About Us
Delivering Excellence in Transport Since 1992
At Lee Trans, we have been a trusted name in containerized and breakbulk transport for over three decades. Since our establishment in 1992, we have built a reputation for reliability, efficiency, and innovation in global logistics.
Who We Are
We specialize in the transportation of containerized cargo and breakbulk shipments, ensuring smooth, secure, and timely delivery across South Africa. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, no matter the size or complexity of the shipment.
Our Commitment
At Lee Trans, we prioritize safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Our experienced team understands our customers requirements to ensure that every shipment is handled with the utmost care and precision.
Whether you’re transporting within South Africa or managing complex logistics, you can trust us to deliver with excellence.
Our History
Lee Trans was established in 1992, by Ivan Narainsamy as a sole proprietor in Phoenix Industrial Park and was changed to a Close Corporation in 1997. We initially started as an owner driver company and as the company expanded and enquired two more vehicles it then relocated to the Bayhead area closer to the port. The move to Bayhead, gave Lee Trans a better opportunity to grow enabling Lee Trans to provide a better service to their clients. 20 years later, Ivan Narainsamy purchased his own property, warehouse and a container depot — making Lee Trans one of the lead players in the market industry.
A down-to-earth entrepreneur, Ivan has used a simple formula to achieve success: hard work, focus, motivation, and dedication. He is more than prepared to share this formula with others who are keen to make their mark in the transport arena.
His subcontractors are owner-drivers, like he once was. Ivan understands what it is like to come from a disadvantaged background and is committed to giving them a hand up, while remaining firmly in the driving seat.
Tough Start
No-one was handing out deals quite that good when Ivan was starting his working life. "I grew up in a large family. My dad worked in a clothing factory and we struggled to make ends meet. From a very young age, I knew I wanted more than just the basics for myself and the family I to have," he explains.
A strong conviction that he would one day be his own boss grew out of this for Ivan. "l knew I couldn't expect to receive any kind of tertiary education, so I started my first permanent job the day I completed my matric. It was in one of Durban's beachfront hotels." Ivan knew he would have to develop himself if he wanted more opportunities, so he trained for and passed his Code 11 driver's license and got a job as a long-haul driver with a transport company.
He was willing to take on any job and work long hours, soon earning the respect of his colleagues and employers. So Ivan steadily progressed through the driving ranks. But he knew this was just a stepping stone. His goal was business ownership.
Heading Out
In the late 1980s, Ivan drove out on his own at last. "l saw a gap in the market for a smaller company that could be flexible and do things more and efficiently I knew I was taking a risk to go it alone, but I had faith that working twice as hard for myself as I had done for my company would pay off"
At that stage, bank finance was just unobtainable. Undeterred, Ivan resigned in 1992, sold his house, moved in with his in-laws and started Lee-Trans with just one truck. "For the next year. I worked seven days a week, driving and repairing the truck myself."
With a year of successful operation to show, and some capital, it was time to approach a bank again. Ivan went to United, one of the banks that later combined to form Absa. He had heard that he could expect more of a human touch there and he was not disappointed. "Then I bought a better truck and my own home again. Lee-Trans had taken off," he exults.
Ivan's advice to would-be entrepreneurs is to stay focused and to be in it for the long haul
"Apart from hard work, building a business takes time and dedication. You have to be willing to be hands-on, to reinvest profits in your business, and to be innovative. You can find ways to do business more efficiently and productively. If you are honest and open, you will build strong relationships with your employees and your customers. Their recommendations and referrals will be your company's best advertisement."
Our Vision
To be the most professional and innovative road transport and logistics solutions provider in South Africa.
Our Mission
To continuously develop and implement strategies and programs that will ensure, operational professionalism, optimal utilization of competitive advantages and success in road transport and logistics services.
Our Values
Safety and accountability, integrity, innovation and faith.
- Our first priority as a responsible and accountable company is the safety of our employees and clients, transported products and general public – safety is a way of life.
- Our word is our honor. We strive to maintain the highest moral and ethical standards and always promote honesty, integrity and reliability – At Lee Trans, we set new standards.
- We challenge the way things are done in our industry and develop new and innovative ways to address our clients logistical needs.