Drive to grow rail volumes pays dividends

CMKCD provides full service package INLAND HAULAGE rail operator CMKCD has embarked on a concerted drive to increase rail volumes on the Durban – Johannesburg route. “Consistent service levels rendered by Spoornet have resulted in a gradual increase in business,” says CEO Kerwin Naidoo. “Our drive is to increase rail volumes by reducing road movements between the main Durban – Johannesburg hubs in both directions. “We are constantly converting more road traffic to rail and in so doing adding value to our customer base by delivering a zero defect service to the industry.” Naidoo believes that this is not only benefiting a deteriorating road infrastructure, but providing an environmentally-friendly solution. The company’s full service package provides for the acceptance of cleared and uncleared cargo by rail and road at its container depot facility in Kazerne. “We rail units from the coastal ports to our depot and stage the deliveries according to customer requirements. The same applies to export and domestic movements.” Restoring shipping industry confidence in rail utilisation is one of the key challenges facing Spoornet, says Naidoo. And this demands a close working relationship with the shipping industry. “We are here to add value and to sell a solution to the shipping lines, importers, exporters and clearing and forwarding agents. “ Central to this has been the development of its IT system - ICTS ( Intermodal ) and DCTS ( Depot ). “Both are linked, providing our customers with a full report on all container movements from the originating rail terminal to final destination. “We are currently implementing EDI exchange with our customer base.” In terms of infrastructure, CMKCD has upgraded its existing equipment through the acquisition of more trailers for cartage deliveries and further equipment at its depot. Clearly staff plays a big role in achieving CMKCD’s objectives and Naidoo believes that by empowering staff the company will achieve its mission of linking the marketplace, the distribution network, the manufacturing process and the procurement activity to service its customers better, and at a lower cost.