Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Thulani Cornelius Sikiwe

Yard Official
Durban

Summary

At Transnet Freight Rail, we spearheaded initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and safety, leveraging skills in hazardous materials handling and team collaboration. My proactive approach led to significant improvements in workflow and employee training programs, demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to excellence. Hands-on Yard Official with 16 years of experience in train operations . Initiated preventive programs and measures and adhered to safety policies and procedures. Strong mechanical skills with eye for detail in operation, equipment and yard efficiency.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Yard Official

Transnet Freight Rail
07.2008 - Current
  • Building and breaking of trains according to customer allocation of wagons, commodity and sidings.
  • Supported yard operations with the proper use of tools, machinery, and equipment following safety protocols.
  • Developed strong working relationships with colleagues, fostering a positive team dynamic that led to increased productivity levels.
  • Collaborated closely with supervisors to address any issues or concerns related to yard operations promptly proactively resolving problems before they escalated further.
  • Facilitated seamless workflow during peak times through effective time management strategies.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by quickly adjusting to changing priorities or unforeseen challenges without compromising work quality or efficiency.
  • Maximized productivity by prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities to other team members.
  • Conducted general clean up of entire yard and facilities to maintain safe working environment.
  • Checked equipment for safety and functionality before operating.
  • Assisted in maintaining an accident-free workplace through strict adherence to safety guidelines vigilance and reporting potential hazards immediately.
  • Enhanced yard organization by implementing efficient space management techniques.
  • Contributed to cost savings by identifying areas for improvement in processes and resource allocation.
  • Ensured timely completion of projects with effective collaboration and communication among team members.
  • Performed gate duties and directed delivery traffic.
  • Improved safety standards through meticulous inspections and hazard removals.
  • Verified documentation and condition of freight to assure quality standards were achieved.
  • Maintained clean, orderly work environment free of hazards.
  • Assisted in receiving, stocking and distribution of merchandise.
  • Supervised loading and offloading of containers onto and off of trucks for fast and safe railing.

Acting Chief Cargo

Transnet Freight Rail
Durban
06.2022 - 07.2023
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, I used to attend to 20 calls and 15 emails daily.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance to 14 team members per shift.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.

Acting Yard Manager

Transnet Freight Rail
07.2018 - 02.2020
  • Landscaped yards by planting flowers, grass, trees, and bushes.
  • Performed weekly groundskeeping and building maintenance for multiple satisfied customers.
  • Addressed any issues or concerns promptly, maintaining high levels of employee morale and job satisfaction among the team members.
  • Developed contingency plans to handle unexpected situations such as inclement weather or sudden increase in workload.
  • Enhanced yard efficiency by implementing streamlined processes for inventory management and organization.
  • Optimized space utilization within the yard, maximizing storage capacity without compromising safety or accessibility.
  • Coordinated successful shipment deliveries through meticulous planning and communication with transport companies.
  • Implemented effective training programs for new hires, resulting in higher retention rates among staff members.
  • Increased safety standards in the yard by conducting regular inspections and ensuring compliance with all regulations.
  • Collaborated with other managers on company-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing operational excellence across all locations.
  • Established clear lines of communication between the yard and office staff, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Supervised loading and unloading activities on-site to ensure accuracy in shipments while minimizing potential hazards.
  • Developed strong relationships with customers, leading to increased repeat business and customer satisfaction.
  • Maintained an organized system for tracking inventory levels, tools, equipment, and vehicles used throughout daily operations.
  • Streamlined daily operations by introducing time-saving procedures that improved overall workflow efficiency.
  • Received information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
  • Collaborated with engineers to determine maintenance schedules and repairs, plan out-of-service times and coordinate returns to service.
  • Adapted routes and schedules based on weather conditions to prevent delays and alerted supervisors of changes.
  • Conferred with engineers regarding train routes, timetables and cargoes and discussed alternative routes in response to rail defects or obstructions.
  • Kept records of contents and destination of each train car and made arrangements to add or remove cars at proper points on routes.

Acting Yard Master

Transnet Freight Rail
03.2016 - 10.2017
  • Helped design and implement new farm layouts to optimize space utilization and facilitate efficient workflow, leading to increased overall productivity.
  • Assisted in the development of employee training programs that led to increased efficiency across all aspects of farm operations.

Acting Yard Yoremen

Transnet Freight Rail
09.2010 - 08.2011
  • Responsible for the supervision of the shunting team and execution of work for the day.
  • Responsible for signing ON/OFF of employees including substance abuse test during signing of ON/OFF
  • Conduct green area meetings/toolbox talks with the team
  • Responded promptly to issues or concerns raised by staff members, fostering a collaborative working environment that prioritized open communication.
  • Ensured safe shunting of hazardous materials by training employees on safe practices following regulatory guidelines.
  • Inspected shunting operations for outgoing trains to comply with rail specifications and safety regulations.
  • Promoted a positive work culture through consistent employee training programs and performance evaluations.
  • Optimized space utilization through efficient inventory management, leading to a well-organized yard environment.

Education

High School Diploma -

School of Rail
Durban, South Africa
07.2024 - 07.2024

No Degree - Mathematics And Science School

Nzululwazi High School
Eastern Cape,Alice
01.2024 - 07.2024

Skills

Hazardous Materials Handling

Protective Equipment Use

Problem-solving abilities

Decision-Making

Health and safety compliance

Time management abilities

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 26 staff members.
  • Collaborated with team of 12 in the development of New Terminal entrance and exit Project.
  • Achieved Traffic fluidity by completing the new terminal project with accuracy and efficiency.

Timeline

High School Diploma -

School of Rail
07.2024 - 07.2024

No Degree - Mathematics And Science School

Nzululwazi High School
01.2024 - 07.2024

Acting Chief Cargo

Transnet Freight Rail
06.2022 - 07.2023

Acting Yard Manager

Transnet Freight Rail
07.2018 - 02.2020

Acting Yard Master

Transnet Freight Rail
03.2016 - 10.2017

Acting Yard Yoremen

Transnet Freight Rail
09.2010 - 08.2011

Yard Official

Transnet Freight Rail
07.2008 - Current

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Thulani Cornelius SikiweYard Official