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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Road Freight Transport Clerk 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123403  Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Road Freight Transport Clerk 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Intermediate Occupational Cert  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0529/25  2025-02-04  2030-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2031-02-04   2034-02-04  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
94025  Occupational Certificate: Transport Clerk  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  121  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
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. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    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. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    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 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    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 
    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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Worldwide, countries do not provide formal qualifications or have specific standards for the training of Transport Clerks. Training related specifically to Transport Clerks are mainly being offered inhouse and are therefore company specific with little information available. Training programmes however do exist in the United Kingdom and in Australia in the fields of transport and logistics and supply chain operations that address transport operations. These two countries were therefore used.

    United Kingdom
    The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in Northants, offers the CILT(UK) Level 2 Certificate in Logistics and Transport. This qualification is available on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and Qualifications in Wales (QiW) database. The total qualification time for this qualification is 164 hours. No entry requirements are specified.

    This qualification offers a broad understanding of the principles, applications and concepts of logistics and the transport industry.

    To achieve this qualification learners must complete two mandatory and two option units from a choice of six, as detailed below.

    Mandatory Units:
  • Introduction to Logistics.
  • Introduction to Customer Service and Marketing.

    Option Units:
  • Introduction to Freight Transport Services.
  • Introduction to Passenger Transport Services.
  • Introduction to Warehousing and Inventory.
  • Introduction to Purchasing.
  • Introduction to Planning and Operation of Freight Transport.
  • Introduction to Planning and Operating Passenger Transport.

    Similarities:
    The CILT(UK) Level 2 Certificate is similar to the South African Intermediate Certificate in terms of approximate level as a Level 2 Certificate in the UK is approximately the same as a Level 3 on the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The Option Units relating to freight and the core units relating to logistics in the UK Certificate is also covered in the South African qualification.

    Differences:
    The UK Certificate differs from the South African qualification in terms of structure as it only comprises a knowledge component. It is therefore also much shorter than the South African qualification. The South African qualification does not cover customer services and marketing that is part of the core of the UK Certificate.

    Australia
    The Technical and Further Education Institution in New South Wales (TAFE NSW), based in Sydney, offers the Certificate TLI30321 - Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations. The maximum study duration is 12 months and there are no entry requirements for this qualification.

    Packaging rules include a total of 14 units of competency comprising 2 core units, 4 units from one of the specialist elective Group A or Group B, plus 8 general elective units selected from the 76 elective units under Group C general elective units.

    Core units:
  • Shift materials safely using manual handling methods.
  • Ensure the safety of transport activities (Chain of Responsibility).

    Group A: Logistics Operations
  • Secure cargo.
  • Load and unload goods/cargo.
  • Calculate mass, area and quantify dimensions.
  • Interpret Road maps and navigate pre-determined routes.

    Group B: Warehousing Operations
  • Complete receival and despatch documentation.
  • Identify goods and store to specifications.
  • Organise receival and despatch operations.
  • Maintain stock control and receivals.

    Group C: General elective units (only relevant units are listed below)
  • Organise workplace information.
  • Control records
  • Check and assess operational capabilities of equipment.
  • Consolidate manifest documentation.
  • Monitor the safety of transport activities (Chain of Responsibility)
  • Apply quality systems.
  • Use info technology devices in the workplace.
  • Undertake employee payroll activities.

    Similarities:
    The Australian Certificate III is similar to the South African Intermediate Certificate in terms of approximate level as a Certificate III on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) compares with an NQF Level 3-4 on the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The duration of the Australian Certificate III is similar the South African Intermediate Certificate. The South African qualification also covers some of the core units in both categories and all the electives listed.

    Differences:
    The Australian Certificate differs from the South African qualification in terms of structure as it does not include a work experience component. The South African qualification is also much more focused.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares well with the Australian certificate in terms of level and duration. The content covered in especially some of the elective units of the Australian certificate is also covered by the South African qualification. The South African qualification compares well with the UK certificates in terms of level and the content of some Option Units relating to freight and the core units relating to logistics. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Dispatching and Receiving Clerk, NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
    National Occupational Certificate: Retail Supervisor, NQF Level 4.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 2.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    None

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers
    Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres will be accredited are found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below:

    Road Freight Transport Clerk: 432301-001-01-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
    None

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    Transport Education Training Authority (TETA). 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.