Transnet SOC Ltd has issued an open Request for Bid under reference TPT/2025/12/0020/112349/RFQ for the Provision of Employee Transportation Services at the Transnet Port Terminal (TPT) in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This short-term but critical service will support TPT operations by ensuring reliable, safe, and punctual transport for approximately 1,890 employees across six designated routes over a 7-day period. The tender was published on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, with a strict closing deadline of Friday, 05 December 2025 at 14:00.
Tender Overview and Operational Context
As South Africa’s national port authority and a key logistics enabler, Transnet requires uninterrupted movement of personnel to maintain 24/7 port operations. This RFQ responds to an immediate operational need for a fully managed employee transport solution covering early, late, and office shifts. The service must demonstrate high reliability, fleet readiness, and compliance with safety and labour regulations in a high-volume industrial environment.
Scope of Transport Services and Fleet Requirements
The appointed service provider will operate a mixed fleet across six residential zones (Arboretum, Nseleni, Empangeni, Ngwelezane, Esikhawini, and Dlangezwa), with the following vehicle requirements:
- 10 x 65-seater buses
- 3 x 35-seater minibuses
- 11 x 22-seater minibuses
- 6 x 13-seater minibuses
Services must run on three shift schedules, including early (05:45–18:15), night (17:45–06:15), and office (07:45–16:00) rotations, with on-time performance of 100%. In the event of breakdowns, immediate replacement vehicles must be deployed. All drivers must be contactable via mobile phone and adhere to COVID-19 and municipal health protocols.
Mandatory Documentation and Compliance Criteria
To be considered responsive, bidders must submit the following via Transnet’s e-Tendering system:
- Valid SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN
- Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration
- Completed RFQ response forms, including pricing schedule and route commitment
- Proof of fleet ownership or lease agreement
- Valid COIDA registration and roadworthy certificates for all vehicles
Bidders must also confirm their ability to meet the full fleet requirement on Day 1 of service.
Submission Guidelines and Electronic Protocol
All bids must be submitted exclusively through Transnet’s e-Tender Submission Portal:
https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net
Steps include:
- Register or log in using CSD credentials
- Navigate to “Advertised Tenders”
- Locate RFQ TPT/2025/12/0020/112349/RFQ
- Click “Log an Intent” and upload all required documents
Email, fax, courier, or hand-delivered submissions will not be accepted. Late bids will be automatically disqualified.
Evaluation Methodology and Contract Duration
Bids will be evaluated on price competitiveness, route coverage, fleet readiness, and compliance history. Transnet reserves the right to award the contract in full or in part based on operational needs. The service period is 7 consecutive days, with performance directly tied to port productivity and employee satisfaction.
Related opportunity: Umgeni Water 5-Year Cleaning Services Tender in Durban
How to Access the Official Tender Document
The complete RFQ documentation is available for download from the National Treasury’s eTenders portal:
PROVISION OF EMPLOYEE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.pdf
For technical or procedural inquiries, contact Mr. Mbuso Mlaba at 035-905-2108 or Mbuso.Mlaba@transnet.net.
Queries must be submitted by 14:00 on 04 December 2025 to ensure a response.
With only two days to respond, this RFQ offers qualified transport operators a high-impact opportunity to support national logistics infrastructure. Given the tight window and mandatory electronic submission, bidders are strongly urged to act immediately and ensure full compliance before the 5 December 2025 deadline.
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