Pioneer Freight recognizes the critical importance and needs to adapt and adapt to new ways of working. As we respond to a changing world that continues to shift and transform so we have been challenged as a business to review our operational structures, accepting that succession planning is a necessary part of the change and a key part of ensuring our continuity.

Pioneer Freight has always been a family-owned and operated business. The Burgess name is synonymous with Pioneer Freight. Our commitment to client service and satisfaction has always been part of our DNA and we will always ensure that the team uphold our credo of “big enough to cope, small enough to care”.

But with change comes the recognition that the baton must be passed onto the next generation, the next team of managers and the next team of talented leaders who, not only buy into the future vision and growth plans but have earned the right to lead the business into the future.

There is a great saying that we are only as strong as the team around us. The Pioneer Freight growth journey has not just been about 1 or 2 individuals. The success and reason we find ourselves where we are today are as much about our team and the committed and talented leaders within the team who have grown with us and contributed to our success.

It is against this backdrop of change and future thinking that a strategic decision has been taken to review our organizational structure so as to create the opportunity for our home-grown talent to succeed and grow within the company.

Following a strategic review of our business, capabilities, competencies, and talent we are proud and excited to announce the following appointment changes that take effect from 1 October 2021:

• Both Jan & Liana will now report directly to Ryan Burgess who fulfils the role of Director, Client Service, Operations & Strategic Business Development, Pioneer Freight Group. 
• Ray Burgess, fulfils the role of Managing Director responsible for Finance, Legal and Business Administration of the Pioneer Freight Group. Ray’s experience, expertise and all-around “street smart” that comes from 50 years of being in the industry will be vital to passing on knowledge and insights to the team of talented leaders and successors charged with steering Pioneer Freight into the future. 

As these changes take effect and as the team players assume their new roles our commitment remains the same to you, our loyal clients, that service will not be compromised, relationships will be enhanced, and delivery will always be our priority. 

Thank you in advance for your support and understanding of these changes. We live in unique and uncertain times, but what we can assure you of is that whilst change will always be part of our future, which is a fact that no one can deny, what remains at the heart of the Pioneer Freight leadership team is our commitment to embracing change and it’s outcomes whilst always ensuring that we live and operate according to our Pioneer Freight values. 

Should you have any queries regarding these changes then please feel free to contact Ryan Burgess on ryan@pioneerfreight.co.za or Ray Burgess on ray@pioneerfreight.co.za.