South Africa’s courier industry is booming, but the model behind it is constantly and rapidly changing. Parcel lockers, PAXI’s R60 counter drop-off, and Uber Courier are all finding ways to cut the cost of the first and last mile. This blog explores how each of these factors is changing the way couriers operate.
South Africa’s deteriorating road infrastructure is creating risks for freight operators that go far beyond potholes. Illegal mining, underground cavities and unstable ground are increasingly threatening major transport routes, adding to the risk of road closures, accidents, vehicle damage and damaged freight.
When R10 million worth of cargo was destroyed, the insurance payout fell far short of expectations. This case study reveals the hidden risks of relying on someone else’s cover.
Road freight has become the shock absorber of a broken logistics chain, and this, in turn, leads to more pressure on depots, freight management systems, and, most importantly, harms the drivers themselves. This is the crux of this article.
As tensions in the Middle East escalate, South Africa is already feeling the impact through rising fuel prices. But the effect goes far beyond the pump. Increasing costs across transport, manufacturing, and everyday goods. This is not just an oil story, but a freight story.
Understanding the distinction between the two forms of protection is essential for any consignor that ships valuable freight. Because when something goes wrong on the road, the difference between the two can determine whether a business recovers from the loss or is financially stressed by having to absorb that loss in its entirety.
We unpack who is actually driving e-commerce growth, why certain couriers are surging, and what operators must do to fully leverage the biggest logistics opportunity of the next decade.
A 2022 ruling by the Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman (CGSO) has reshaped how freight companies must approach packaging-related disputes. In a case involving six completely unpacked car batteries, the Ombudsman ruled against the freight operator, despite the consumer’s inadequate packaging and lack of insurance.
The festive season brings an enormous spike in freight volumes — but it also brings an equally predictable rise in fraud linked to seasonal stock. Merchants dealing in items designed for Christmas, year-end promotions, or major sporting events often face steep markdowns the moment the season ends. Unfortunately, a few see freight claims as an opportunity to recover those losses.
A sealed trailer. A perfect route. And freight that kept vanishing without a trace.
Part 2 of our investigation uncovers the shocking truth behind the missing freight — and why seals alone are never enough to safeguard your supply chain.
