Changes in Italy: an update of the loading restrictions in Europe

Latest update on DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics operations

With this update DACHSER would like to inform about the current DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics operations across the regions APAC, EMEA and Americas. In the attached document (see download below) it is listed whether a country organization of DACHSER is operational or, if only limited or not at all, why this is the case. Since the situation in the countries may change rapidly, the attached document will be updated on a regular basis and published on our website.

We sincerely regret any inconveniences caused to our customers due to the pandemic. At DACHSER, we have contingency measures in place and will offer our customers the best alternative solutions to keep the supply chain running. Anyhow, the situation at ports, airports or customs authorities might cause delays. Furthermore, the capacity situation on the global airfreight market is very tense as there are basically no passenger flights operating at the moment.

At the same time, DACHSER has installed strict hygiene measures (e.g. home office) to ensure a safe working environment and to do our part in stopping the spread of the virus. DACHSER is trying to keep the impact of these measures as low as possible, however, together with the official measures by the governments, the precautions may lead to some delays in the operations.

In case of any questions and/or queries, please feel free to contact your local DACHSER representative.

Connectivity – A look at future technologies

What are LPWAN, NB-IoT, and LTE-M actually about? And what benefits do these future technologies offer specifically for logistics? 

Flexibility and consolidation are key to navigating Africa’s evolving logistics challenges

With logistics across Africa facing mounting complexities in 2025, businesses are under increasing pressure to overcome a range of challenges. From congested ports in South Africa to the difficulties of managing risks in high-volume shipping lanes like the Cape of Good Hope or securing airfreight capacity, companies must find innovative and reliable logistics solutions to remain competitive.

“The current logistics landscape demands flexibility, control, and efficiency,” says Detlev Duve, Managing Director at DACHSER South Africa. “We're finding solutions to address the challenges head-on, enabling our customers to operate with confidence.”

African businesses are grappling with several pressing issues in the logistics sector, says Duve. "Cape Town’s worsening port congestion, which can lead to vessel anchorage delays of up to 10 days, is disrupting timetables and pushing up costs. The rerouting of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope adds significant shipping time, up to 10 days. Increasing demand in airfreight as shippers switch to the skies is straining available capacity. Further complicating the picture, geopolitical tensions near critical trade corridors such as the Red Sea are creating ongoing risks for maritime traffic."

Compounding these challenges are rising freight rates, driven by a shift in capacity as larger vessels are repurposed for more lucrative global trade lanes, leaving smaller ships to service Africa. "For shippers, these market dynamics translate to tighter margins, reduced operational efficiencies, and heightened uncertainty," says Duve. "A close, transparent partnership with your logistics provider is critical."

DACHSER South Africa is stepping up to empower businesses across the region with tailored services, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships, providing solutions rooted in experience and expertise.

Visibility with advanced track and trace

In a market prone to unpredictability, remaining informed is essential. Within its integrated DACHSER platform the logistics provider has deployed an enhanced track-and-trace system offering visibility into shipments. This innovation allows businesses to monitor their goods’ movement with accuracy and make informed logistical decisions. “Being in control of your shipment status is critical in today’s environment, and our track-and-trace tools ensure that our customers are always one step ahead,” explains Duve.

Diversified shipping options, balancing transit time and costs

Duve says it's vital to quickly analyse costs and lead times across different ports and carriers to find the most suitable arrangements for specific business needs. "We're working with clients to balance transit time and costs, evaluating trade-offs between faster delivery and higher shipping expenses to determine cost-efficient solutions."

Consolidation strategy to combat rising freight costs

To counter rising freight rates caused by limited capacity on certain routes, DACHSER has enhanced its global LCL services, which consolidate multiple small shipments into one larger consignment. This approach allows businesses to optimise their logistics budgets. DACHSER has also expanded its own consolidations specifically designed to manage time-sensitive cargo.
 

“At DACHSER, we manage block bookings for key trade routes and time-sensitive shipments, ensuring our customers receive cost-effective yet reliable service,” underscores Duve. By refining its already extensive consolidation network, DACHSER is extending access to more affordable shipping solutions without compromising on delivery timelines.

Supporting airfreight needs with block space agreements

The story of airfreight in 2025 centres on demand outpacing capacity, especially as online retail continues its steady growth. To fill this gap, DACHSER leverages its strategic block space agreements with air carriers. These agreements secure much-needed capacity for businesses reliant on airfreight, while DACHSER’s consolidation of shipments reduces overall costs.

