Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has issued a tender request for the supply, installation and removal of intelligent smart container locks, as part of efforts to enhance security and rebuild confidence in rail logistics amid ongoing volume recovery. The Request for Proposal (RFP) calls for experienced service providers to deliver an intelligence-driven locking system for containers and wagons within TFR's Rail Infrastructure Manager (Trim) division over a three-year period.
The initiative directly addresses the high levels of cargo and container theft in transit, marshalling yards and terminals.
“Given the high level of losses associated with theft of containers and cargo, Trim intends to implement an intelligence-driven smart container locking system and services contract to reduce theft,” says a TFR briefing presentation filed on its website with the tender documents.
Details of the tender call were shared during a non-compulsory RFP clarification session in December.
Bids must be submitted electronically via the Transnet e-Tenders platform by February 10 at 10h00.
Compulsory site visits in KZN are scheduled for January as follows:
- Bayhead, January 20, 10h00
- Kingsrest, January 20, 13h00
- Island View, January 21, 10h00
- 725-756 Steve Biko Road, January 23, 10h00
According to the RFP, a valid Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority certificate is mandatory for bidders. Evaluation will include desktop assessments of experience, technical plans, compatibility with sugar wagons, beer wagons and 6m/12m containers, tamper detection and wireless remote monitoring.
Product testing will cover ease of use, lock-picking resistance, forced removal attempts (using chain blocks, crowbars, hammers), cutting with angle grinders and drilling with diamond core drills.
Preference points (10 total) are allocated for B-BBEE Level 1 or 2 (3 points), at least 30% black women-owned entities (2 points), job creation (2 points) and 100% local content for designated steel products (3 points), with full submission of required documents essential for scoring.
This latest security measure supports Transnet's wider recovery strategy, which aims to significantly increase rail freight volumes and shift cargo back from road.
Rail volumes have shown some improvement, reaching around 161 million tonnes in the year to March 2025, after years of decline due to infrastructure challenges, theft and vandalism.
Transnet is targeting further growth through operational reforms, private-sector participation and enhanced security, as part of national efforts to restore rail's role in container and general freight handling and achieve higher overall tonnage goals in the coming years.
The full tender, including annexures and briefing presentations, is available at https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net/Home/TenderDetails?Id=112462
