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Logistics News

Covid-19 pandemic spurs Sars' modernisation programme

By: Schalk Burger 17th September 2021 The Covid-19 pandemic's impact on the South African Revenue Service (Sars) compressed a decade-long modernisation programme into two to three years, Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter noted on September 16. "The pandemic struck as we were starting our journey of rebuilding Sars and reigniting... →

Global citrus demand increases refrigeration demand

By: Halima Frost 17th September 2021 A global increase in demand for South African-grown citrus, as well as more export regulations, has resulted in a substantial increase in demand for refrigeration capacity, says local refrigeration manufacturer EP Refrigeration business development head Dawie Kriel. “We not only need to add... →

A roof top refrigeration system installed by EP Refrigeration at a produce packing house

FRUITFUL SERVICES An increased need for refrigerated storage and transport capacity in the citrus sector is being addressed by EP Refrigeration

Sars customs modernisation depends on new skills and industry support to shape smart ecosystem

By: Schalk Burger 16th September 2021 The customs modernisation programme of the South African Revenue Service (Sars), announced on September 1, requires the upskilling of customs officials, as well as the support of and collaboration with industries, businesses and the whole of government to shape a customs and trade ecosystem that... →

Opinion: Could South Africa’s logistics crisis derail the citrus sector’s stellar growth trajectory?

15th September 2021 In this opinion article, Nedbank head of agriculture John Hudson writes about how logistics constraints are hampering the growth of South Africa's citrus sector. →

Govt’s private-sector participation drive could increase efficiency, prosperity – Grindrod

By: Irma Venter 15th September 2021 A port that runs efficiently “can bring prosperity all around”, says Grindrod Freight Services CEO Xolani Mbambo. South Africa’s major ports are, however, currently ranked close to the bottom of the list in terms of global competitiveness. →

Grindrod Freight Services CEO Xolani Mbambo

Cartrack owner acquires 70.1% of Picup Technologies in R70-million deal

By: Irma Venter 14th September 2021 Karooooo has acquired 70.1% of Picup Technologies (Picup) in a deal valued at R70-million. Karooooo owns 100% of Cartrack, a mobility software-as-a-service (Saas) platform that maximises the value of automotive and workflow data by providing real-time data analytics solutions for smart... →

Zak Calisto

Govt targets August next year, or sooner, for third-party rail access

By: Irma Venter 10th September 2021 The current target date for allowing third-party operators to participate in the rail-freight sector is August next year, says Dr Sean Phillips, head of the National Treasury’s Operation Vulindlela unit. There are, however, ongoing efforts under way to speed up the timeframe put on the table by... →

Grindrod targets port, rail projects in govt’s private-sector participation drive

By: Irma Venter 10th September 2021 Ports and logistics operator Grindrod is positioning itself to take part in the private-sector participation (PSP) opportunities to be created by government in the rail and ports sectors, says Grindrod Freight Services CEO Xolani Mbambo. “Government has called for international players to come... →

Supply chain solutions provider fills industry gaps

By: Theresa Bhowan 10th September 2021 The current challenge facing the freight, logistics and warehousing industry is that companies do not provide a full service offering and offer only one service, such as transport, in the supply chain, says supply chain solutions provider Unitrans. “By identifying this challenge in the industry,... →

FULL PACKAGE Unitrans has successfully positioned itself and structured its business to offer a full service offering

Logistics company cites advantages of its facility at OR Tambo International Airport

By: Rebecca Campbell 8th September 2021 Rhenus Logistics South Africa has highlighted the value of its secure airside facility at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). In addition to security, the facility also provides, the company assured, quick turnaround times. “[T]he safety of cargo in transit is one of the... →

Carolus joins Grindrod board, to succeed Hankinson as chair in May 2022

By: Creamer Media Reporter 7th September 2021 JSE-listed Grindrod has appointed Cheryl Carolus nonexecutive director with effect from October 1. She will also succeed Mike Hankinson, who is retiring, as chairperson with effect from May 25, 2022. →

Imperial reports healthy full-year earnings growth, but withholds dividend

By: Marleny Arnoldi 7th September 2021 JSE-listed Imperial Logistics’ restructuring and simplifying efforts since 2019 have contributed to it reporting an operating profit of R2.3-billion and basic headline earnings per share (HEPS) of 334c for the financial year ended June 30. This compares with an operating profit of R1.4-billion... →

Imperial Logistics group CEO Mohammed Akojee discusses the group's financial year 2021 performance

Local companies continue to export despite poor local market

By: Cameron Mackay 3rd September 2021 Despite the fiscally constrained state of the local economy, local equipment suppliers are successfully exporting their products, says South African Capital Equipment Export Council (Saceec) CEO Eric Bruggeman. “In 2017, we exported about R198-billion worth of equipment, and this has remained... →

