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Five biggest risk factors to the freight transportation industry in South Africa.

Published

4 years ago

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Cargo truck on the road in motion

As a producing nation, the logistics industry is our economic backbone. As such its important to keep our main forms of cargo transportation working in the most efficient state possible however there are various risk factors that can negatively affect this transportation industry.

These risk factors can affect your ability to maintain a working fleet, and quite possibly halt entire fleets of trucks.

This article will focus on ground freight services and explore the 5 major challenges freight transportation services face in South Africa.

1. Truck driver hijackings in South Africa.

Starting things off with one of the top threats that affect transportation, states that according to Statista there were 4983 truck hijackings between the period of 2018 to 2021.

Not only is this a huge loss for the various companies transporting goods, but it also brings the industry’s ability to move cargo into question. This is also a safety concern from the point of view of the truck drivers themselves, as very few people wish to work at a job that could put their life at risk.

This element of risk was put on full display during the July 2021 riots when trucks were looted and torched making this issue one of the more unpredictable risk factors on this list and one of the most damaging to both the reputation of the transportation industry, and the value of the cargo that is lost.

2. Trucker strikes / indirect strikes.

Strikes can have a huge impact on not only the economy, but also the freight transportation industry as well, these can either take the form of direct strikes from truck drivers themselves which have a more direct impact on the industry, or through indirect strikes affecting any number of routes.

In the case of third-party strikes, these disrupt freight services by shutting down transport routes or preventing drivers from getting to and from their destinations.

This is a problem because in the event of a strike which affects major transport routes goods services may either need to be diverted which could cause a further fuel cost or halted in place once the trucks reach the area affected.

3. South Africa’s Poor Road infrastructure and its effects on the health of your fleet.

The poor state of roads is not only a concern for the daily driver, but also a problem that the freight industry in South Africa is affected by.

The cost of fixing damage done to all types of vehicles needs to be a consideration when planning what routes, the drivers will take. this can be especially costly if you need to regularly have your fleet repaired.

The last cost of this is the time off road. Every day that a portion of your fleet of trucks cannot reliably deliver goods is money lost.

A few of these concerns are detailed in a news24 article which focuses on food transport, where it is explained that trucks that get stuck on poorly maintained roads often have to be towed out, in addition this can result in the road becoming impassable for other vehicles on that road.

4. The cost of fuel on freight transportation services.

The rising cost of fuel is another concern that heavily affects the logistics industry. You need to consider what cost will be passed onto the consumer and if certain products will even be viable in their respective target market after these transportation costs are considered.

This may be a big consideration for potential clients depending on the current cost of fuel, and how much of that cost their consumers will be able to reasonably tolerate before they simply can’t buy the product in question.

When you consider that the vast majority of South Africa’s goods are transported via trucks due to the crumbling railway infrastructure, the cost of fuel becomes a much larger problem that will inevitably be passed onto consumers.

From a transport industry standpoint this may mean less clients are able to invest in sending their products over long distances, and ultimately less business will flow into the transportation industry.

5. Dangerous drivers.

Finally we need to talk about the high number of motor vehicle accidents on South Africa’s roads –  because as we all have seen, people tend to drive recklessly, particularly around the festive seasons as BusinessTech reported in 2022 alone over 1400 lives were lost in the festive season alone.

This is a major problem not only because of the huge loss of life but because just like ordinary South Africans on the road truck drivers are often caught in the middle or directly involved in the cause of these collisions.

Not only is this a serious risk to the lives of the road users and truck drivers themselves, but it’s also a risk factor in respect to potential damage or complete destruction a crash can cause to cargo, and delays to delivery.

Conclusion

While not all these risk factors are an everyday occurrence, these 5 elements represent some of the major factors to consider when planning an effective risk mitigation strategy for truck transportation in South Africa.

Not all these factors can be placed in one’s control at any given time however, it is especially important to keep an eye on the situation on the ground, so that you and your fleet can respond quickly, and effectively to situations that place your fleet and you drivers at risk.

FAQs

1. What are the challenges of freight in South Africa?

The main challenges to freight transportation in South Africa are Power outages causing traffic congestion, Poor road Infrastructure, Rising fuel costs, and Road safety concerns.

2. What are the problems with transportation in South Africa

The main problems with transportation in South Africa in 2023 are Rolling blackouts which cause and compound congestion, Road infrastructure deficiencies, High transportation costs caused by the rising cost of fuel, High rates of vehicle theft or hijacking.

