

An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace.