Integrated project teams ramp up efficiency on Natal corridor

With the Natal Corridor (Natcor) handling more than 60% of all the railed import and export containers, increasing and ensuring its efficiency remains high on Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR) agenda. According to TFR’s Tony Muizenheimer, the typography of the corridor makes it a complex one, but with Durban being the busiest port in Africa there is much to be gained from logistics integration on the corridor. “We have developed a dedicated structure to focus on growth in an integrated manner while we have implemented systems that allow for integrated planning and real time deviation management.” Muizenheimer, who was speaking at the recent monthly Transport Forum, said major improvements had been seen on the corridor as TFR continued to share best practices and ideas with role-players. “We have also implemented integrated project teams where these teams obtain a clear understanding of the challenges at hand and the initiatives to address problems. We are also using common systems that ensure transparency at all times and enable effective tracking of customer goods.” Handling more than 30 commodities, he says, the importance of the corridor cannot be underestimated. Much time and effort has gone into people working on the corridor. “People are the key for us going forward. We are vigorously promoting the mindset of continuous improvement to achieve our long-term growth projections for this very strategic corridor.”