For more than 30 years, Auto Commodities has been a reliable fuel supplier to fuel resellers, logistics and transport companies, as well as the agriculture, construction, and mining industries.

With the assurance of Shell products behind their name, this company has only grown more and more successful over the years.

The origin of Auto Commodities

In 1994, Daan Joubert (sen) was already the owner of a transport company called Payloads. They used the local Shell fuel depot to supply their trucks with fuel.

However, when the Shell depot in Krugersdorp closed down, it was offered to Daan. Without having any prior knowledge of fuel management, Daan took over the depot on the condition that he would continue distributing Shell products.

“It was a handshake and a payment, like business deals were done in the old days, and to this day, our company still lives on that handshake,” says André Joubert, who is one of the directors of Auto Commodities alongside his father, Daan.

A product you can trust

In 2013, Shell launched the “Shell Branded Distribution Programme” to accredit selected customers as official Shell suppliers. Auto Commodities was one of these customers, so you can rest assured that when you buy from them, you’re getting the real deal.

Auto Commodities supplies diesel, petrol, paraffin, and lubricants. Although their depot is located in Krugersdorp, they deliver products nationwide, providing key solutions to resellers and end-users alike.

The Auto Commodities depot in Krugersdorp, where trucks — including Payloads trucks — refuel.

Payloads

The story of Payloads goes much further back than that of Auto Commodities. The transport company was established in 1981. Initially, Daan worked as a subcontractor for the original Payloads owner and purchased the business in 1985.

This part of the family business is now managed by the oldest and youngest Joubert brothers, Daan (jun) and Riaan.

Today, Payloads boasts a fleet of 55 vehicles, mainly transporting chrome and manganese ore for the mining industry. Payloads also maintains and manages a fleet of 10 fuel tankers on behalf of Auto Commodities.

One of the company’s most noteworthy achievements is the design of the tipper-tanker concept, which combines solid and liquid transport in a single trailer.

A family that stand together

At Auto Commodities and Payloads, you’re not just a worker — you’re part of the family. Besides the Joubert brothers managing the businesses with the same dedication as their father, they believe in treating their staff, customers, and suppliers with the respect you’d give a family member.

André also tells that many of their employees are actual family members, whether it be a husband and wife or a father and son.

“The people who work here stay for years,” he proudly states.

The RFA and the trucking industry

Daan (sen) also served for many years on the board of the Road Freight Association (RFA) and remains closely involved with the organisation.

The RFA is the largest and most comprehensive national trade association for the trucking industry. It influences regulations, road infrastructure maintenance, road safety, cargo security, driver interests, education, health, fuel pricing, law enforcement, labour relations, and many other issues related to road freight transport.

Daan and now his children firmly believe in the work the RFA does — not only to promote the trucking industry but also for the safety of their own staff and other truck drivers.

What does the future hold?

André says he cannot reveal all their secrets about Auto Commodities’ future just yet, but they do have plans to expand their product range within the group. Although these plans are still in development, his main hope for the future is simply the continued success of both Auto Commodities and Payloads.