Logistics News 2 September 2025

Ports are stabilising. Cape Town still sees up to 3 days of wind‑related delays but operations have improved. Durban Pier 1 and Pier 2 are seeing 1–2 days of waiting time. We’re closely monitoring stacks and ETAs—early arrivals without notice still risk detention or storage. Let us know if you’d like us to double‑check schedules with the line or depot.

Frontline Insights

• UAE advance manifest (live 1 September): SI must include Direct or Master BL as required. Check cut‑offs early for all UAE imports, trans‑ships, and FROB cargo.

• Stack windows: Fresh stack schedules posted over the weekend. Early arrivals can shift stack dates dramatically. Let us help you map the gates and stack plan.

• SWIFT risk update: National Treasury says the risk of SWIFT disruption is low. Banks are engaged and payments are flowing as normal. We’re staying vigilant.

• Ocean freight: Drewry’s WCI fell 6% to USD 2 119 per 40‑ft for the week of 28 August. Softening continues.

• Ford SA retrenchments: About 470 jobs affected in Pretoria and Gqeberha. We’ll flag any downstream impact on parts or haulage.

Trade Focus: SA–US Engagements
US tariffs on SA exports (30%, effective 7 August) remain in focus. Trade talks are ongoing. Officials expect a modest drag on GDP (0.2–0.3%), particularly in autos, agriculture, and minerals. A US congressional staff visit underscores the effort to keep channels open.

Your Action Items:

1. Confirm HS codes and rules of origin.

2. Requote landed costs, including the 30% duty.

3. Review Incoterms for clarity of risk.

4. Need alternate routes? We can help map viable lanes to Europe, Asia, or the Middle East. Let’s work through the numbers together.

Ports Report: Week Ending 31 August 2025

Note: Stack schedule shifts continue to pose a risk early alerts and double-checking can save costs.

Key Highlights from Last Week (24 August)

• Rail reform: 11 new train operators confirmed for 41 routes, targeting 20 million tonnes per annum from 2026/27—a major milestone for rail liberalisation.

• Port volumes: National average was around 13 888 TEUs/day; Durban Pier 2 +2%, Cape Town +7%, but Ngqura (−23%) and Port Elizabeth (−60%) dropped sharply

• Air cargo: OR Tambo handled ~7.1m kg outbound—a 15% week‑on‑week increase and up roughly 17% on last year. Foreign Operating Permit delays persist.

• Road freight: Lebombo border flows stable (1 527 trucks/day); queue times halved to 3.4 h, but total crossing time rose to 10.7 h (+16%). SADC averaged 5.8 h (+23%).

• Global trade: Top 30 ports grew 7% YoY; Drewry’s WCI down 58% YoY to USD 2 250/FEU. Harpex index up 12% YoY, reflecting charter demand; South Korea advancing Arctic shipping plans; Panama Canal offering port rights auctions.

TSI Insights – Clifford Blackburn, CEO

Our logistics environment is uneven. Rail reform shows promise but short-term congestion, equipment failures, and cable theft remain challenges. Softening global rates offer cost-saving opportunities—but volatility around blank sailings and new tariff structures will test agility. At TSI Central Station, we monitor daily changes to keep your margins safe and supply chains humming.

Quick Reference: Avoiding Storage from Early Arrivals

What to watch:

• Terminal storage: kicks in after free time expires

• Demurrage: inside terminal charges

• Detention: applies after out-gate if empties aren’t returned

• Depot rent: untidy empties incur storage fees

Five-step importer checklist:

1. Pre-clear 48h before ETA—ensure all documents align.

2. Secure Delivery Orders early.

3. Book transport slots promptly—especially VBS slots at CT and Durban.

4. Monitor ETA shifts and recheck stack windows promptly.

5. Have a transport standby ready for inspections or holds.

TSI tips:

• Get the last free day in writing and add a 24-hour buffer.

• Avoid weekends where possible—shorter hours add risk.

• Notify us early if cut-offs shift—we’ll request extensions or alternative stack windows.

• Keep importer codes and permits current.

Need help reviewing a live shipment or stack window? Your TSI controller is on it.

Need Support?

Planning challenges, shifting rates, or routing complexity? Contact your TSI controller or drop us a line—we’re here to make logistics simple again.