SACD handles overflow rail volumes

With the refurbishment of Transnet Freight Rail’s City Deep terminal in full swing, the rail utility has entered into an arrangement with SACD Freight to accommodate overflow import cargo. “We extended our siding to accommodate a full block train and have been working with TFR to take overflow volumes,” SACD Freight regional director Dennis Trotter told FTW. “It’s taken some time to get going, but since last month we’ve been moving one block train a day from Durban to our City Deep siding. We don’t dispatch from here but take the containers next door to the TFR terminal – so as far as the customer is concerned it was brought in by Transnet. There’s no change to the normal operation.” Trial runs have been under way on a regular basis for some time in the lead-up to the current regular service. With import volumes generally depressed at present, Trotter says one train a day adequately fulfils capacity demands. “But as soon as volumes start picking up, we’ve got the night shift ready to move into action and we’ll be able to handle three trains a day for them if that’s required.” According to Trotter, the arrangement is working well and could become a long-term solution even after refurbishment activity at TFR has been completed. The additional business has been welcome for the company, he added. “We’re all feeling the effects of reduced volumes, particularly reduced commodities, with the commodity price being as low as it is.” CAPTION Dennis Trotter ... working with TFR