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7700, PO Box 36361,
Glosderry, 7702
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Unitrans’ proud history started as United Transport in 1962 after acquiring a family-owned business, Thornton’s Transport which dated back to 1892. Since these humble beginnings, Unitrans has grown to be one of Southern Africa’s most recognised brands in the logistics and supply chain industry. With roots of well over 100 years, Unitrans continues to grow, innovate and form strategic alliances with its valued customers.
1892: Thornton’s Transportation
The origins of the company date back to the 19th century, long before the existence of United Transport. The original core of the business was Thornton’s Transportation, a solid and respectable family transport business founded in 1892 by native Californian Samuel Thornton.
Thornton’s steady growth through the acquisition of other transport companies eventually resulted in a major buyout by the United Transportation Company. In turn, the United Transportation Company had started life as a bus operating company in the United Kingdom in 1930. The bus company evolved into a diversified freight and bus business which, prior to the Thornton acquisition and the entry into SA, successfully operated in several other African countries.
1892: Thornton’s Transportation
The origins of the company date back to the 19th century, long before the existence of United Transport. The original core of the business was Thornton’s Transportation, a solid and respectable family transport business founded in 1892 by native Californian Samuel Thornton.
Thornton’s steady growth through the acquisition of other transport companies eventually resulted in a major buyout by the United Transportation Company. In turn, the United Transportation Company had started life as a bus operating company in the United Kingdom in 1930. The bus company evolved into a diversified freight and bus business which, prior to the Thornton acquisition and the entry into SA, successfully operated in several other African countries.
1962: United Transport
In 1962 United Transport Company is incorporated in South Africa and by the early 1970s United Transport had become the country’s largest road transport organisation, with capabilities and major interests in freight haulage, passenger transport, tourism, tanker services, as well as crane and plant hire. The group operated a fleet of some 1 400 buses and commercial vehicles, making it the second largest fleet in the country after the SA Railways. It had also branched out into a car hire business with some 900 vehicles.
1962: United Transport
In 1962 United Transport Company is incorporated in South Africa and by the early 1970s United Transport had become the country’s largest road transport organisation, with capabilities and major interests in freight haulage, passenger transport, tourism, tanker services, as well as crane and plant hire. The group operated a fleet of some 1 400 buses and commercial vehicles, making it the second largest fleet in the country after the SA Railways. It had also branched out into a car hire business with some 900 vehicles.
1970s: A Focus on Growth
Unitrans has been in business as United Transport since 1962 and has become one of South Africa’s most recognised logistics and supply chain brands, with fleets on roads all over Southern Africa. A growth period followed with acquisitions of a number of regional bus operators and transportation companies including African Bus Services, Rustenburg Bus Services, Vaal Transport Corporation and Empangeni Transport. The company expanded its customer base with contracts in sugar cane that still exists today. The Unitrans Botswana, Malawi and Lesotho businesses were also established during this period.
1970s: A Focus on Growth
Unitrans has been in business as United Transport since 1962 and has become one of South Africa’s most recognised logistics and supply chain brands, with fleets on roads all over Southern Africa. A growth period followed with acquisitions of a number of regional bus operators and transportation companies including African Bus Services, Rustenburg Bus Services, Vaal Transport Corporation and Empangeni Transport. The company expanded its customer base with contracts in sugar cane that still exists today. The Unitrans Botswana, Malawi and Lesotho businesses were also established during this period.
1982: Formation of Passenger and Freight
1982 saw the formation of United Passenger Transport and United Freight Transport as holding companies for the passenger and freight divisions. United Passenger Transport focusing on the movement of people and United Freight Transport focusing on the movement and storage of goods.
1982: Formation of Passenger and Freight
1982 saw the formation of United Passenger Transport and United Freight Transport as holding companies for the passenger and freight divisions. United Passenger Transport focusing on the movement of people and United Freight Transport focusing on the movement and storage of goods.
1987: Unitrans is Born
United Freight Transport changes its name to Unitrans limited with all of its subsidiary businesses assuming the name Unitrans. In October 1987 Unitrans Limited is listed on the JSE.
1987: Unitrans is Born
United Freight Transport changes its name to Unitrans limited with all of its subsidiary businesses assuming the name Unitrans. In October 1987 Unitrans Limited is listed on the JSE.
1990s to 2000s: Growth and Acquisitions
From the late 1990's onwards, several significant acquisitions expanded the range and geographical reach of the Unitrans business. These included the acquisition of Matthysen Bus Transport, which would be renamed Mega Bus and Coach – still an integral part of the Unitrans passenger transportation business. Malbak Motors, a leading national vehicle distributor at the time, was acquired and renamed Unitrans Motors. This was followed by the launch of Unitrans Finance to provide consumer credit to the burgeoning motor vehicle market.
Unitrans Motors subsequently acquired the balance of shares in Hertz Rent-a-Car. The Unitrans Motors successes were followed by the acquisition of the entire shareholding in Roadway Logistics (Pty)Ltd. During this period the Unitrans Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, and Madagascar were established.
