SaferStops and Powerfleet explore connected intelligence for safer truck stops in South Africa

Engagement focuses on how technology, fleet participation, and connected intelligence could help translate South Africa’s National Truck Stop Framework into safer, better-connected infrastructure for drivers, fleet operators, and the broader road freight industry 

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA –15 September 2026 – SaferStops Association and Powerfleet are exploring how connected intelligence and wider industry participation could support the implementation and long-term impact of South Africa’s National Truck Stop Framework. 

The framework establishes a common national basis for assessing truck stops and planning improvements across safety, security, driver welfare, and infrastructure. It defines what constitutes a truck stop, introduces a structured tiering methodology, and sets measurable criteria for security, amenities, health and wellness, and sustainability. 

Developed in collaboration with South Africa’s National Department of Transport and industry stakeholders, the framework is intended to help government, fleet operators, infrastructure owners, and investors better understand existing facilities, identify critical gaps, and prioritise future improvements. 

According to a SaferStops Association assessment, 179 truck and rest stop facilities have been evaluated throughout South Africa. Of the 137 facilities classified as truck stops, 39 meet the framework’s security requirements. The findings highlight the scale of the infrastructure gap across the country’s road freight ecosystem and provide an evidence base for coordinated investment and action. 

“South Africa’s economy depends heavily on road freight, yet the people responsible for keeping goods moving do not always have access to secure, properly equipped places to stop and rest,” said Nicci Scott-Anderson, Founder and CEO of SaferStops Association. “The National Truck Stop Framework provides the industry with a common foundation to improve infrastructure, guide investment, and provide drivers with greater dignity, safety, and support.” 

Turning a national framework into a practical, connected ecosystem 

The framework establishes five categories, ranging from informal or unregulated stopping areas to premium facilities equipped with advanced security, driver wellness services, and smart infrastructure. 

However, establishing standards is only the first step. The next step is to make the framework accessible and useful to drivers, truck stop operators, fleet managers, and other industry stakeholders in their day-to-day activities. 

SaferStops Connects aims to make the National Truck Stop Framework useful in day-to-day operations by connecting drivers, fleet operators, and truck stop owners with current information on stopping locations and available facilities. The platform is designed to help drivers identify safer options, share feedback on their experiences, and access relevant services and rewards. 

For truck stop operators, the platform is intended to increase visibility, provide ongoing user feedback, and highlight opportunities to improve infrastructure. For the wider transport sector, it could help build a clearer, more current picture of driver requirements, facility use and infrastructure gaps across South Africa’s freight corridors. 

The role of connected intelligence 

Connected intelligence could help keep truck stop information current and turn data on routes, stopping patterns and facility use into practical insights for drivers, fleet operators and infrastructure stakeholders. 

Connected data could help fleet operators understand stopping patterns, strengthen route and rest planning, and share relevant location information with drivers. Over time, aggregated and appropriately governed insights could also help infrastructure owners, insurers, and public-sector stakeholders identify gaps and prioritise investment along South Africa’s freight corridors. 

Powerfleet is engaging with SaferStops to explore how its connected intelligence capabilities, industry relationships, and fleet ecosystem could support broader fleet participation, improve access to operational insights, and contribute to the initiative’s next phase. 

“Safer truck stop infrastructure depends on more than physical facilities. Drivers and fleet operators also need reliable information, strong industry participation and the ability to turn operational data into practical decisions,” said Steven Sutherland, GM Enterprise Middle East & Africa. “Powerfleet supports the ambition behind SaferStops and the National Truck Stop Framework. We are exploring how connected intelligence and participation across the fleet ecosystem could help drivers identify safer places to stop and give stakeholders a clearer view of infrastructure needs along South Africa’s freight corridors.” 

Areas under discussion include encouraging fleet participation and driver adoption, engaging insurance and risk-management stakeholders, and connecting SaferStops with organisations that could provide relevant services and benefits to drivers. 

Discussions between SaferStops and Powerfleet continue as the organisations define where Powerfleet’s technology, fleet relationships, and connected intelligence capabilities could contribute most effectively. 

A collaborative national effort 

Improving the safety and quality of South Africa’s truck stop network cannot be achieved by one organisation alone. It requires cooperation among government, transport operators, infrastructure owners, drivers, insurers, technology providers, health and wellness organisations, and commercial partners. 

Through the SaferStops Association, the SaferStops Connects platform, and the Truck Driver Safety and Wellness Symposium, the initiative aims to create a connected ecosystem where industry data, driver experience, and public-sector planning can inform practical improvements. 

“At the heart of everything we do is a human being who deserves dignity and support,” added Scott-Anderson. “By combining a national infrastructure framework with technology and meaningful industry collaboration, we can move from simply identifying the problem to creating practical, scalable solutions.” 

About SaferStops Association 

SaferStops Association is a South African nonprofit membership organisation focused on advancing safer, more secure, and better-equipped truck stop infrastructure. Working with government, drivers, fleet operators, truck stop owners, and other industry stakeholders, the Association has contributed to developing South Africa’s National Truck Stop Framework and to assessing facilities across the national road freight network. 

For more information, click here. 

About Powerfleet 

Powerfleet is an artificial intelligence of things company that connects mobile assets and people to help organisations improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Its connected intelligence platform helps customers strengthen operational visibility, manage risk, and make informed decisions across fleet and asset operations.