Logistics and Supply ChainRail Freight Operations and Management
Rail moves bulk commodities at a fraction of the cost per tonne kilometre of road and is used far below that potential across the region because of reliability, wagon availability and the terminals at each end. This course covers using it well. Delegates work through rail operating principles including train paths, capacity and the constraints that determine what can actually be scheduled, wagon types and their suitability, and loading, securing and weighing. Terminal and siding operations are covered, since rail rarely reaches the customer. Interchange between operators and across borders follows. Tariffs, contracts and service level arrangements are addressed. The course closes on measuring rail performance and on deciding between rail and road for a given flow.
Course objectives
- Explain train paths, capacity and scheduling constraints
- Select wagon types suited to a commodity
- Load, secure and weigh consignments correctly
- Operate terminals and sidings including road interface
- Manage interchange between operators and across borders
- Negotiate tariffs, contracts and service arrangements
- Measure performance and choose between rail and road for a flow
Who should attend
- Logistics and transport managers using rail
- Rail operations and terminal staff
- Bulk commodity shippers and traders
- Mining and agricultural logistics personnel
- Supply chain planners evaluating modal choice
Course outline
- 01Used far below its potential
- 02Train paths, capacity and scheduling
- 03Wagon types and suitability
- 04Loading, securing and weighing
- 05Terminal and siding operations
- 06Road interface and last leg
- 07Interchange and cross border movement
- 08Tariffs, performance measurement and modal choice
Scheduled sessions
| Dates | Venue | Format | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 to 21 October 2026 | Pretoria, South Africa | Classroom | R14,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 9 to 11 November 2026 | Windhoek, Namibia | Classroom | R14,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 18 to 20 November 2026 | Online | Online | R6,500 per delegate | Register Now |
| 3 to 5 March 2027 | Kampala, Uganda | Classroom | USD 995 per delegate | Register Now |