3. How can transportation risk be reduced?

By implementing better driver education programs, we can equip drivers with the skills necessary to actively make safer driving decisions while on the road.

Technology can be used to track driver behaviour, speed, and route. This data can be used to identify improvements in both safe driving behavior’s and identify less risky routes to use.

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Logistics

Runway to Railway Puts Innovation and African Identity at the Heart of Infrastructure

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1 hour ago

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October 27, 2026

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Runway to Railway panel discussion.

Smarter infrastructure, better connected transport systems and airport experiences that reflect African creativity were at the centre of Runway to Railway: Project Maverick, held at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town on 22 October 2026. The gathering brought aviation, technology and creative perspectives into a discussion about how innovation can improve infrastructure and the experience of the people who use it.

Held under the theme Simply Connect Africa, the event forms part of the Runway to Railway vision conceived by Anna K Hecart, founder and director of Connected Group. The platform brings different sectors together to explore connections between infrastructure, business and opportunity across the continent.

Panel discussion, from right to feft at Project Maverick: Dirk Ackerman, moderator; Nicholas Ferguson, Executive Managing Director, RSA Aero; Hasnain Motlekar, Acting Chief Executive Officer, BCX; and York Ning, Director, ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Huawei South Africa.

Raising the Bar for African Infrastructure. Panel participants: Dirk Ackerman, moderator; Nicholas Ferguson, Executive Managing Director, RSA Aero; Hasnain Motlekar, Acting Chief Executive Officer, BCX; and York Ning, Director, ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Huawei South Africa.

“Runway to Railway began with a belief that Africa’s progress depends on the connections we make between people, industries and ideas,” said Hecart. “We are pleased to announce the Runway to Railway Expo for November 2027. Our ambition is to bring the people shaping transport, infrastructure and technology together with investors and creative businesses to explore practical solutions and build partnerships that move Africa forward.”

The Expo is being developed as a meeting place for aviation, rail, logistics, infrastructure, technology, tourism and design professionals, alongside investors and public-sector stakeholders. Partners can expect opportunities to showcase their capabilities and connect with potential collaborators. Attendees can look forward to discovering innovations, exchanging ideas and exploring how better connected infrastructure can support African business and communities.

Anna K Hecart, Founder and Director of Connected Group and visionary behind Runway to Railway, addresses the attendees at Runway to Rail.

Anna K Hecart, Founder and Director of Connected Group and visionary behind Runway to Railway, addresses the gathering.

The infrastructure conversation brought the airport development perspective together with the technology expertise of BCX and Huawei. It considered how closer collaboration can support better passenger experiences, reliable operations and the practical delivery of connected infrastructure.

“The decisions that shape a passenger’s journey are made across many different organisations,” said Ackerman. “Bringing developers, operators and technology partners together early helps us see how those decisions fit together and where collaboration can make infrastructure work better.”

“An airport is part of a much wider economic network,” said Ferguson. “Its development needs to consider how people arrive, how businesses connect and how the surrounding region benefits. Innovation should support that wider purpose while making the everyday experience more efficient and welcoming.”

“The value of connected infrastructure lies in what it enables people and businesses to do,” said Motlekar. “Reliable networks, secure systems and useful information need to work together. Planning these capabilities from the outset helps organisations improve services and respond as demand changes.”

Gavin Rajah delivered the closing remarks, extending the conversation to the quality and character of retail experiences at African airports. He highlighted the opportunity to bring greater creativity and a stronger expression of African identity into spaces that shape travellers’ first and last impressions of a destination.

“An African airport should give travellers a real sense of place,” said Rajah. “Our retail spaces can do far more to showcase the continent’s design, fashion, food and craft. We have the talent and the stories. The opportunity is to present them with imagination and the quality they deserve, while creating space for African creative businesses to grow.”

Gavin Rajah, closing speaker, at the Runway to Railway conference, addresses creativity and African identity in the airport experience.

Gavin Rajah, closing speaker, addresses creativity and African identity in the airport experience.

Event photographs

Panel discussion on the the Raising the Bar for African Infrastructure panel at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

The Raising the Bar for African Infrastructure panel at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

Panelists discuss the Bar for African Infrastructure panel at the Runway to Railway conference.

An exchange during the infrastructure panel discussion.

A panellist contributes discussing Project Maverick at the Runway to Railway conference.

A panellist contributes to the infrastructure discussion.

Presentation at the Runway to Railway conference.

An on-stage presentation during Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

Guests exchange ideas during the luncheon at the Runway to Railway conference at the Vineyard Hotel.

