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During the awards ceremony for a Hawaii running race, a debate ensues among competitors about who is more fit – swimmers, runners or other athletes. One of the participants, Navy Commander John Collins and his wife Judy, dream up a race to settle the argument. They propose combining three existing races together, to be completed in succession: the Waikiki Roughwater Swim (2.4 miles), the Around-Oahu Bike Race (112 miles, originally a two-day event) and the Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles).

“Whoever finishes first we’ll call the Ironman,” says Collins. Fifteen men participate in the initial event held on February 18; 12 complete the race, led by the first Ironman, Gordon Haller. His winning time: 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds.

Triathlete competing in Ironman Event

These days, competing in an Ironman event is regarded as the pinnacle for any aspiring triathlete. Having competed in 3 Ironman events myself, I have an appreciation for the effort and sacrifice an athlete endures during the months of preparation. Making the decision to enter Ironman requires some careful consideration. Even as an amateur it’s a full time commitment and family and work commitments cannot be ignored.

The problem with Ironman is that it’s addictive! Do one and see for yourself…afterwards you’ll spend hours contemplating and scheming how you can shave off a few seconds here, or perhaps a few minutes there…perhaps train smarter, or maybe the wind won’t be such a factor next time, or…next thing you know you’ve entered another!

In the days that lead up to the event, worrying about the logistics of getting your bike to and from the race is the last thing an athlete should concern him/herself with. Redline has been offering a safe and secure logistics solution to this problem for the past 10 years.

In association with Troisport and the Chapman Hotel, Redline will see to it that your bike is transported and cared for with “kid gloves”, to and from the race.

Visit our website for details at www.redlinelogistics.co.za.

Good luck to all the guys and girls who have jumped on board to do Ironman SA 2012. We wish you many hours of safe and injury free training. See you in April…

Ironman Competitor in Action

It’s incredible to think that we are nearing the end of 2011. Perhaps one day some super-intelligent scientist will shed some light on why it feels like the years go by faster and faster. I hope it’s not an age-related phenomenon!

2011 has been a fantastic year for Redline Logistics. We have finally achieved a measure of consistency and normality in our billing, without relying extensively on one large account/project, which in most cases results in the “feast or famine” scenario.

Despite one stolen vehicle during the year, we’ve had very little reason to feel disheartened. In fact, we should feel grateful and fortunate that we have prospered during some tough global economic times.

I have a saying……people are power.

Select “power people” for your business and 80% of the battle is won. In your private life, you have the choice to be friends with those who inspire you, and who you enjoy spending time with. As the owner of Redline, I’m in the fortunate position of being able to choose with whom I work. Now in our 9th year I feel like I’ve got this aspect of my business spot-on!

I have the most incredible management team….a team that requires zero motivation, and who ALWAYS have the interests of the business at heart. I can’t remember one day where I have felt it necessary to question ethics or intentions.

Without them, Redline would not be what it is today. Thank you guys!!!!

In the same context, operational staff are just as critical. These are the guys and girls that interact with your clients face-to-face on a daily basis. Choose them carefully – they are your moving billboards and have the ability to make or break your reputation.

My philosophy is to make choices based on personality, rather than on credentials. It’s been a long grind, but finally, after 9 years, we seem to be on the right track.

Managing performance is easy, changing personality is impossible.

I’m excited about 2012. The prospects look good and I’m looking forward to another year with my fantastic team.

Redline Logistics Team

As I write this article, the Rugby World Cup 2011 is in full swing in New Zealand. As spectators, we direct all of our attention toward the action on the field, never giving much thought to the energy it takes to put an event of this magnitude together. And trust me, it takes plenty of energy!

In 2010, Redline was fortunate enough to be selected as the logistics partner to Set Squared, who position themselves as specialists in custom-built exhibition stands and shopfitting displays. As with any sporting event of this magnitude, the media is an integral part, and the FIFA World Cup 2010 was no exception. Set Squared were awarded the contract to manufacture and set up all the media desks in 5 of the stadiums. In turn, Redline were required by Set Squared to provide dedicated loads for transporting all the components to the respective stadiums, as well as the installation of the desks – a perfect example of Redline’s brand implementation service.

