Freight rates are rising again and import compliance is becoming a bigger risk for South African importers
May 2026
Freight rates are rising again and import compliance is becoming a bigger risk for South African importers
Freight rates are rising again, import compliance is tightening and South African importers need to check rates, surcharges, documents and routing before cargo moves.
South African importers are facing a week where the pressure is not coming from one single disruption. It is coming from several areas at the same time: freight rates, surcharge exposure, import compliance and port planning.
Freight rates have moved sharply higher again. Drewry’s World Container Index increased by 12% for the week of 14 May. The increase was driven by higher rates on the Transpacific and Asia-Europe trade lanes but South African importers should not ignore the move. Carrier pricing behaviour, surcharge structures and space management often feed through into other routes over time.
At the same time, surcharges are back in focus. Emergency Fuel Surcharges and Peak Season Surcharges are again pushing quoted freight costs away from earlier budgets. This is where importers can get caught. A quote accepted early in the process may not reflect the final cost if surcharges are added closer to sailing.
The practical step is simple. Importers should ask for the all-in freight rate before booking. They should also confirm whether any fuel, peak season or FAK increases apply to the sailing date. An older quote should not be relied on unless it has been checked again before the shipment moves.
Import compliance is also becoming a bigger planning issue. South Africa’s new Pre-Export Verification of Conformity requirements for certain products imported from China are not only a paperwork issue. If a product is affected and the correct Certificate of Conformity is not in place before cargo moves, the risk shifts from administration to delays, inspections, storage and demurrage.
This is important because compliance problems are harder and more expensive to fix once the container is already on the water. Importers should use the transition period to check product classification, confirm the HS code, speak to the supplier in China and make sure the required documents can be arranged before shipment.
Ports are in a better position than last week but the system still needs close management. Cape Town has improved from the extreme delay position previously reported, Durban remains the most stable major gateway and the Eastern Cape is showing a more manageable picture. That said, weather disruption, vessel bunching, equipment availability and seasonal export demand can change the position quickly.
The message for importers is clear. Check the rate. Check the surcharge position. Check the documents. Check the route.
The businesses that manage the detail early are the ones that avoid the most expensive surprises.
When it matters, work with a partner that takes ownership
The TSI Central Station Advantage:
At TSI Central Station, we help importers manage the detail before it becomes a cost problem.
When freight rates move, surcharges change or new compliance requirements are introduced, the risk is not only the movement of the cargo. The risk is making decisions with incomplete information.
Our team helps clients check the freight rate, confirm surcharge exposure, review the required documents, understand the routing options and identify compliance risks before the shipment moves.
For importers bringing goods in from China, this is especially important under the new PVoC requirements. If a product is affected and the correct Certificate of Conformity is not arranged before shipment, the problem may only become visible when the cargo is already on the water or has arrived in South Africa.
TSI combines a digital logistics platform with a dedicated logistics manager who actively manages the shipment process from origin through to delivery. Clients get visibility, communication and practical support when decisions need to be made quickly.
When it matters, work with a partner that takes ownership.
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