21-Year-Old Kiara Baijnath Launches HerWay Logistics

At just 21 years old, Kiara Baijnath has taken a bold step into South Africa’s male-dominated transport industry, officially launching HerWay Logistics, a female-owned long-haul operator dedicated to bulk deliveries across the country.

This week, Baijnath took ownership of five brand-new Volvo FH extra-heavy trucks, each strikingly adorned in bright pink branding, along with matching double-link trailers.

These trucks will serve as the foundation for HerWay Logistics, which is set to commence operations on February 1, running routes between Durban and Johannesburg—the country’s busiest transport corridor.

Kiara Baijnath’s passion for trucking traces back to childhood memories of accompanying her grandfather on deliveries in his old truck.

“Even then, I told him that one day I want to drive my own truck,”

Kiara Baijnath recalls.

That dream persisted, leading her to develop a business model focused on creating opportunities for female truck drivers.

With financial backing from her parents and years of meticulous planning, Baijnath approached Volvo Trucks in Durban with her deposit and business plan. Expecting resistance, she was instead met with enthusiasm.

“Everyone was very excited about my plan, and they immediately started brainstorming ideas and creating timelines. Their excitement fueled my own ardour, and I started thinking much bigger than before,”

she says.

HerWay Logistics is equipped with the Volvo Connect fleet management system, allowing Baijnath to remotely monitor fleet health and driver performance.

“When you have to manage a whole fleet, Volvo Connect provides the services and support to make your transport operation more efficient and potentially more profitable,”

explains Herman Steyn, Sales Executive at Volvo Trucks Durban.

Beyond innovation, Baijnath is also focused on financial efficiency, noting that a small fuel-saving strategy—such as driving less aggressively—can result in R100,000 in savings per truck per year.

A New Era for Women in Logistics

Baijnath’s ambition extends beyond South Africa. HerWay Logistics has structured its operations to include neighbouring countries, leveraging Volvo’s sub-Saharan service network. Additionally, she remains committed to training and employing female drivers to challenge industry norms.

Volvo Trucks South Africa’s Director of New Truck Sales, Anders Friberg, praised the shift towards inclusivity.

“The new generation of truck operators are tech-savvy and innovative. We’re seeing more women entering this industry, bringing fresh perspectives and work ethic, which benefits both Volvo Trucks and the transport sector at large.”

Baijnath and her team are now preparing to expand beyond the N3 corridor, securing contracts that will extend their reach. As HerWay Logistics grows, it aims to establish depots across South Africa, solidifying its presence in the country’s logistics industry.

For now, South African roads are about to get a little more vibrant—and a lot more inspiring—with Baijnath’s bright pink trucks leading the way.