Kiara Baijnath, at just 21 years old, is steering her way into one of South Africa’s most male-dominated industries with a bold and inspiring venture. With the support of Volvo Trucks, the young entrepreneur took ownership of five brand-new Volvo FH extra-heavy trucks, complete with eye-catching pink branding and matching double-link trailers, marking the launch of Her Way Logistics.
Kiara’s entry into the trucking sector is not just a business move; it’s a statement of empowerment and ambition. With her vibrant fleet and a vision to train and employ female drivers, she is challenging stereotypes and paving the way for a new generation of women in logistics.
A Dream Driven by Passion
Kiara’s journey into the trucking world began in her childhood, riding alongside her grandfather in his old truck as he delivered crops to the local farmer’s market. “Even then, I told him that one day I wanted to drive my own truck,” she recalls. That dream never faded, and after completing school, Kiara began crafting a business plan for a female-owned logistics company that would also train and employ women drivers.
With unwavering support from her parents and a starter loan to supplement her savings, Kiara approached Volvo Trucks in Durban with her vision. “I was ready to face rejection,” she laughs, “but instead, I was met with excitement and encouragement. Volvo Trucks didn’t just see my plan as a business proposal; they saw it as an opportunity to be part of something transformative.”
Volvo Trucks: The Enabler of Big Dreams
Volvo Trucks played a pivotal role in turning Kiara’s dream into reality. Herman Steyn, Sales Executive at Volvo Trucks Durban, explains that the company was immediately drawn to Kiara’s vision and determination. “We didn’t just provide her with trucks; we equipped her with the tools to succeed,” he says.
The five Volvo FH trucks come with the advanced Volvo Connect fleet management system, which allows Kiara to remotely monitor the mechanical health of her fleet and the performance of her drivers. “This technology is a game-changer for fleet owners,” Steyn adds. “It ensures efficiency, safety, and profitability, which are critical for a new business like HerWay Logistics.”
Anders Friberg, Director of New Truck Sales at Volvo Trucks South Africa, highlights how Kiara represents a new generation of truck operators. “She’s tech-savvy, forward-thinking, and understands the value of combining durability, fuel efficiency, and telematics. For instance, Kiara calculated that a mere 400 metres of extra distance per litre could save her R100,000 in fuel per truck annually. That’s the kind of innovative thinking we love to see.”
A Bright Future for Her Way Logistics
Her Way Logistics officially launches on 1 February 2025, with operations beginning on the busy Durban-Johannesburg route. From there, Kiara plans to expand her reach beyond the N3 corridor, including cross-border deliveries into neighbouring countries.
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“We’ve structured our service contract with Volvo Trucks to include their extensive sub-Saharan Africa network,” Kiara explains. “This ensures we can operate seamlessly across borders. Our next step is to develop a driver training program focused on safety and empowerment. These pink trucks are hard to miss, and we want to make sure they’re always moving safely and efficiently.”
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
Kiara’s entry into the trucking industry is more than just a business venture; it’s a statement of empowerment and innovation. Her bright pink fleet is a bold declaration that women belong in every sector, and her partnership with Volvo Trucks underscores the importance of collaboration in driving change.
“When I look at our staff, from engineers to sales teams and now owners like Kiara, I see a growing number of women entering this industry,” says Friberg. “They bring fresh perspectives, incredible work ethic, and a commitment to excellence that benefits everyone.”
As Her Way Logistics prepares to hit the road, Kiara Baijnath stands as a beacon of inspiration for young entrepreneurs, especially women, proving that with passion, determination, and the right support, even the biggest dreams can become reality.
Her Way Logistics is headquartered in Prospecton, Durban, with plans to establish depots across South Africa as the business grows. For Kiara, this is just the beginning of a journey that promises to leave a lasting impact on the trucking industry and beyond.
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