Guests exchange ideas during the luncheon at the Vineyard Hotel.

Guests following the conference programme at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

Guests follow the programme at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

Guests enjoying a lunch at the Runway to Railway conference.

Guests seated during the event programme.

Guest listening to a presentation during lunch.

A guest listens during the luncheon.

Guests networking at the Runway to Railway conference.

Guests in conversation during the event.

Guests enjoying the opportunity to network at the Runway

Networking at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

Attendees at the Runway to Railway conference standing

Guests gather for a photograph at the Vineyard Hotel.

Guests attending the Runway to Railway conference, while networking outside.

Guests connect outside the event venue.

Attendees at the Runway to Railway conference networking inside the Vineyard Hotel.

Conversations continue between programme sessions.

Focused shot of a man and woman networking at the Runway to Railway conference.

A conversation during the event reception.

Two women networking in a lounge area at the Runway to Railway conference.

A conversation at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

*All photographs featured in this article were captured by: Elvis Nyelenzi

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Logistics

SAFLA Launches Gauteng Region With Eric Pillay Appointed As Chairperson

Published

5 days ago

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October 22, 2026

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Group photo of: Arend du Preez: Vice Chair of SAFLA, Gavin Kelly: CEO of the Road Freight Association, Jonathan McDonald: Vice Chair of SAFLA’s and Freek van Rooyen - Partner: Shipping & Logistics at Shepstone & Wylie.

The South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA) has launched its Gauteng region, appointing Eric Pillay as regional chairperson and placing stakeholder engagement, border delays and port bottlenecks at the centre of its agenda.

Pillay, owner of Pro-Active Shipping & Freight Solutions, will lead the region’s efforts to strengthen industry representation and improve engagement with the organisations that influence cargo movement. “We work closely with SAFLA nationally to ensure that our issues are addressed,” Pillay stated, outlining how the Gauteng chapter will connect regional concerns with SAFLA’s countrywide advocacy and engagement.

The official launch breakfast at the Johannesburg Country Club in Woodmead, brought together freight and logistics colleagues and key stakeholders to mark the establishment of a regional platform supported by SAFLA’s national structures.

A Collective Voice for Gauteng

Pillay said the chapter responds to clearing and forwarding companies’ need for a collective voice in their dealings with organisations such as the Border Management Authority and other state-owned enterprises and shipping lines. Its first-year priorities centre on improving stakeholder relationships to boost trade and support regional growth, with border and port delays receiving immediate attention.

Pillay’s longer-term vision focuses on stronger partnerships and efficient cargo movement across Gauteng’s supply chains. “Transport is key to keeping the economy going and I would like to see increased cargo volumes moving efficiently, freely and safely.”

SAFLA Gauteng welcomes companies operating in clearing, forwarding and transport in Gauteng. Smaller and emerging operators can use its platform to raise concerns and access support in navigating industry challenges.

Regional Action Supporting National Reform

SAFLA chair Arend du Preez highlighted the association’s commitment to strengthening regional representation within a unified national framework. “By strengthening our regional representation, we ensure that local concerns are heard, local expertise is utilised, and local solutions can be developed while still benefiting from national support and coordination,” du Preez explained.

He emphasised constructive engagement between industry participants to identify the causes of disruption and resolve operational pressure points. “At the end of the day, our objective remains simple,” he said. “Cargo must move.”

Economic Regulation, Fair Access and Transparent Pricing Highlighted

Guest speaker Ian Bird, Transport & Logistics Focal Area Lead at Business for South Africa, addressed the business-government partnership and progress on logistics reforms, placing the regional launch within the broader effort to improve South Africa’s freight system.

Bird’s presentation highlighted the importance of effective economic regulation, fair access and transparent pricing in encouraging investment. “Effective regulation builds confidence and unlocks investment,” Bird highlighted in his presentation.

Ian Bird: Transport & Logistics Focal Area Lead – Business for South Africa – presenting at an event.

Ian Bird: Transport & Logistics Focal Area Lead – Business for South Africa

He also stressed that to deliver the freight volumes so urgently needed by the economy will require both improving the rail network for Transnet and private Train Operating Companies, as well as implementing a comprehensive program of structural reform.  The growth in rail volumes will be driven by general freight, which by it’s very nature requires more complex supply chains being developed, operated and managed.

For SAFLA Gauteng, these national priorities reinforce the value of sustained regional engagement with supply chain stakeholders and coordinated escalation of members’ concerns.