Media desks installed by Redline Logistics - FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010

And boy, was it big! Two months of 20 hour days, countless flights around the country, and many late night burgers at McDonalds were the order of the day. A year down the line and I’ve had time to reflect on by far the biggest project of my career. What has struck me most is how, with the right attitude, we are all capable of extending ourselves far beyond our comfort zones. Only when we challenge ourselves to the extreme do we genuinely put our true colours to the test. Succeeding at these challenges also sets new benchmarks and puts new challenges into perspective.

Having made a success of this project has put Redline on a new playing field. Our business “grew up” and took some massive steps forward during and after the World Cup. More importantly, the people at Redline that made it all happen learnt some valuable lessons about themselves too, and discovered that they are more capable than they give themselves credit for.

So, sitting in the comfort of your home watching a game of this year’s Rugby World Cup, spare a thought for the countless guys and girls making massive discoveries about their own ability to cope with the impossible challenges thrown at them. This time next year, perhaps they’ll also sit back and think “it wasn’t so bad after all”!

Redline Logistics brand implementation team - FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010

The transport industry can be likened in many ways to the building industry. An odd comparison, but true. Both industries offer a wide scope of services and affiliated suppliers. As a consumer, the challenge is selecting the service provider most suited to your specific application.

For instance, a plumber will fix and install your pipes. Similarly, a kitchen supplier will expertly design, manufacture and install your sparkling new kitchen. The same can be said about the logistics industry. Small boxes and envelopes are best handled by courier companies, and large line-haul trucking companies will take care of your bulk freight etc.

But what if you need more than just a collection and delivery? What if your consignment needs special care and attention to detail? What if the logistics of getting your dedicated load delivered forms part of a broader project objective?

It’s all about choice, remember. Choosing the services of a logistics supplier not suited to your specific need is sure to result in frustration, disappointment and sleepless nights. For example, would you choose to have your delicate corporate invitations transported on a truck carrying pallets of engine parts? I think not!

Enter Redline.

Redline Logistics intensive care transportation truck being loaded

Having an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the transport industry has led to the creation of our business which caters specifically for these “out-of-the-ordinary”, unusual consignments. It’s a small segment of the broader transport industry, but one which we feel passionate about.

Many of our projects revolve around brand implementation, product launches and other marketing initiatives such as signage roll-outs, where time deadlines, handling instructions and constant updates are paramount.

Transporting fragile cargo is another of our specialities and we take great pride in delivering consignments safely that others shy away from. And we love a challenge……

Fragile cargo prepared for transportation by Redline Logistics

As a consumer, take the time to think carefully and choose wisely. And if you are unsure, we’ll be glad to assist you with making the right choice.

Three months after starting Redline I was broke. The provident fund I had cashed in was pretty much depleted…..and I had no work! It was scary but somehow it never crossed my mind to start looking for a job.

I was down to my last R5000 and I decided to use it on advertising. A good friend had previously designed Redline’s logo (for free of course) and I made the decision to brand my Isuzu. So I took my last few rands and made stickers! It goes without saying that I couldn’t afford to have the decals applied by a professional, so I spent the better part of a weekend applying them myself.

A few days later a good friend called me and asked me if I wanted to make R500.  I didn’t want to make R500……I absolutely HAD TO make R500……I was hungry. He had a delivery of wire scheduled for a mine in Witbank and was short of delivery vehicles, so I agreed to help. After fuel and toll fees I knew this delivery was not going to make me an instant millionaire, but it was better than sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring (which after 3 months still was not happening).

And the rest is all history. I’m sitting at the robot close to Kya Sands after loading up the wire, on my way to Witbank for R500. My cellphone rings…..it’s the guy in the Land Rover Discovery behind me at the robot….he’s reading my tailgate and needs to see me urgently. I tell him that I’m really busy that day, but I can see him the next morning. I meet Rob at his factory the next morning, and a few days later he awards me my first real project – a project Redline is perfectly suited to. I’m up and running with 4 months worth of work. Thank you Rob – you were a godsend.

Fragile cargo prepared for intensive care transportation by Redline Logistics

Perhaps we should remind ourselves to keep our feet firmly on the ground, and that we’re never above doing the hard graft. It paid off in my early days – why would it be any different 9 years later? Someone said to me the other day “sardines are also food”. Well that delivery of wire just so happened to be my “sardines”. I wonder where I’d be today if I had turned it down!

A Redline Logistics truck and trailer, together with some team members