The new locomotives purchased by Transnet Freight Rail from the United States’ General Electric, are expected not only to benefit the SOC (State Owned Company), but its operational areas and South Africa as a whole.  This move is also part of TFR’s R201 Billion Infrastructure investments and maintenance schedule which is supported by TFR’s 7 Year Market Demand Strategic Plan.

The Class 43 locomotives, rated by far the most powerful diesels in TFR’s fleet, provide a higher level of reliability, availability, transportation of more cargo and fuel efficiency. Communities surrounding TFR operational areas will experience a reduction of carbon forces in the atmosphere and the less noise when the trains are in motion. TFR will also benefit by saving on fuel costs, improvement of operational efficiency and improving the cycle time of flows where the new locomotives are deployed. This will also benefit TFR customers by ensuring consignments reach their destination on time.

Transnet Freight Rail also benefited from the GE Competitive Supplier Development Programmer by the training of 75 managers for the Lean Six Sigma methodology, a 3 week training of 14 TFR managers for Green Belt level and an additional commitment by GE to train 3 of TFR’s employees in the USA over a period of 12 months in Lean Six Sigma methodology

“TFR will soon run longer trains with a smaller fleet of these new Class 43 GE locomotives.  For example, the export iron ore line operates with 55 x Class 34s and we will replace these with 30 x Class 43s and deliver the same tonnages.  This will yield reduced fuel usage per ton delivered”, said TFR COO, Mlamuli Buthelezi.

Transnet Freight Rail

• The largest division of Transnet Limited.

• Moved 201 Million Tons in the previous year 2011 – 2012.

• Has put in place a 7 year Market Demand Strategy plan which expected to place TFR in the Top 5 Rail Operators bracket worldwide by the year 2019.

• Operates more than 1444 trains per day.

• Currently operating under the scheduled railway system which is aimed ensuring that trains depart and reach their destinations on time.