SAFLA’s Gauteng chapter aims to help remove bottlenecks, reduce the costs associated with delayed cargo and support trade competitiveness through practical collaboration. Members can also raise local operational issues through SAFLA’s national structures.

Commenting on the launch, Road Freight Association (RFA) CEO Gavin Kelly said the RFA’s MoU with SAFLA means a “stronger, more coordinated industry voice,” while Warwick Lord, chairperson of the Multimodal Inland Port Association (MIPA), added that MIPA “looks forward to working with the association for the benefit of its members and the industry.” Paul Matthew, CEO of the African Meat Importers and Exporters Association added: “Importers and exporters depend on efficient, well-represented freight forwarders. We are proud to partner with SAFLA”.

Headshot of Warwick Lord: Chairperson – Multimodal Inland Port Association (MIPA)

Warwick Lord: Chairperson – Multimodal Inland Port Association (MIPA)

“It means a great deal to me to be part of SAFLA,” continued Pillay. “The industry has been longing for a voice to air their issues and now we have it.”

Portrait of Eric Pillay: Owner - Pro-Active Shipping & Freight Solutions

Eric Pillay: Owner – Pro-Active Shipping & Freight Solutions

Portrait of Paul Matthew: CEO – African Meat Importers and Exporters Association

Paul Matthew: CEO – African Meat Importers and Exporters Association

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Logistics

Behind Every Life-Saving Treatment is a Reliable Logistics Network

Published

1 week ago

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October 20, 2026

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Focused shot of a surgeon in scrubs walking away in scrubs carrying a cooler with life-saving treatment.

A surgical procedure was scheduled for the following morning when healthcare company Cardaxes urgently needed to move a critical vascular shipment into Namibia. A public holiday and customs-related delays left little room for error.

FedEx teams assessed the options, coordinated an air solution and stayed in close contact with the customer. The shipment arrived in time for the procedure.

Healthcare logistics requires more than moving products from one location to another. It calls for careful coordination, specialised handling and the ability to respond when conditions change. For time-critical shipments, every part of the journey matters.

Meeting Time-Critical Healthcare Needs

In healthcare, delivery timelines can be tied directly to procedures and treatment plans. A delayed medicine shipment or medical device can disrupt care and have consequences beyond the supply chain.

“Healthcare logistics operates on a different level of urgency,” says Nelson Teixeira, Managing Director of Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa at FedEx. “You’re not just moving packages; you’re supporting patient outcomes. Every shipment matters.”

The Cardaxes shipment highlights the role of operational expertise in managing unexpected challenges. Assessing route options, working through customs-related delays and coordinating the movement helped get the shipment to its destination in time.

Protecting Product Integrity

For vaccines, biologics, clinical samples and other temperature-sensitive products, maintaining the required temperature throughout transit is critical. Speed alone is not enough if product integrity is compromised.

FedEx offers temperature-controlled packaging designed to maintain temperatures of 2°C to 8°C for either 48 or 96 hours, depending on the option selected. Actual performance can vary with external temperatures, making it important to match packaging to the shipment and expected conditions.

A second shipment over the same weekend involved life-saving stem cells for a patient with blood cancer. FedEx Special Services helped coordinate the movement and provided updates throughout the journey.

Both cases highlight the importance of matching operational planning and shipment handling to the requirements of each healthcare shipment.

Using Visibility to Support Timely Decisions

Healthcare customers need information that helps them monitor critical shipments, identify potential risks and determine when intervention may be needed.

FedEx Surround combines near-real-time monitoring and predictive analytics to help teams identify potential disruptions and prioritise intervention. Sense Aware provides shipment information, including real-time location and temperature data, with alerts for selected conditions.

These capabilities support teams in assessing changing conditions and determining the appropriate response. This is particularly relevant across Sub-Saharan Africa, where customs processes, transport infrastructure and regulatory requirements can vary across markets.

The World Bank has highlighted the importance of improving connectivity and reducing barriers to trade across African markets. For healthcare businesses, effective cross-border logistics is an important consideration when planning the movement of sensitive products.

Planning for Reliable Delivery

Healthcare logistics depends on network capability, specialised handling and timely operational decisions. Involving logistics teams early can help healthcare businesses account for regulatory requirements, assess route options and determine the handling and visibility needed for each shipment.

As healthcare supply chains expand across Africa, these capabilities will remain important to moving medicines, medical equipment and other sensitive products across borders. 

Reliable healthcare logistics means delivering the right product, within the required timeframe and in the right condition.

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