We all know that motorists are fond of cursing side tipper trucks hauling commodities when they get stuck behind them and panic that their coffee date at Mugg & Bean is in danger. But, as I so often point out to those who moan about the trucks, these are the vehicles that have, over the years, come to South Africa’s rescue as rail has failed to do the job it should have been doing. Chrome exports alone, for example are a massive foreign-exchange earner for South Africa bringing in tens of billions of rands annually while supporting thousands of mining jobs. So rather than curse them, thank them. Those trucks are working for you.

It thus came as great news to hear that one of the major players in the bulk logistics sector, Reinhardt Transport Group (RTG), had a particularly good night at the Chrome Awards 2026, walking away with three major accolades.

And these were not lightweight awards either. RTG was named Best Service Provider and also received the Corporate and Social Responsibility Award, while the late Derick Reinhardt was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards were presented at the Chrome Dinner held recently at The Royal Countess Zingara in Johannesburg, marking the return of this industry event after a seven year absence.

Chrome industry gathers again
The Chrome Dinner has been part of the South African chrome industry calendar since its inaugural event in 2013. It brings together chrome producers, smelters, suppliers, service providers and other players across the value chain and gives the industry an opportunity to recognise those making a meaningful contribution.

The 2026 gathering was the fifth South African Chrome Dinner and the first since 2019, following the disruptions of the COVID pandemic, global uncertainty and some pretty tough economic conditions. Its return was therefore significant in itself. It was also a reminder of just how resilient the chrome industry and the companies serving it have had to be.

For RTG, the night became something of a clean sweep across three very different areas of recognition.

Best Service Provider
The Best Service Provider Award recognised RTG for the contribution it has made through the quality of its service. In bulk transport, where reliability, safety and the ability to keep huge volumes of product moving are everything, that is no small compliment.

Corporate and Social Responsibility
The Corporate and Social Responsibility Award recognised the group’s contribution beyond the day-to-day business of moving freight, particularly through community, employee and education development initiatives. It is always good to see a transport company being recognised not only for what its trucks move but also for what the business puts back into the communities and people around it.

A special award for Derick Reinhardt
The third award was, without doubt, the most poignant of the evening. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to RTG founder, the late Derick Reinhardt, recognising an exceptional career and his lasting contribution to the chrome and ferrochrome industry.

Derick passed away in June this year at the age of 73. He started Reinhardt Transport Group in 1982 with a single truck and a vision of building a sustainable and reliable transport business. More than four decades later, the scale of what grew from that one truck tells its own story.

Today, RTG operates approximately 1 000 specialised vehicles and transports more than 18 million tonnes of commodities annually across Southern Africa. A structured management buyout completed in 2023 enabled the business to move into a new leadership era while retaining the culture and values on which Derick had built the company.

Commenting on having Derick recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Duhan du Plessis, Group Marketing Manager at RTG, said it made the evening especially meaningful. “Derick built the foundations of this business and his influence is still very much part of who we are today. It is an enormous honour for the Reinhardt Transport Group to receive these three awards, particularly at a time when we are reflecting on our legacy.”

From one truck in 1982 to around 1 000 specialised vehicles today. Now that is a trucking story! And it is one made even more relevant when you consider the role those vehicles play in keeping South Africa’s commodity supply chains moving.

Keeping the chrome moving
Chrome has been central to RTG’s operations for decades, with the group providing specialised bulk logistics services across Southern Africa. Its broader activities include road transport, warehousing, loading, container logistics and cross border movements.

The group moves a range of bulk commodities including chrome, manganese, coal, ferrochrome and fertilisers, supported by a centralised 24-hour control environment and real time fleet visibility. In a sector where a delay at one point can ripple through an entire supply chain, that operational control matters.

Commenting on the awards, Du Plessis, says they recognise both the people behind the operation and the relationships built across the chrome industry over many years.

“The awards are an acknowledgement of the commitment of our people and the relationships we have built across the chrome industry over many years. We plan to continue along this trajectory, ensuring we deliver quality services to keep the country moving forward.”

He adds that the three awards are viewed as recognition of a collective effort involving RTG’s employees, customers and industry partners, with the group committed to continuing the foundation established by Derick Reinhardt.

And perhaps that brings us neatly back to those side tippers out on the road. The next time you find yourself tucked in behind one as it works its way slowly up a hill loaded with chrome, take a look at it through slightly different eyes. Behind that truck sits an entire chain of mines, people, workshops, depots, customers and export markets. It may hold you up for a few minutes, but it is also helping to keep the wheels of the South African economy turning.

Congratulations to the RTG team on the three awards and, most especially, on the fitting recognition given to the late Derick Reinhardt. One truck became a fleet of around 1 000. That is a legacy worth celebrating.

Click on photographs to enlarge.