1990s to 2000s: Growth and Acquisitions
From the late 1990's onwards, several significant acquisitions expanded the range and geographical reach of the Unitrans business. These included the acquisition of Matthysen Bus Transport, which would be renamed Mega Bus and Coach – still an integral part of the Unitrans passenger transportation business. Malbak Motors, a leading national vehicle distributor at the time, was acquired and renamed Unitrans Motors. This was followed by the launch of Unitrans Finance to provide consumer credit to the burgeoning motor vehicle market.
Unitrans Motors subsequently acquired the balance of shares in Hertz Rent-a-Car. The Unitrans Motors successes were followed by the acquisition of the entire shareholding in Roadway Logistics (Pty)Ltd. During this period the Unitrans Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, and Madagascar were established.
2006: A Modern Restructure
In this year a major restructure of the business saw the formation of Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions. This response to sophisticated changes in the supply chain market saw the existing operations of Unitrans Freight; Fuel and Chemical, Agriculture and Mining Services and Roadway Logistics grouped under the new holding division. An important new function, Unitrans Customer Solution Development, was created to deliver new business opportunities and growth to the operational divisions.
2006: A Modern Restructure
In this year a major restructure of the business saw the formation of Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions. This response to sophisticated changes in the supply chain market saw the existing operations of Unitrans Freight; Fuel and Chemical, Agriculture and Mining Services and Roadway Logistics grouped under the new holding division. An important new function, Unitrans Customer Solution Development, was created to deliver new business opportunities and growth to the operational divisions.
2007: Formation of Unitrans Holdings
Unitrans Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Steinhoff International Group, is formed and acquires the entire business of Unitrans Limited; Unitrans is subsequently delisted.
2007: Formation of Unitrans Holdings
Unitrans Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Steinhoff International Group, is formed and acquires the entire business of Unitrans Limited; Unitrans is subsequently delisted.
2008: Acquisition of Xinergistix
Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions acquires a 26% stake in line haul business Xinergistix Management Services.
2008: Acquisition of Xinergistix
Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions acquires a 26% stake in line haul business Xinergistix Management Services.
2010s: Growth and Profitability Focus
Unitrans Passenger division starts managing and operating the Gautrain commuter bus fleet.
Unitrans Zambia and Eswatini is established and some businesses are discontinued to focus on profitable services (including dealerships and financial services).
2010s: Growth and Profitability Focus
Unitrans Passenger division starts managing and operating the Gautrain commuter bus fleet.
Unitrans Zambia and Eswatini is established and some businesses are discontinued to focus on profitable services (including dealerships and financial services).
2012: KAP Industrial Holdings
KAP Industrial Holdings acquires Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions and Unitrans Passenger to become part of their diversified portfolio of Industrial brands.
2012: KAP Industrial Holdings
KAP Industrial Holdings acquires Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions and Unitrans Passenger to become part of their diversified portfolio of Industrial brands.
2016: Lucerne Transport
Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions acquires commercial tanker transport company Lucerne Transport.
2016: Lucerne Transport
Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions acquires commercial tanker transport company Lucerne Transport.
2018: B-BBEE transaction and establishment of Unitrans Africa
Unitrans Africa is established as a focused African business in 2018 to drive growth on the continent. Decades of deep relationships laid the foundation for a growing network of operations spanning several Southern African and East African countries. Today Unitrans has a footprint across 10 countries offering tailored innovative solutions and entrenching long-term partnerships. Our market presence spans multiple sectors and industries.
In the same year, a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment deal is concluded and Xinergistix becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of the Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions business.
2018: B-BBEE transaction and establishment of Unitrans Africa
Unitrans Africa is established as a focused African business in 2018 to drive growth on the continent. Decades of deep relationships laid the foundation for a growing network of operations spanning several Southern African and East African countries. Today Unitrans has a footprint across 10 countries offering tailored innovative solutions and entrenching long-term partnerships. Our market presence spans multiple sectors and industries.
In the same year, a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment deal is concluded and Xinergistix becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of the Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions business.
2023: One Unitrans
The three Unitrans businesses, Unitrans Africa, Unitrans Passenger and Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions, are merged into one collective management and operating structure in order to strengthen the market positioning in the various sectors that the business operates in, to leverage collective resources, skills and expertise and to position the collective business for growth.
2023: One Unitrans
The three Unitrans businesses, Unitrans Africa, Unitrans Passenger and Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions, are merged into one collective management and operating structure in order to strengthen the market positioning in the various sectors that the business operates in, to leverage collective resources, skills and expertise and to position the collective business for growth.
1892: Thornton’s Transportation
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The origins of the company date back to the 19th century, long before the existence of United Transport. The original core of the business was Thornton’s Transportation, a solid and respectable family transport business founded in 1892 by native Californian Samuel Thornton.
Â
Thornton’s steady growth through the acquisition of other transport companies eventually resulted in a major buyout by the United Transportation Company. In turn, the United Transportation Company had started life as a bus operating company in the United Kingdom in 1930. The bus company evolved into a diversified freight and bus business which, prior to the Thornton acquisition and the entry into SA, successfully operated in several other African countries.