Durban Car Terminal sets new record in August

By: Irma Venter 2nd September 2021 Growing transshipments and improving new-vehicle exports from South Africa have seen the Durban Car Terminal set a new record in August, with the facility handling 54 520 fully-built units in a single month. This follows the previous handling record of 51 407 fully-built units, set in June this... →

Report encourages fit-for-purpose cross-border road transport interventions

By: Simone Liedtke 1st September 2021 South Africa has seen a 6% fall in exports, from R253-billion in 2019 to R238-billion in 2020, which the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) largely attributed to the widespread impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic, it said, severely affected South Africa’s exports owing to the... →

The Beitbridge Border Post.

Vaccination stations to be launched for truck drivers

By: Donna Slater 31st August 2021 The Road Freight Association (RFA), in partnership with Trucking Wellness, Engen and the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI), is making it possible for truck drivers to receive Covid-19 vaccinations while traveling between destinations. RFA CEO Gavin... →

Super Group reports ‘outstanding’ set of results

By: Simone Liedtke 30th August 2021 Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges and tough trading conditions in several key markets and industry sectors, transport logistics company Super Group reported that its revenue for the financial year ended June 30 increased by 14% to R39.5-billion and operating profit increased by 44% to... →

UCD opens new depot in Cape Town

By: Irma Venter 30th August 2021 United Container Depots (UCD) has moved from its location in Paarden Eiland to larger premises in Beaconvale, Parow, also in Cape Town. The new depot has a container stacking area of more than 20 000 m²; warehouse space of 4 000 m²; a dedicated controlled atmosphere (CA) gassing area for up to... →

Govt targets August next year, or sooner, for third-party rail access

By: Irma Venter 30th August 2021 The current target date for enabling third-party operators in the rail-freight sector is August next year, says Dr Sean Phillips, head of National Treasury’s Operation Vulindlela unit. There are, however, ongoing efforts under way to speed up the time frame put on the table by Transnet, he adds. →

Grindrod targets port, rail projects in govt’s private sector participation drive

By: Irma Venter 27th August 2021 Ports and logistics operator Grindrod is positioning itself to take part in the private sector participation (PSP) opportunities to be created by government in the rail and port sectors, says Grindrod Freight Services CEO Xolani Mbambo. “Government has called for international players to come and... →

Andrew Waller

Fully developed legislation needed

By: Nadine Ramdass 27th August 2021 The legislation has not caught up with where the gas industry needs it to be, says gas producer Renergen CEO and MD Stefano Marani. Technical aspects that are critical to companies’ decision-making have not yet been addressed, with industries in the gas sector consequently unable to develop to... →

An image of gas extraction at Renergen's Virginia Gas project

GAS EXTRACTION Renergen is the only onshore petroleum rights holder in South Africa

Tracker partners with Locus to bolster its fleet offering

By: Irma Venter 26th August 2021 In a move aimed at strengthening its fleet offering, Tracker has partnered with Locus, a platform that automates supply chain decisions, to power its planning, optimisation and execution management processes. The partnership “leverages Tracker’s telematics expertise and footprint, combined with... →

OneLogix continues to weather the Covid-19 storm – CEO

By: Simone Liedtke 26th August 2021 Logistics group OneLogix, headed by Ian Lourens, on August 26 said signs of recovery from the damaging effects of the Covid-19 induced economic environment “only became evident well into the [financial] year under review”, ended May 31, while the different stages of lockdowns had varying impacts... →

OneLogix CEO Ian Lourens gives an executive summary of the group's results for the financial year ended May 31, 2021. Video: Creamer Media's Kutlwano Matlala. Editing: Creamer Media's Nicholas Boyd.

New transport initiative aims to empower almost a thousand women

By: Irma Venter 23rd August 2021 A new initiative championed by the Commercial Transport Academy (CTA) will aim to empower almost a thousand women in the transport sector. The Women Inspiring Women to Lead in Transport initiative comprises three structured programmes: CTA Excellence; Run With It; and Iron Women. →

CTA CEO Nicci Scott

Hyperloop punted as less-polluting, efficient transport solution

By: Irma Venter 20th August 2021 Hyperloop Transport Technologies (HyperloopTT) has unveiled HyperPort, a high-speed cargo and freight solution which it says is “capable of increasing capacity and efficiency while decreasing pollution and congestion at ports worldwide”. Developed in partnership with terminal operator Hamburger... →

Derby optimistic port terminal operators will partner with Transnet at Durban and Ngqura

