Bidfreight Intermodal streamlines supply chain

Spoornet concession creates opportunities JOY ORLEK MAY 2005 heralded a new era of improved efficiency for Spoornet customers following the lifting by the rail utility of the handling charge for cargo railed from Durban to any private siding within a 0‑05 km radius of City Deep Terminal. Bidfreight Intermodal has used the concession to enhance its service offering to customers and created a new product making use of SACD’s private siding at City Deep. “The removal of the handling charge on the traditional City Deep rail rate for cargo directed to SACD City Deep has effectively levelled the playing field for operators using private sidings,” says Bidfreight Intermodal director Marian Lottering. “And the major benefit comes in improved efficiency. Because the container is under our control we can off-load ‘hot’ boxes as quickly as possible based on our customers’ needs. This very workable product offers a viable alternative to road transport,” she added. It is reliant on close co-operation between SA Port Operations, Spoornet, Bidfreight Intermodal and SACD, creating a solution that streamlines the supply chain while adding a number of benefits. “The availability of EDI information on container monitoring and invoicing cuts out a huge administrative burden for our customers.”