Your monthly pulse on what’s influencing fulfillment, eCommerce, and logistics across South Africa.
SA Ports Post Strong Year-End Volumes Amid Variable Performance
South African ports maintained robust cargo activity as December progressed, with national container throughput rising again in early month reporting. Durban continued to deliver consistent terminal performance with improved crane availability, while Cape Town faced sporadic weather-related delays. Wind also impact intermittently slowed operations though overall throughput remained stronger than recent years. Forwarders are urging importers and exporters to plan cut-offs and bookings earlier in Q1 2026 as weather and capacity constraints persist.
Holiday Shopping Peaks Earlier, Stretching Logistics Demand
Seasonal commerce flows are no longer confined to late December. South African consumers began festive and Black Friday related purchasing earlier, extending logistics peaks into November and December. Digital-first shopping and tiered delivery options, expedited vs deferred are influencing carrier planning, with parcel flows more evenly stretched across weeks and necessitating advanced forecasting and capacity planning.
Return Wave Intensifies Holiday Operational Pressure
Retailers and 3PLs are now managing a significant spike in returns coming off Black Friday and Christmas purchases. A trend globally noted this month which is straining reverse logistics capacity and customer support teams. Early projections show return volumes up sharply YoY, highlighting the importance of efficient NDR handling and reverse fulfillment readiness.
Rail and Road Freight: Mixed Signals as Capacity Adjusts
While private-sector access and liberalization efforts continue to open ways for rail and freight operators, volumes are still stabilizing. Transnet reported stronger rail freight results and improved operational financials, suggesting a gradual turnaround in line with sector reforms. However, some operators note lingering equipment and line availability issues that keep pressure on road carriers and inland depots during the peak season.
Micro Fulfillment & Warehousing Trends Gain Traction
With continued eCommerce growth and mobile-first shopping patterns, brands and 3PLs in Gauteng, Durban, and Cape Town are leaning into micro fulfillment and urban stock hubs to support shorter delivery windows and improved SLAs. Urban warehousing demand is rising as same-day and next-day delivery promises become standard expectations from consumers.
Port Tariff Changes and Cost Pressures Hit Planning Models
Industry players are navigating recent increases in port tariffs that many see as necessary for investment but challenging for cost-sensitive carriers and importers. The tariff adjustments are feeding into landed cost strategies for 2026 and are likely to influence pricing, routing, and inventory decisions as companies rebalance total supply chain cost structures.
Payments, Checkout & eCommerce Conversion Dynamics
South Africa’s online retail market continues its rapid evolution, with more sophisticated mobile checkout, BNPL options, and integrated local payments reshaping conversion rates. These payment behaviors are central to how ecommerce brands forecast demand and scale fulfillment, especially as digital channels capture a larger share of annual retail turnover.
Shiprazor Insight of the Month
December confirms a clear directive for sellers: anticipation beats reaction in peak-period logistics. Early consumer buying patterns, extended peak season peaks, and amplified returns require retailers. Also logistics partners to integrate demand forecasting, distributed inventory strategies, and adaptive delivery networks into consolidated, data-driven supply chain workflows. As 2026 approaches, brands that align procurement, fulfillment, deliveries, and returns with visibility and automation will be best positioned to convert festive activity into sustained growth.
