20 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2025 NCT Loading Operations remained resilient despite reduced overall sales volumes, sourcing and loading 239,403 tonnes for the year. User uptake and distribution was evenly split between the KZN Midlands and Northern KZN, with 101 users overall. NCT Scheduling System and Slot Booking System The NCT scheduling system has continued to demonstrate its value by offering visibility, monitoring and control of an average of 6 000 tonnes per day or the equivalent of 200 truckloads per day. This system is considered industryleading in promoting flexibility and responsiveness across the supply chain. Trucks are now scanned on arrival and monitored through to departure, with real-time data shared among stakeholders to optimise flow and efficiency. Notable developments include the implementation of CoC categorisation for transporters and ongoing efforts to develop a dedicated logistics’ App and database. Rail Transport Tonnage moved by rail declined significantly from 82 785 tonnes in the previous year to only 29 513 tonnes for the year in review with 21 growers making use of the service. This was a reduction of 64% from the previous year. Rail transport services continue to be impacted negatively by financial constraints and structural issues. The lack of investment in rolling stock and maintenance remains concerning, particularly the ongoing “run to park” of timber wagons. Poor service levels have been escalated to various government and industry bodies, such as Department of Transport and Forestry South Africa, for urgent and ongoing attention. Rail: Tonnes’ movement Holding Depots Holding depots serve as a “buffer” in our supply-chain strategy between the grower and the mill. In the KZN Midlands area, it also allows small-scale timber growers with less than truckload volumes access to the supply chain. The Vryheid East Depot had a slight throughput increase to 57 975 tonnes, supplied by 130 members, despite ongoing rail issues on the coal line. The Glenside and Ahrens Holding Depots handled 11 702 tonnes, offering improved safety and turn-around time through the support of a dedicated logger on site. The Midlands depots were used by 143 members during the year. Depot Volumes and Utilisation Temporary depots were established at NTE Paulpietersburg and Stillwater, which allowed growers to move Acacia stock off the farm for cashflow purposes and for NCT to retain this stock for when the Richards
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