Global Logistics Lens - March
- Mar 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 13
As we move into March, global freight markets continue to adjust to shifting demand patterns, tighter capacity management, and ongoing routing volatility. February delivered gradual improvements across selected trade lanes, particularly where carrier discipline has supported more balanced supply and demand conditions. At the same time, familiar pressure points remain clearly visible. Transit reliability continues to fluctuate across major corridors, inland execution remains inconsistent in certain regions, and schedule integrity is still not fully stabilised. Our Global Logistics Lens provides a consolidated view of the developments shaping your supply chain, both globally and here in South Africa, along with practical insight to support your planning into Q2.
Key Highlights:
Global Ocean freight rates softened further across major trade lanes.
Red Sea diversions continue to extend transit times and affect schedule reliability.
Carriers implemented blank sailings to stabilise pricing, tightening short-term space on selected sailings.
South African port performance improved month-on-month.
Inland logistics and truck booking constraints remain a key risk area.
Q2 demand outlook remains cautious, with potential for rate volatility.
End-to-End Visibility Is Becoming Standard, Not Optional.
South African Trade
South Africa’s ports remain central to the country’s trade, moving everything from consumer goods to key industrial products. Recent operational improvements have led to more reliable vessel schedules and faster cargo turnaround times at Durban, Cape Town and Ngqura. While performance and consistency have improved, weather disruptions and periodic congestion continue to highlight the importance of forward planning and real-time supply chain visibility to keep cargo moving efficiently.
Port Operations:
February reflected steady improvement compared to late January pressures. While performance trends are positive, consistency across terminals remains critical as volumes fluctuate. We expand below on the most recent field challenges at our key ports:
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is implementing a new, updated Truck Booking System to enhance efficiency, with recent rollouts targeting Eastern Cape Terminals (NCT) in February 2026.
Inland Logistics & Rail:
Inland logistics and rail operations continue to require proactive planning and close coordination. Truck booking congestion persists during peak stack periods, while key road corridors into Durban face pressure during high-volume windows. Although rail reliability is gradually improving, inconsistencies remain on certain routes, and cross-border shipments demand careful documentation preparation to avoid delays.
For Exporters:
Confirm stack dates and equipment allocations early.
Plan around inland congestion peaks.
Ensure documentation is fully prepared prior to cargo movement.
For Importers:
Build additional transit buffer into Asia–South Africa planning.
Leverage softer rate conditions where commercially viable.
Monitor blank sailing announcements before confirming urgent shipments.
Across all sectors, early communication and realistic scheduling remain the most effective risk management tools.
Global Trade
Global trade continues to operate in a complex and fast-shifting environment shaped by evolving customs requirements and inland logistics constraints. For shippers and logistics partners, success increasingly depends on proactive planning and strong coordination across the supply chain. Staying informed about broader freight trends is essential to managing risk, controlling costs, and maintaining consistent cargo flow in a competitive international market.
Global Port & Inland Performance
Unlisted ports per region are experiencing minimal delays, measured as monthly averages from weekly performance.
Africa & Indian Ocean Islands
Ghana/Nigeria/Angola - Berthing delays of 3-6 days experienced at main ports
Ivory Coast – Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Abidjan port
Kenya - Berthing delays of 7 days experienced at Mombasa, equipment shortages remain a challenge
Tanzania- Berthing delays of 9 days at Dar Es Salaam due to terminal gate and road congestion
Mozambique– Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Maputo and Beira 24 days vessel waiting time due to high port congestion and intermittent wind.
Mauritius- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Port Louis. Weather disruptions continue
North America
Canada
Toronto/ Montreal/ Vancouver – Berthing delays of 2-6 days experienced at main ports, with disruptions due to infrastructure failure and high volumes
U.S.A
New York/New Jersey/Savannah - Berthing delays of 4-6 days experienced at these terminals.
Charleston/Long Beach/Los Angeles - Berthing delays of 2-3 days experienced at main terminals.
