Capital Equipment News’ Juanita Pienaar spoke with John Loxton, Managing Director of BLS Fleet, to uncover the story behind the company’s rapid ascent, strategic agility, and commitment to fleet optimisation in a changing landscape.
From legacy to leadership
BLS Fleet, formally known as Boutique Leasing Services, is not a newcomer to the fleet management scene - it’s the result of decades of deep-rooted industry expertise. Established in 2021, the company was born from a vision to bring agility and excellence to an industry often slowed by bureaucracy and red tape.
“BLS was established when the founders recognised a gap in the market for proper fleet management services,” explained Loxton. “Our leadership team - Werner, Clinton, and I - had already worked together at the Imperial Group for nearly 20 years, acquiring and managing some of the most sought-after contracts in the local market.”
That legacy experience, combined with insights gleaned during the COVID-19 pandemic, solidified their belief that fleet customers still value trust, speed, and personal service. “We realised that trust between customer and supplier is essential, and that the fleet environment requires a level of focus and responsiveness that is hard to achieve in heavily regulated environments.”
Built on expertise, driven by innovation
Since its inception, BLS Fleet has evolved into what its representative calls “the most agile leasing and fleet management company in South Africa.” Much of this agility stems from the team’s unmatched depth of knowledge across the mobility spectrum - from motorcycles to excavators.
“Our opposition might have pockets of expertise, but BLS has assembled the most experienced and skilled fleet management team in the local industry. Our product coverage is unmatched.”
At the core of their service offering is a strong focus on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). “Fleet optimisation starts with selecting the right vehicles using a TCO methodology,” Loxton said. “Then, we manage each asset through its optimal lifecycle, which depends on factors like application and operating conditions.”
More than leasing
BLS Fleet offers a comprehensive suite of services that goes far beyond vehicle leasing. Their offering includes procurement, funding, maintenance and fuel management, accident and licence management, and fleet remarketing, all underpinned by robust technology systems.
“Our Genius Fuel Management service is probably the most unique and value-adding in the local fuel ecosystem. It identifies fraudulent or incorrect fuel transactions using an algorithm unique to BLS.”
They also provide clients with maintenance oversight through Managed Maintenance (MM), ensuring all work done on vehicles is pre-authorised and in line with OEM pricing. Accident management, traffic fine administration, and kilometre reconciliation are all standard parts of their value proposition.
“Every solution we offer is customised. For example, we’ve integrated the supply chain between EV OEMs, dealers, solar suppliers, and BLS as the solution aggregator. On-site servicing may not be unique, but it's a practical way of solving real operational challenges.”
Partnering for performance
What truly sets BLS apart is its approach to partnerships. “We only work with clients who are willing to be business partners. If you're fixated solely on interest rates, then you should probably go to a bank. Our clients value our hands-on involvement, personal relationships, and practical, operational solutions.”
BLS believes in understanding a client’s operational environment before offering pricing or solutions. “A customer might request fixed maintenance on a piece of equipment, but we might suggest a managed service instead to avoid disputes around fair wear and tear. It’s about understanding what the client truly needs.”
Tech-enabled, AI-focused
Technology is central to BLS Fleet’s operations, from advanced telemetry and vehicle tracking to artificial intelligence (AI) integration.
“Telemetry, when used properly, can shift company culture by modifying driver behaviour and enhancing asset accountability. It can even overlay traffic violations with driver data to increase accountability,” said the representative. “Optimised route planning and safety enhancements like blind spot monitoring, cargo theft detection, and driver scorecards are all built into our systems.”
Looking ahead, BLS sees AI as the future. “We’re already working on projects that will use AI to inform fleet management decisions, improve efficiencies, and displace static reporting.”
Commitment to sustainability
In line with global trends, BLS Fleet is actively embracing sustainability and alternative energy solutions. Their efforts include a partnership with BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, and support for John Deere and Sany’s alternative energy initiatives in mining and construction.
“The commercial vehicle market is where we see the most exciting developments. Brands like Scania, Mercedes Benz, and Volvo are investing heavily in alternative energy, and we believe that some other players such as Sany will be at the forefront of this market very soon,” Loxton noted. “The e-hailing market, too, will drive volume growth for battery electric and hybrid vehicles, and BLS is deep in discussions with companies targeting that segment.”
Governance without the red tape
Though nimble and entrepreneurial, BLS Fleet adheres to a governance framework that ensures regulatory compliance without stifling business execution.
“We’ve adopted a governance structure similar to what we had in banking, (portfolio management, credit committees, etc.) so we remain compliant with NCR, POPIA, and KYC requirements. The difference is that we’ve stripped away the red tape.”
Their risk mitigation strategy is experience-based rather than relying on static spreadsheets. “We don’t use a ‘one-size-fits-all’ MS Excel approach to modelling. Our decisions are backed by real experience and skill.”
Planning for a smarter future
Looking forward, BLS Fleet is staying true to its founding principles - value leadership, client partnership, and innovation.
“We’ll continue to grow our skills base, expand into more mobile asset classes, and embed AI into decision-making. We’re not trying to be the cheapest, but we’ll always offer the most value.”
Success stories from clients further underscore BLS Fleet’s impact. “We’ve helped clients simplify vehicle selection through informed TCO models, and actively managed asset lifecycles to determine the optimal replacement point. Our approach is focused, data-driven, and always in the client’s best interest.”
For those seeking a fleet partner built on trust, expertise, and innovation, BLS Fleet makes a compelling case. Their promise? “Solid, honest, and transparent business, based on mutual respect and operational excellence.”
