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05/06/2020
DACHSER launches 30th charter flight

Since the start of the coronavirus crisis at the end of February, DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics has chartered 30 aircraft and transported a total of over 60 million respiratory masks plus medical items, such as personal protective equipment and protective gloves, for its customers. At the end of April, DACHSER organized eight charter flights in one week for the first time in the company’s history, including three on the Hong Kong—Los Angeles route.

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05/12/2020
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.

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12/12/2022
New custom fleet enhances DACHSER South Africa capabilities

DACHSER South Africa has expanded its Johannesburg-based road freight fleet with eleven new Hino trucks, further enhancing the companies road freight capabilities through Africa. Over the next few months, the vehicle fleet in the company’s Cape Town office will also be expanded. Growth in demand and delivering on the specialised needs of clients is driving the expansion of the South African operation of the international logistics leader as the country emerges from the challenges of the pandemic.

“We’re excited to extend our fleet of Hino trucks, which are robust, reliable and have sophisticated in-vehicle technology that makes them an ideal tool in the integrated logistics solutions we offer for customers,” says Detlev Duve, Managing Director of DACHSER South Africa. “Our decision to purchase these trucks, ranging from 4-ton to 15-ton vehicles and including flatbeds, tautliners and pantechnicons, was based on Hino’s proven track record for manufacturing high-quality, reliable vehicles. They are factory-fitted with all the creature comforts that make the driver's experience much more enjoyable, so that they can focus on providing the best service possible.”   

Two of the new vehicles have been custom built for specific client needs, reflecting Dachser South Africa’s commitment to tailoring logistics to meet specific client requirements as a valued strategic partner. To meet the needs of the solar, heavy office equipment and medical industries, the trucks are equipped with tail lifts and cantilevers. This makes deliveries to smaller premises easier and safer, where forklifts are not always available. All vehicles are hazardous goods compliant and fitted with cameras and tracking devices to optimise track and trace capabilities.

“Our strategic goal has always been to work closely with our clients to ensure that we put structures and services in place to fit their needs, whether it be in the warehouse or on our vehicles. We build our longterm client relationships this way,” says Duve.

DACHSER South Africa has been providing a highly competitive road freight service for over twenty years, including over-border consolidation and full truckload services. The company provides general road, air and sea freight transport, supplemented by specialised transport services for industry-specific materials including foodstuffs, chemicals, spares and bulk mining machinery.

Road freight in Africa can pose clear challenges and logistics companies must be prepared to be competitive, according to Duve. “Transporting goods throughout the continent requires a strong fleet, an established network of support partners, a team that has up-to-date information on multi-country customs and border control changes or requirements, solid tracking processes, and hands-on knowledge of diverse infrastructures and the challenges they may present.”

A successful road freight service is one that is well coordinated and planned from the outset, as well as effectively tracked en route. DACHSER South Africa manages supply chains using its digital, real-time platform to ensure that both the client and the consignee are able to see where the consignment is at all times. 

DACHSER South Africa further offers consolidation services where multiple consignments for different, medium-sized companies are transported in one truck, or a fleet of trucks. “Clients need to make sure they are dealing with established providers when it comes to consolidation, as shipments can be severely impeded by the clearing processes and turnaround times of the order from destination to origin,” says Duve. “We pre-empt any challenges through having strict protocols and detailed processes in place, including processing documents at the border prior loading, and getting all shipments released prior to truck arrival and subsequent departure.” 

Another value adding service is the company’s full truckload 24-hour notice period. “This essentially means that a client is notified 24 hours prior to loading in order to check the availability of vehicles - a real advantage for our customers,” says Duve.

“With our strong network, we are continuously developing new routes, building our fleet and devising sustainable road freight and logistics processes. By doing so, we are supporting our client’s growth on the African continent and the continued development of Africa’s overall prosperity. It’s exciting to be a part of this growth.”  

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12/05/2024
Navigating the future of logistics in sub-Saharan Africa: opportunities and challenges

The potential for logistics in Sub-Saharan Africa is immense. With a population exceeding one billion and a rapidly growing middle class, consumer demand for goods and services is on the rise. According to the African Development Bank, the continent’s GDP is expected to grow by 3.4% in 2024, driven by increased consumer spending and improved business climates in key economies.

Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aim to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariffs and streamlining customs procedures. This agreement, covering 54 African countries, is creating a single market of 1.2 billion people with a combined GDP of over $3 trillion, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth. Investors are increasingly exploring opportunities in Africa across sectors such as energy, mining, construction, and logistics.

As the global transition to renewable energy accelerates, Africa further has the potential to become a key hub for both renewable energy and critical minerals. The continent is rich in critical minerals vital for manufacturing renewable energy sources and possesses untapped natural gas fields. Effective integration of strategic logistics solutions is essential to fully unlock this economic potential.

The opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for logistics in Africa present a unique landscape for growth and innovation. However, to harness this potential, we must address the inherent challenges with foresight and strategic planning.

Opportunities abound

The logistics sector in Africa is poised for significant advances due to several key factors.
Firstly, the continent's infrastructure development is gaining momentum, with numerous investments targeting roads, railways, and ports to enhance connectivity. Improved transport networks will facilitate smoother distribution channels, allowing businesses to thrive.

The rise of e-commerce in Africa is transforming the way goods are traded, creating a burgeoning demand for efficient logistics services. As more consumers turn to online shopping, companies must adapt their logistics strategies to support rapid delivery models.

The adoption of technology in logistics—ranging from advanced tracking systems to automation—offers the potential for increased efficiency and reduced costs.

Lastly, as African countries continue to embrace renewable energy solutions, there's an opportunity for sustainable logistics practices to emerge, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Collectively, these opportunities signal a transformative era for the logistics landscape in Africa.

Challenges to overcome

Despite these opportunities, the logistics sector in Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant hurdles.
One of the primary challenges foreign investors face in Africa is the underdeveloped infrastructure for logistics. The World Bank reports that less than 30% of the continent’s roads are paved, which exacerbates the costs and complexities of moving goods. This shortfall hinders the economically viable import and export of essential strategic goods and minerals needed to establish new markets and infrastructure.

While large international corporations have recently made substantial investments across the continent, it is crucial for African nations to focus on upgrading and repairing existing supply chain assets, such as roads, railways, ports, and warehouses to enhance their capacity to attract further foreign investment.

High logistics costs, exacerbated by inefficient port processes and a lack of digital solutions, remain a primary concern. Moreover, regulatory hurdles continue to impede the seamless flow of goods across the region. Inconsistent customs regulations and lengthy clearance times can lead to delays and increased costs, impacting the overall efficiency of supply chains.

Inefficient port processes are critical nodes in the logistics network, and many African ports suffer from inefficiencies that lead to delays and increased costs. Modernising port infrastructure, implementing advanced management systems such as automated container handling, and real-time tracking could significantly enhance port efficiency. Additionally, while the potential of digital technologies is vast, their current adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa is slow, necessitating investments in technology and digital literacy to overcome these challenges.

A strategic approach

At DACHSER South Africa, we understand these challenges and are committed to providing intelligent logistics solutions that cater to the unique needs of the Sub-Saharan market. Our approach leverages technology and a deep understanding of the local market. We offer customised services such as air and ocean freight, contract logistics, and warehousing solutions tailored to specific industry needs. For instance, our expertise in automotive and healthcare logistics allows us to support these critical sectors with precision and reliability.

Information security is a cornerstone of our operations. We have obtained TISAX® Level 2 certification, ensuring that our logistics processes meet the highest standards of data protection. This commitment to security helps safeguard our clients' supply chains and builds trust in our capabilities. Sustainability is also a key focus for DACHSER. We are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint through investments in energy-efficient technologies and more sustainable transport solutions. Since 2022, Dachser has been purchasing 100% green energy on a global level.  By promoting eco-friendly practices, we aim to lead the charge towards a more sustainable logistics future in Africa.

The future of logistics in Sub-Saharan Africa is bright, but realising its full potential requires a concerted effort to overcome existing challenges. By harnessing the region's opportunities and addressing its hurdles with innovative solutions, we're confident in our ability to drive growth and efficiency in this dynamic market as we work with our clients to navigate the complexities of the logistics landscape and unlock new avenues for success in Africa. The AfCFTA and regional cooperation will be vital in this transformation, connecting African markets and enhancing global competitiveness. Now is the time for businesses to invest in Sub-Saharan Africa; the potential for growth and development is immense, and with the right strategies in place, the region can become a global logistics powerhouse.

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