By: Terence Creamer 18th August 2021 Transnet CEO Portia Derby says the State-owned freight logistics utility has had initial engagements with some international terminal operators and shipping companies regarding the potential to form partnerships to improve the performance of its container terminals at the ports of Durban and... →

Transnet CEO Portia Derby outlines the group's masterplan for the Port of Durban during a Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies webinar. Editing: Nicholas Boyd. Recorded: 18.8.2021

Transnet tests appetite of private port operators to partner with it at underperforming Durban and Ngqura container terminals

By: Terence Creamer 16th August 2021 State-owned freight logistics utility Transnet has initiated a process through which it aims to test whether international port terminal operators have the appetite to partner with it to improve the functioning of two underperforming container terminals at the ports of Durban and Ngqura... →

A Photo of a container ship at the Port of Ngqura

Photo by Creamer Media
A container ship at the Port of Ngqura

Without functional roads, South Africa faces socioeconomic dangers – Bakwena

By: Donna Slater 10th August 2021 Roads infrastructure developer Bakwena reports that the civil unrest of mid-July, which placed “chokeholds” on the national roads of the N2, N3 and major roads around Durban, as well as destabilised supply chains in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, are reminders of the crucial role played by road... →

KZN, Gauteng mayhem had ‘massive impact’ on truckers’ ability to deliver goods

By: Irma Venter 6th August 2021 Data released by telematics company Netstar has revealed the massive impact the widespread protests and looting seen in July had on the trucking industry’s ability to deliver goods to market. Netstar says three major clients lost more than 613 000 km in delivery miles in just five days. →

Control tower effectively monitors transport of chemicals

By: Halima Frost 6th August 2021 Specialist transport company Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions has noted a 42% improvement in driver awareness, while distracted driving incidents have decreased by 45%, since the launch of its centralised control tower in January 2017. The control tower manages Unitrans’ chemical, petrochemical,... →

An image of a large Unitrans truck bearing an abnormal loads sign

VANTAGE POINT Unitrans' new control tower uses new tech, trained staff and an aerial view of its yard to successfully dispatch its trucks throughout S. Africa

Covid exacerbates retail sector challenges

By: Nadine Ramdass 30th July 2021 Amid the negative impact of Covid-19 on the retail property sector, real estate investment trust company Liberty Two Degrees (L2D) FD José Snyders says rental relief enables retail businesses to navigate the effects of the pandemic while ensuring that retail spaces remain appealing to the public.... →

A photo of Liberty Two Degrees FD José Synders

JOSÉ SNYDERS Covid-19 has accelerated changes in the retail sector

Unitrans Africa launches dedicated Moz-Zim rail service

By: Irma Venter 30th July 2021 Using its partnerships with the National Railways of Zimbabwe, CFM Caminhos de Ferro de Mocambique and Traxtion, Unitrans Africa has opened a dedicated rail service between Maputo port and three major Zimbabwean trade hubs – Harare, Bulawayo and Gweru. Until now, this key section of rail has... →

Imperial goes ahead with J&J Group acquisition

By: Marleny Arnoldi 29th July 2021 JSE-listed Imperial Logistics’ subsidiary Imperial Capital Limited (ICL) has entered into agreements to acquire the J&J Group logistics company, which operates in Africa, for R4.4-billion. Imperial earlier in July announced it is in discussions involving the acquisition of a privately owned... →

Meat import associations call for perishables to be moved to inland cold storage facilities

By: Schalk Burger 29th July 2021 The South African Meat Processors Association (Sampa) and the South African Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE SA) have called for an action plan to ensure imported perishable food containers are re-routed to inland cold storage facilities, as KwaZulu-Natal facilities have been... →

Transnet Port Terminals' Navis operational

By: Schalk Burger 28th July 2021 State-owned Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) on July 28 said its Navis customer links were now fully operational at all container terminals. "All stakeholders are expected to fully use the Navis system, with the only exception being the Ngqura and Port Elizabeth Container Terminals that will... →

Bandits steal truckloads of copper worth millions in southern Africa - sources

By: Reuters 27th July 2021 Crime gangs have stolen dozens of truckloads of copper owned by miners and traders including Glencore, Trafigura and Traxys this year as they were heading to ports in southern Africa, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. Record high copper prices have triggered an increase in... →

Grindrod Shipping to acquire remainder of IVS Bulk joint venture

By: Irma Venter 27th July 2021 Grindrod Shipping Holdings has announced a number of transactions relating to the acquisition of the remaining 31.14% equity stake in its IVS Bulk joint venture (IVS Bulk). Grindrod Shipping Holdings is a global provider of maritime transportation services, predominantly in the drybulk sector. →

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