1962: United Transport
Â
In 1962 United Transport Company is incorporated in South Africa and by the early 1970s United Transport had become the country’s largest road transport organisation, with capabilities and major interests in freight haulage, passenger transport, tourism, tanker services, as well as crane and plant hire. The group operated a fleet of some 1 400 buses and commercial vehicles, making it the second largest fleet in the country after the SA Railways. It had also branched out into a car hire business with some 900 vehicles.
1970s: A Focus on Growth
Â
Unitrans has been in business as United Transport since 1962 and has become one of South Africa’s most recognised logistics and supply chain brands, with fleets on roads all over Southern Africa. A growth period followed with acquisitions of a number of regional bus operators and transportation companies including African Bus Services, Rustenburg Bus Services, Vaal Transport Corporation and Empangeni Transport. The company expanded its customer base with contracts in sugar cane that still exists today. The Unitrans Botswana, Malawi and Lesotho businesses were also established during this period.
1982: Formation of Passenger and Freight
Â
1982 saw the formation of United Passenger Transport and United Freight Transport as holding companies for the passenger and freight divisions. United Passenger Transport focusing on the movement of people and United Freight Transport focusing on the movement and storage of goods.
1987: Unitrans is Born
Â
United Freight Transport changes its name to Unitrans limited with all of its subsidiary businesses assuming the name Unitrans. In October 1987 Unitrans Limited is listed on the JSE
1990s to 2000s: Growth and Acquisitions
Â
From the late 1990’s onwards, several significant acquisitions expanded the range and geographical reach of the Unitrans business. These included the acquisition of Matthysen Bus Transport, which would be renamed Mega Bus and Coach – still an integral part of the Unitrans passenger transportation business. Malbak Motors, a leading national vehicle distributor at the time, was acquired and renamed Unitrans Motors. This was followed by the launch of Unitrans Finance to provide consumer credit to the burgeoning motor vehicle market.
Â
Unitrans Motors subsequently acquired the balance of shares in Hertz Rent-a-Car. The Unitrans Motors successes were followed by the acquisition of the entire shareholding in Roadway Logistics (Pty)Ltd. During this period the Unitrans Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, and Madagascar were established.
2006: A Modern Restructure
Â
In this year a major restructure of the business saw the formation of Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions. This response to sophisticated changes in the supply chain market saw the existing operations of Unitrans Freight; Fuel and Chemical, Agriculture and Mining Services and Roadway Logistics grouped under the new holding division. An important new function, Unitrans Customer Solution Development, was created to deliver new business opportunities and growth to the operational divisions.
2007: Formation of Unitrans Holdings
Â
Unitrans Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Steinhoff International Group, is formed and acquires the entire business of Unitrans Limited; Unitrans is subsequently delisted.
2008: Acquisition of Xinergistix
Â
Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions acquires a 26% stake in line haul business Xinergistix Management Services.
2016: Lucerne Transport
Â
Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions acquires commercial tanker transport company Lucerne Transport.
2012: KAP Industrial Holdings
Â
KAP Industrial Holdings acquires Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions and Unitrans Passenger to become part of their diversified portfolio of Industrial brands.
2010s: Growth and Profitability Focus
Unitrans Passenger division starts managing and operating the Gautrain commuter bus fleet.
Unitrans Zambia and Eswatini is established and some businesses are discontinued to focus on profitable services (including dealerships and financial services).
2018: B-BBEE transaction and establishment of Unitrans Africa
Â
Unitrans Africa is established as a focused African business in 2018 to drive growth on the continent. Decades of deep relationships laid the foundation for a growing network of operations spanning several Southern African and East African countries. Today Unitrans has a footprint across 10 countries offering tailored innovative solutions and entrenching long-term partnerships. Our market presence spans multiple sectors and industries.
Â
In the same year, a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment deal is concluded and Xinergistix becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of the Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions business.
2023: One Unitrans
Â
The three Unitrans businesses, Unitrans Africa, Unitrans Passenger and Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions, are merged into one collective management and operating structure in order to strengthen the market positioning in the various sectors that the business operates in, to leverage collective resources, skills and expertise and to position the collective business for growth.
Chief Executive Officer
Unitrans is a company that understands the importance of strong and effective leadership. With a commitment to excellence, our leadership team is dedicated to providing direction, motivation, and support to our employees to ensure the success of our company.
At Unitrans, we value transparency, collaboration, and innovation, and our leadership team is committed to creating a culture that encourages these values. Our leaders lead by example and are committed to building a company that is both successful and fulfilling for all our employees.
Chief Operating Officer; Agriculture
Chief Operating Officer; Specialised Bulk
Chief Operating Officer; Food and Consumer
Chief Operating Officer; People Transport
Chief Operating Officer; Mining
Chief Operating Officer; Industrial
Chief People Officer
Chief Strategy Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Commercial Officer
Chief Technical Officer
Chief Excellence Officer
Find US
Block V and W,
Greenford Office Estate,
Puntersway, Kenilworth,
7700, PO Box 36361,
Glosderry, 7702
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CONTACT US
Block V and W,
Greenford Office Estate,
Puntersway, Kenilworth,
7700, PO Box 36361,
Glosderry, 7702