“With our airfreight consolidation services backed by efficient block booking systems, our customers can move critical consignments without delay—even amidst volatile market conditions,” Duve explains.

Streamlining customs with AEO expertise

Navigating customs procedures is often a bottleneck in the African logistics chain. By securing top-tier Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) approval from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), DACHSER provides its customers expedited customs clearance and access to a dedicated SARS channel to resolve issues swiftly.
 

“We’re proud to be an approved AEO service provider. This not only streamlines border control processes for our customers but also guarantees reliability in unpredictable conditions,” adds Duve.

Sustaining an efficient supply chain requires constant adaptation and collaboration. By equipping businesses in Africa with robust digital tools, streamlined customs practices and scalable consolidation options, DACHSER effectively addresses both the immediate and long-term challenges in logistics.
 

“We are strategic partners invested in helping our customers build resilient supply chains,” says Duve. “From enhanced visibility to cost-saving strategies, DACHSER delivers solutions that adapt and evolve in sync with Africa’s dynamic markets.”
 

It is time to take proactive steps towards reliable logistics. Reach out to DACHSER today for comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.

(ENDS)

About DACHSER:

DACHSER, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics and DACHSER Road Logistics. The latter is divided into two business lines, DACHSER European Logistics and DACHSER Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s offerings. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems provide for intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 37,300 employees at 433 locations all over the globe, DACHSER generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.0 billion in 2024. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 82.3 million shipments weighing 44.1 million metric tons. Country organisations represent DACHSER in 43 countries. For more information about DACHSER, please visit dachser.com

Craft food trend requires suitable logistics concepts

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, the demand for craft food has increased significantly. Throughout Europe, more and more consumers are attaching importance to sustainably produced food, produced in small manufactories and not by large industrial companies. A trend that requires dedicated logistics experts.

The demand for sustainably produced food is increasing significantly. For example, 82 percent of all Germans already make sure when buying food that the product comes from the region. This is the result of the representative survey "Nutrition in the Corona Crisis" conducted by forsa on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) among 1000 citizens. Small businesses with craft competence and food start-ups wanting to position themselves in the market with craft food and wanting to preserve the tradition of the food craft increasingly profit from this development.

"Regionality and sustainability are gaining importance."

Consumers focus on sustainability and, in small quantities, food produced according to traditional methods. "Sustainable" has become the buzzword for healthy, environmentally friendly food. "The world is changing. It is a genetic phenomenon that in times of upheaval, people look for new sources of food," explains futurologist Max Thinius. For years he has been conducting research on the subject of food, advising various regions in Germany on the digitization of everyday life, the working and nutritional world of the population and is a frequent guest on the German government's scientific advisory council.

"Regionality and sustainability of food, but also the health of the individual, are becoming increasingly important. In the future we will have food of the best quality and new technologies to evaluate and use this quality in relation to our health". According to Thinius, new production methods such as intercropping, in which different plants are cultivated that complement each other in terms of growth and soil use, and selective care carried out by care and harvesting robots will make up to 90 percent of pesticides redundant in the future, he says.

"Soon, Craft Food will no longer be confined to the small regional grower. Together with intelligent working environments and modern technologies, large new food structures are in the process of being created here.” But the new food culture’s pioneers are currently still the small, innovative farms.

Small quantities safely transported – all across Europe

This rapidly growing craft food movement requires logistics concepts that meet the requirements. "Food manufacturers place different demands on logistics providers than industrial companies do", says Marc Hackländer, Head of European Network & Partner Development at DACHSER. The products are only manufactured in small quantities for narrow, like-minded target groups, not for an anonymous mass market where availability and price are the focus. As a result, the major European retail chains and discounters are often excluded as recipients. Nevertheless, these manufacturers, which up to now have often been regionally oriented, are looking for new sales channels and are attracting interest from customers in neighboring European countries.

The European Food Network specializes in the Europe-wide transport of food, even in small quantities. The member companies of the alliance are ideally positioned for this type of job. The food logistics companies are regional specialists who have grown over many years from family structures to national players, but have always remained close to their customers. Marc Hackländer: "The vehicles must be able to cope with the conditions at the pick-up and delivery location, often there are no ramps. Communication and customer processes take place on other levels - this is where listening and consulting are required, flexibility, solution orientation, thinking along with the customer. This is time-consuming, but it is worth it and it is a pleasure to be able to grow with the companies".