Logistics
The Top Five Logistics Companies in Africa (2022-2023)

Published
5 months agoon
By
SCN Africa
Based on a combination of revenue, employee count, network size as well as disqualifying any logistics companies which have no current operations or a small operation in Africa. The aim is to identify the largest logistics companies not simply by revenue or worker count but by the overall usefulness of their network and logistics services.
1. UPS
As of the latest data UPS has a total of 536,000 employees, and a total revenue of over $100 billion making UPS the largest logistics company on this list according to total value, and the second largest according to employee count. UPS offers services such as transportation management, customs brokerage, freight consolidation, supplier management, and industrial 3D printing as well as others making UPS a very versatile logistics partner.
UPS also boasts an impressive worldwide network, operating in 220 countries and territories across the globe as of 2023. What earns UPS the top spot however is the fact that in 2022 UPS delivered an astonishing average package count of 24 million packages per day and according to UPS a total of 6.2 billion packages were delivered during that same year.
2. DHL
DHL holds an impressive total package delivery count boasting 1.8 billion parcels delivered worldwide in total. In addition, DHL offers logistics services to both medium and large enterprises in sectors ranging from warehousing, transportation, distribution, freight services, and more. Finally, DHLs network stretches across over 220 countries making it one of the largest networks on this list.
The DHL group has 600,278 employees as of 2023 making this logistics company the largest by employee count. Additionally, the total value of the DHL group currently stands at an astounding $99 billion based on their latest 2023 data. The versatility of DHLs logistics services alone makes DHL a tempting choice for businesses wishing to choose DHL as a logistics partner.
3. Kuehne + Nagel
Kuehne + Nagel is a global transport logistics company their services include ground-based freight and sea freight. They have an impressive network size operating in a total of 106 countries worldwide and boast the impressive status of being 1# in terms of sea and airfreight services worldwide. The Kuehne + Nagel the group has an employee count of 73,516 as of the latest data provided and an impressive value of $35 Billion as of 2023. Their network size coupled with the overall value of the company earns Kuehne + Nagel the number three spot on our list.
4. DB Schenker
DB Schenker offers logistics and supply chain services in areas such as ocean freight, land freight, contract logistics, lead logistics, and air freight. They claim to operate in 2100 locations around the world and operate in a total of 140 countries 38 of these being in Africa alone.
DB Schenker’s employee count currently stands at 76100 as of the latest data provided in addition DB Schenker is valued at close to $20 Billion as of the latest data sources. Their network size ultimately helps DB Schenker take the number four spot on this list.
5. DSV
DSV provides logistics solutions on multiple fronts these include warehousing, land, sea, and air transportation as well as last-mile delivery services. Additionally, DSV has offices in over 80 countries and provides global logistics services to 24 countries. The total employee count stands at 76,283 as of 2022 additionally the value of DSV currently stands at 41 billion as of 2023. The main reason DSV does not rank higher on this list is the size of its network having offices in 80 countries is impressive however having global logistics services only available in 24 countries limits DSVs ranking on this list.
You may like
Logistics
Laser Cutting Systems in Shipbuilding & Supply Chain impacts

