In the demanding and unpredictable logistics and supply chain landscape, strategic partnerships often pave the road to success, forging pathways through innovation, reliability and adaptability. At the forefront of this dynamic arena, Cardiff General Transport and MAN Truck & Bus are crafting a union that is more than the sum of its parts, a collaboration grounded in mutual respect, expertise and a forward-thinking business model.
Established in the strategic hub of Abu Dhabi, Cardiff General Transport has built a reputation as a first-class end-to-end logistics support service local agent with a strong global network, offering an unrivalled array of services that encompass road transport, air and sea freight, multimodal logistics, contract logistics and digital supply chains, to name just a few. The firm stands tall, fortified by a team of professionals adept in international logistics and a solid commitment to compliance and quality standards, ready to meet the diverse demands of a global clientele.
Meanwhile, MAN Truck & Bus is a global stalwart in the commercial vehicles industry, famous for trucks and buses that epitomise efficiency and reliability. With a rich legacy rooted in Munich, Germany, the company has continually set benchmarks in the transportation ecosystem with vehicles that showcase stellar performance across diverse operational landscapes.
As we sit down with Ziyad Mohamed, Operations Manager, Cardiff, the narrative of this formidable collaboration unfolds, offering a glimpse into a partnership that harmonises the strengths of two industry leaders geared to redefine the benchmarks of excellence in the logistics sphere.
“As a recognised partner in the oil & gas industry, and a licenced carrier of radioactive materials and certified by the Federal Nuclear Regulations Authority (FANR) to conduct regulated material transportation, we have been successful in delivering excellence in all the movements we do,” says Mohamed. “We have developed a flexible structure of professionals, experienced in international logistics, trained in Code of Business Conduct, FCPA, C-TPAT, global cybersecurity and Information security, personal information and protection policy, and QHSE to assist in a fully comprehensive range of services.”
Strategic alliance with MAN Truck & Bus
At the heart of Cardiff’s remarkable journey lies its strategic alliance with MAN Truck & Bus. Mohamed shares that the collaboration boasts “around 100 units of trucks from MAN”, a testament to the manufacturer’s substantial contribution to Cardiff’s operations.
“In addition, the trucks from MAN Truck & Bus are incredibly reliable, especially for operations at ADNOC oilfield sites. Particularly in desert operations, the rarity of breakdowns speaks volumes about their efficiency,” he reveals.
As Cardiff eyes future endeavours, Mohamed reveals a keen interest in augmenting the company’s fleet with more “MAN 6×6 trucks based on ongoing as well as new project requirements”, pointing to a future filled with collaborative milestones.
He outlines the critical roles played by MAN Truck & Bus vehicles, emphasising their proficiency in navigating “high dunes areas and different terrains conditions”. According to him, it is in the rigorous terrains of the ADNOC onshore rigs where the trucks from MAN Truck & Bus truly prove their mettle, showcasing stellar performance in material movements to rig sites and ensuring rig-to-rig transfers under strict timelines.
Mohamed also mentions that ADNOC has recently awarded new projects to Cardiff, in response to which the company intends to expand its truck fleet, with MAN Truck & Bus as their preferred manufacturer for these additions.
He underscores Cardiff’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in every facet of its operations, stating: “Cardiff Group is steadfast in its commitment to quality, safety, compliance, honesty and transparency in all its operations.”
Dwelling on the relationship with ADNOC, Mohamed notes the rigorous HSE policies ADNOC adheres to, which vary from site to site. “To meet these requirements, Cardiff has a dedicated HSE department that provides comprehensive training to our drivers, operators and office staff, and ensures operations align with ADNOC and customer requirements.”
He also highlights the role of the JMP management system in their operations. “This system is a cornerstone in ensuring that daily trips adhere strictly to customer requisites, preventing unauthorised jobs and thereby averting potential mishaps.”
This system not only avoids incidents but significantly enhances the value proposition to customers, assuring them of a service that is both reliable and secure.
Mohamed also brings to light the positive echoes from the field, where drivers commend the “performance of the trucks” from MAN Truck & Bus and appreciate the cabs of the MAN units, with comfortable driving and seating positions, despite the rigorous conditions of the desert regions.
MAN service contracts reduce cost of ownership
Steering the conversation towards economic dimensions, Mohamed praises the financial prudence of MAN’s service contracts, emphasising the “planning and calculation security” it provides. He reveals that MAN’s fixed maintenance intervals ensure better protection against unforeseeable repairs, and customised solutions ensure the desired security and adjustability.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Mohamed discloses the collaborative experience as “very positive”. According to him, the roadmap ahead is full of aspirations to further “integrate MAN vehicles into our fleet, taking advantage of their innovative features and benefits”. In addition, he is quick to point out that the fuel savings offered by the MAN trucks contribute significantly to their cost-effectiveness and enhance the return on investment (ROI).
“The trucks have proven reliable and efficient, with excellent driveability and driver comfort, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with MAN Truck & Bus. We also anticipate exploring more of MAN’s customised solutions to ensure that our fleet remains at the forefront of efficiency and reliability,” Mohamed concludes.