*February was the start to severe winter weather conditions, please anticipate delays and port closures
*MSC advises that port call of Tema is expected to be removed from the rotation, with only Tincan being a port call between Freeport and Durban. This change has not yet been affected on the MSC published schedules.
Latin America
Argentina - Berthing delays of 8 days at Buenos Aires, port congestion after February strike by maritime workers
Brazil - Berthing delays are minimal, Port terminals in Santos are experiencing some delay.
Mexico - Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Altamira port. Veracruz and Manzanillo are operating normally.
*Widespread disruptions to freight and logistics have occurred due to the death of cartel leader
North West, United Kingdom, Mediterranean
Belgium/Spain/France/Germany/Italy/Turkey/Netherlands - Berthing delays of 4-6 days experienced at main ports.
UK - Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at London Gateway Port. Yard utilisation remains high
*Cold weather continues across Europe, causing port congestion and severely impacting vessel rotation
*Container transshipment delays may be experienced at various hubs – Las Palmas, Algeciras.
Indian Sub-continent & Middle East
India/Sri Lanka - Berthing delays are minimal, occasional weather-related delays
UAE – Berthing delays are minimal, implementation MPCI (advance filing) is underway and effective from 1 April 2026
APAC (Including Oceania)
Qingdao/Nansha/Shanghai/Shekou/Xiamen – Berthing delays of 2-4 days experienced at these ports
Tianjin – Berthing delays of 9 days experienced
Singapore– Berthing delays of 2 days experienced
*Post Lunar New Year volumes return gradually with some temporary backlogs and congestion remain.
*Carrier blank sailings and freight rate changes ongoing
Red Sea routing and global network disruption
Developments from late January continue to influence vessel routing decisions. Many services remain diverted via the Cape of Good Hope rather than the Suez Canal.
Current impact includes:
Extended transit times (often 10–14+ days on affected trades)
Increased fuel exposure
Schedule reliability fluctuations
Higher vessel volumes along southern routes
For South African importers and exporters, maintaining transit buffers remains essential, particularly for time-sensitive cargo.
Ocean Freight Market:
In February, ocean freight spot rates continued to ease on the Asia to Europe and Transpacific routes. With Lunar New Year, shipment volumes have slowed as factories reduced output ahead of the holiday period, particularly in consumer related sectors. Carriers responded by cancelling selected sailings to manage capacity and support rate levels. At the same time, discussions around second quarter contracts are starting, with both carriers and customers reviewing pricing and volume commitments. Overall capacity remains available but on demand and is being managed carefully in line with expected holiday slowdowns.
For importers and exporters, this environment offers an opportunity to review current rate levels. However, fewer sailings may create space pressure on certain vessels. Forward planning and early bookings remain important to avoid delays during the holiday period and the immediate ramp up that follows.
End-to-End Visibility Is Becoming Standard, Not Optional
Shippers increasingly prefer fully integrated, end-to-end logistics providers because they reduce complexity and improve visibility. They also strengthen risk management across global supply chains. Industry leaders highlight that AI and digital platforms are accelerating consolidation toward providers that can offer broader, tech-enabled solutions.
At SCT Supply Chain Solutions, we support this shift through an integrated, end-to-end approach that gives clients a single accountable partner from origin to destination. More recently, we launched our online customer portal, providing real-time shipment tracking with access to documents and key performance data in one place. With transparency and integrity at the core of how we operate, SCT offers more than clearing and forwarding — we help businesses manage logistics with confidence, control, and real value.
Freight News
We understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in our industry and we wish to highlight just a few articles which you might find of interest.
Sources & References
Seatrade Maritime / Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / Maersk / Openpr / Transnet / WeFreight / MSC / AfricaPorts / Container Statistics+News / Flexport / Phaata / SACO / Hellenic Shipping / Worldcargonews/ Maritime Executive / GCaptain/ Linerlytica / Sea Intelligence / Splash247 / Freight Waves / Xeneta / JOC / DHL / African Mining / Ean Network / Hapag Lloyd / Deloitte.