Published
2 weeks agoon
September 15, 2023By
SCN Africa
Shipbuilding, a craft as ancient as our love for the sea, is witnessing a heartwarming embrace of old and new. Cargo ships themselves are one of many crucial parts of the supply chain.
We talk a great deal about the freight aspect of maritime shipping however one less studied element is how we can use certain technologies to make the creation of these fleets more efficient and the effects this has on the supply chain.
Enter the laser cutter, a modern marvel making waves in this age-old industry. Let’s dive deep into how this tool, with its humming precision, is becoming the best mate for shipbuilders and how the supply chain benefits from it.
1. Precision Meets Passion
Laser Cutters:
Think of Laser cutting systems as the skilled artist’s brush in a shipbuilder’s hand. Their finesse ensures that ships are crafted not just robustly, but also with an attention to detail that would make any craftsman proud.
Supply Chain Ripples:
Thanks to these machines, there’s less scratching of heads and more nodding in approval. Fewer reorders of materials mean smoother sails from design boards to docks. This also means less cost is wasted on reordering materials and thus a less expensive component of the supply chain is produced.
2. Quick Production Times
Laser Cutters:
These aren’t your granddad’s tools. They fly through sheet metal at great speed, proving that modern tools can keep up with the high seas demands.
Supply Chain Ripples:
Quicker construction of cargo ships means that more assets can be added to the existing supply chain expanding capacity and ensuring the supply chain can keep up with demand.
3. Less Material is Wasted
Laser Cutters:
]They’re the embodiment of ‘waste not, want not’. With their precision, every bit of metal finds its purpose.
Supply Chain Ripples:
Less scrap means not just savings, but also fewer headaches about what to do with leftovers leaving us with a greener production of our ships.
4. Every Piece in Its Place
Laser Cutters:
In shipbuilding, every section is a piece of a grand puzzle. With lasers in the mix, each piece of metal can be precision-cut to fit any section of the ship.
Supply Chain Ripples:
Fewer misfits mean less time wasted going back and fixing the problem. This is music to the ears of everyone, from the shipyard to the suppliers saving time materials and precious resources.
5. Remember These High-Tech Tools Need TLC Too
Laser Cutters:
As sophisticated as they are, they’re a bit like pets. Give them care, and they’ll purr (or, hum) along perfectly.
Supply Chain Ripples:
This means the supply chain needs to have a soft spot for machine maintenance, ensuring parts and services are always on standby to service the machines that improve overall supply chain efficiency.
6. Greener Supply Chain
Laser Cutters:
Beyond their precision, they’re a wink to our green future, less waste and more sustainable practices mean a greener supply chain as these tools begin to see more and more use.
Supply Chain Ripples:
As shipbuilding turns a shade greener, the supply chain is now on the lookout for eco-friendly partners. What this means in effect is that clients and brands who sway to the more eco-friendly side will be more likely to do business with a partner that shows an ecofriendly initiative.
7. Cost Savers
Laser Cutters:
They might ask for a few extra pennies upfront, but the symphony they bring to shipbuilding often makes it worth every cent.
Supply Chain Ripples:
With a vision on the horizon, there’s a gentle nudge for more flexible payment dialogues, keeping an eye on long-term gains.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the dance between laser cutters and shipbuilding is a sight to behold. A balance of tradition and technology, proves that even in an industry as seasoned as shipbuilding, there’s always room for a new partner.
Freight Forwarding
Risk Management Logistics in South Africa’s Supply Chain

Published
3 weeks agoon
September 12, 2023By
SCN Africa
South Africa’s bustling roads, humming ports, and busy warehouses tell tales of a nation always on the move.
But amidst this hive of activity, there’s an underlying concern that often gives logistics professionals sleepless nights: crime, theft, and fraud. Let’s explore this issue, not just as numbers or percentages, but as challenges that have real-world implications for businesses, employees, and consumers alike.
Understanding The Real Threat on The Roads
Picture this: a trucker navigating a long and isolated route, the horizon painted with the setting sun, and suddenly confronted by criminals. It’s a scenario that’s sadly not too rare in South Africa. These aren’t just thefts; they’re personal stories of danger and loss.
Criminals are known to target freight vehicles such as trucks on our roads for their valuable cargo. This is no exaggeration but instead an ever-growing problem in South Africa. This is illustrated by the number of truck hijackings growing between a period of 10 years truck hijackings have moved up from 943 per year in 2013, to 1996 hijackings per year as of 2023.
The Ripple Effect of Theft and Fraud on South Africa’s Roads
1. Drives up Costs
Businesses often foot the bill for these unexpected losses and this cost is then passed down to the consumer.
2. Delays and Disruptions
A single theft can push back deliveries, throwing off schedules and disappointing waiting customers. Even worse as an example of the ripple effect, if the delivery is a critical product say parts for vehicles, we face the reality of employees not being able to drive to work if their cars need these parts, and a disruption to another unrelated parts of the supply chain as a result.
3. Causes Trust Issues
When incidents multiply, trust erodes. Customers might think twice before choosing a service with a history of frequent losses.
4. Insurance Headaches
As claims go up, so do insurance premiums, making the cost of doing business a bit steeper. which hurts large parts of the supply chain that depend on having valuable items insured.
Digital Threats in a Modern World
In an age where you can track a shipment on your smartphone, cyber threats have become a silent, invisible menace. From rerouting shipments to impersonating vendors, the digital highway has its own set of bandits.
Solutions
1. Stay One Step Ahead with Tech
Real-time GPS isn’t just a fancy tool, rather it’s your eyes on the ground, ensuring goods are always on the right path.
2. Empowering Our People
By educating staff and drivers about potential risks, we’re not just offering training; we’re equipping them with shields against scams and threats.
3. A Helping Hand from the Law
Strong ties with local police can make a world of difference. It’s like having a guardian angel looking over each shipment.
However, in the context of South Africa, it may be more beneficial to enlist the help of private security to guard your shipments, particularly if the items are of high value.
4. Bolstering Our Digital Walls
Just as we lock our doors at night, we need to secure our digital gateways with regular updates, strong passwords, and layers of encryption.
5. Safety Nets
Insurance isn’t just paperwork, it’s a promise of recovery. It’s vital to have a plan to bounce back when things go south.
Embracing Tomorrow
South Africa’s heart beats with trade and commerce. As we further carve our niche in the global market, our logistic pathways need to be not just efficient but also safe. Addressing crime and fraud is more than just a business strategy, it’s a commitment to our partners, employees, and every individual awaiting a delivery.
Conclusion
While challenges loom large, our combined efforts—driven by technology, trust, and teamwork can craft a safer, brighter future for South African logistics. After all, every challenge overcome is a story worth telling.
Logistics
South Africa’s Cold Chain Logistics Challenges

