Latest update: Current loading restrictions in Europe due to Covid-19

Supporting Africa’s logistics needs with bulk ocean freight

Before seafreight containers took over sixty years ago, break bulk was the main form of moving cargo. Roughly 90% of all goods worldwide are still shipped by sea, of which 70% is now containerised cargo. Break bulk seafreight however still makes up a significant segment of transportation and has several advantages for clients, whether by air or seafreight, says Detlev Duve, managing director of DACHSER South Africa.

Globally, logistics leader DACHSER has undertaken many complex break bulk shipments. Due to Africa’s economic reliance on the extraction of natural resources, logistics operators in Africa will often be required to facilitate the movement of large machinery and parts.

DACHSER strengthens its interlocking presence at Frankfurt Airport

On 1 July 2020, DACHSER strengthened its networking between the Air & Sea Logistics and European Logistics business segments at Frankfurt Airport and is now bundling air freight import traffic for Germany and other European countries at Frankfurt Airport.

Once the air freight arrives at Frankfurt Airport and is accepted into the air freight warehouse, it is fed directly into the DACHSER European Logistics network, which has a branch office at the airport. With Europe-wide delivery from Frankfurt via the network, DACHSER thus offers its customers a uniform and reliable solution from the point of departure overseas to delivery in Europe. It is now also possible to offer customers end-to-end monitoring of their consignment via eLogistics.

If you have any questions in this regard, please contact your personal contact person at the relevant DACHSER branch.

Golden Week in China - October  2025

From October 1 to October 8, 2025, most businesses and factories in China will be closed for the National Day Golden Week holiday. As one of the world’s largest manufacturing hubs, this extended break may significantly impact global supply chains. Early preparation is key to minimizing potential disruptions.

About Golden Week

Golden Week is a 7-day national holiday in China that commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1. During this period, many people travel domestically or reunite with family. Like many other businesses, DACHSER in China will be closed from October 1 to October 8, 2025, and will resume normal operations on October 9, 2025.

What to expect during the holiday?

Factories and offices will largely suspend operations, resulting in a temporary halt in production.

Airports and seaports will continue functioning but with reduced staffing due to lower cargo volumes.

Government agencies, including customs, are typically closed during this holiday period, which may delay clearance processes.

How to prepare and maintain supply chain efficiency?

Given China’s pivotal role in global trade and manufacturing, this annual holiday period may influence logistics timelines and production schedules. To ensure continuity and reduce potential delays, we recommend the following actions:

Coordinate with suppliers and customers to secure adequate inventory and align expectations.

Share your shipment forecasts with us to support long-term planning and identify optimal logistics solutions.

Sea freight: Service disruptions, including blank sailings, are anticipated. For LCL cargo movements, please stay closely connected with our office to stay informed of schedule changes and plan loading accordingly.

Air freight: The cut-off time for Standard service is 12:00 noon on September 29, 2025, and for Speed/Express service, it is 12:00 noon on September 30, 2025.

For further assistance or to discuss your logistics needs, please reach out to your regular DACHSER contact. We’re here to help you plan ahead and ensure a smooth transition through the holiday period.

Break Bulk Service between Frankfurt and Johannesburg

Airfreight consolidation, or break bulk, is the consolidation of several shipments from various shippers that are destined for the same port or airport overseas. DACHSER South Africa provides a bi-weekly consolidation/break bulk airfreight service between South Africa and Europe, originating in Germany at the company’s Frankfurt Gateway. This offers a cost-effective solution for smaller importers, especially through the challenges of COVID-19. “Different offices in and around Europe deliver cargo into our Frankfurt Gateway and we make use of a weekly service departing from Frankfurt each Saturday and Tuesday. We build up our own unit load devices (ULD), meaning cargo pallet, for the carriers to ship to Johannesburg”, says Detlev Duve Managing Director of DACHSER South Africa.

“Various customers can make up these units, which are moved under one Master Airway Bill. Each consignment is designated to a specific consignee, and  flown to us in South Africa. Once the units arrive in Johannesburg, we break the consolidation apart per House Airway Bill and proceed with customs clearance and other necessary documents.  We then arrange for the cargo to be delivered to our customers.”