About DLS
The delivery is only half the job.
On the first client's dispatch floor in 2016, DLS learned that without perfect, quality-checked documentation, clients cannot get paid.
01The DLS journey
Every milestone was a detour worth taking.
The route from a single client's dispatch floor in 2016 to warehousing and distribution operations in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Dispatch floor 2016
The route starts on a client's dispatch floor, with the paperwork that follows each delivery.
DLS registered
Founded after Sybrand Engelbrecht was entrusted by a client to manage their dispatch and distribution.
The first vehicle 2017
A vehicle under the DLS name puts the route on the road.
First DLS vehicle acquired
The first vehicle on the road under the DLS name.
Sister company Ehlukile Procurement registered
A separate business registered alongside the DLS operation.
Warehouse 2021
Johannesburg takes on dedicated warehouse space of its own.
Johannesburg moves into a 500 m² warehouse
The Johannesburg operation takes on dedicated warehouse space.
Sister company Ehlukile Logistics registered
A second business registered alongside the DLS operation.
Branches 2022 to 2023
The Cape Town and Durban operations move into new premises.
Cape Town warehouse expansion
The Cape Town operation moves into larger warehouse premises.
Durban warehouse move
The Durban operation moves into new warehouse premises.
Cape Town warehouse move
The Cape Town operation moves again, into its current premises.
Handling and storage 2024
Johannesburg moves to a larger floor and takes on its first warehousing client. Durban moves again.
Johannesburg moves into a 2 350 m² warehouse
A significant step up in Johannesburg handling and storage capacity.
First Johannesburg warehousing client commences
Warehousing added to the Johannesburg service offering for its first client.
Durban moves into a 300 m² warehouse
Dedicated warehouse space established for the Durban operation.
Today
The job ends where it began in 2016: on a Proof of Delivery, quality-checked before it is uploaded.
How a job closes today Illustrative
An illustrative job on today's network, from the booking to the checked POD and GRV the client invoices against.
- Booking
- Collection
- Line haul
- Delivery
- POD / GRV
- Invoice
The client invoices against the checked GRV.
- POD
- Proof of DeliveryThe receiver's signed confirmation that the consignment arrived.
- GRV
- Goods Received VoucherThe retailer's record of what it accepted, and the document the supplier invoices against.
02DLS today
Culture
A family-like operation in an era of digital impersonality, where responsiveness, flexibility and personal accountability are foundational.
03The DLS model
The model, decision by decision.
That single principle, that operational excellence directly protects a client's revenue, became the bedrock of Detour Logistics Solutions.
Improved cash flow through flawless paperwork
Every POD and GRV goes through a multi-step quality control check before it is uploaded.
Accurate documentation supports faster reconciliation and invoicing, which protects client cash flow.
In-house logistics assistant
Where it applies, a DLS staffer works at your facility, at DLS cost.
Included in the rates, supporting dispatch, labelling, tracking and load consolidation.
Transparent pricing
The rate is calculated accurately from your own distribution data before anything goes live.
Accountability
DLS takes full responsibility for your goods for as long as they are in its care.
Retailer expertise
Documentation prepared to the receiving standard before the vehicle arrives.
An intricate working understanding of retailer Service Level Agreements, backdoor delivery and Distribution Centre receiving environments.
Strategic partnership
The relationship is built around your long-term growth.
A trusted advisor to your business.
04Principles
We measure ourselves on what happens after the truck leaves.
- Vision
- To exceed customer expectations, earn their respect and create innovative solutions. Be known as a reputable, honest and trustworthy supplier that uses resources efficiently and reduces waste.
- Mission
- To partner effectively with customers on logistics solutions that are sustainable and realistic, guiding them through the industry while increasing market share, reducing cost and minimising risk.
- Values
- Customer focus
- Service excellence
- Integrity and honesty
- Transparency
- Continuous improvement
- Mutual respect
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Efficiency
- Partnership
- Reliability
- Personalisation
Next step
Start with a conversation.
A supply chain specialist looks at how you dispatch before anything is quoted, and tells you plainly whether DLS is the right fit.