Published
3 weeks agoon
September 11, 2023By
SCN Africa
From biting into a juicy apple from a local supermarket in Johannesburg to receiving crucial medicine in a Cape Town clinic.
Behind these everyday moments, there’s a hardworking system called the cold chain, making sure products stay fresh and effective from where they’re produced to where they’re consumed. Now, while South Africa is doing its best to keep things cool, this system isn’t without its share of hiccups.
The Cold Chain Explained
Cold chain storage is a vital segment of the supply chain system, designed to maintain a consistent temperature for products that are sensitive to heat or temperature fluctuations.
Think of it as a relay race where perishable items, like vaccines or fresh produce, are passed from one cold environment to another, ensuring they remain as fresh as possible and effective from the moment they are produced to the moment they reach the end consumer.
The primary function of cold chain storage is to prolong the shelf life and ensure the safety and integrity of temperature-sensitive products. It’s a lifeline for various industries, from food and pharmaceuticals to certain chemicals and agricultural produce.
Consequences of not Having a Cold Chain
Without a properly maintained cold chain, food items could spoil, and medicines could lose their efficacy, leading to health risks and financial losses. The cold chain ensures products remain in their optimal condition, benefiting businesses and consumers alike.
The Main Challenges to Cold Chain in South Africa.
1. Energy Grid Challenges
The first and most pressing challenge to the cold chain in South Africa is the poor state of the electricity grid. Keeping things cold means machines are running around the clock, and they guzzle power!
With frequent power outages known locally in South Africa as load-shedding, coupled with our rising electricity prices, this means that the products which need the cold chain become more expensive because of the rising cost of transporting and storing them.
2. Challenges While in Transit
It’s one thing to transport goods in buzzing cities like Durban or Cape Town. But when you venture into some far-flung corners of South Africa, things can get a bit bumpy. The main concern on our roads is the potholes that can damage or even halt a refrigeration vehicle while on the move.
On the other hand, in more rural areas even basic roads can be missing. This means it becomes more difficult for cold chain products like medicine to reach these communities leaving them vulnerable to otherwise treatable conditions.
3. A Need for More Cold Chain Experts
Running a cold chain isn’t just about big refrigerators. We need experts who know the ins and outs of temperature management and can handle sensitive products with care. There’s a bit of a talent hunt going on in this sector right now.
4. Rules, Rules, and More Rules
The government, always looking out for our well-being, has set some strict standards for cold storage. This is great for ensuring quality but can tie businesses up in a bit of red tape, especially the small guys just starting.
5. Theft of Goods
High-value goods like medicines attract some unsavoury attention. We’ve got hijackers and thieves eyeing the loot, adding another layer of challenges to keeping the chain secure in South Africa.
6. Infrastructure Upgrades Needed
Modern tech could be our knight in shining armour, streamlining operations. But it’s not always easy to bring in the latest tools, especially when initial costs are high and everyone’s still learning the ropes.
7. Money Matters Investment Needed
The volatile economy makes businesses think twice before investing in cold chain upgrades. A little financial stability could go a long way to improving investment in South Africa’s cold chain.
Conclusion
Keeping South Africa’s cold chain running smoothly is a bit like organizing a massive ice cream party on a hot day – it’s challenging but oh-so-important! With some collaboration, innovation, and dedication, we’re hopeful for a frostier and more efficient future. After all, that juicy apple and life-saving medicine are counting on it!
ADVERTISEMENT

Air vs. Maritime Freight Transportation

AI in the Maritime Freight Industry

The Top 3 Challenges of Maritime Freight Transportation
Trending
-
Logistics3 weeks ago
South Africa’s Cold Chain Logistics Challenges
-
Technology4 weeks ago
Cybersecurity in Modern Warehouses: What It Means for the Supply Chain
-
Freight Forwarding3 weeks ago
Risk Management Logistics in South Africa’s Supply Chain
-
Freight Forwarding4 weeks ago
Revolutionising Rail Freight Transportation with AI
-
Freight Forwarding3 weeks ago
The Top 4 Benefits of Road Freight Transportation
-
Technology3 weeks ago
The Five Best Types of Garage Doors for Warehouses in South Africa
-
Freight Forwarding3 weeks ago
What AI Means for the Road Freight Industry
-
Press Releases3 weeks ago
RTMS auditors in bid to raise safety awareness amongst truck drivers in South Africa