C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa provides fully integrated air and sea chartering solutions for time-critical, oversized, or high-value cargo. Whether it’s securing dedicated aircraft for emergency lift or chartering a vessel for bulk shipments, we deliver precision planning, transparent coordination, and complete control from origin to destination. With direct access to global carriers, vessel owners, and aircraft operators, we ensure your cargo moves securely and efficiently—by air or sea—under one trusted logistics partner.
Need immediate lift or vessel capacity? Speak to our air and sea charter specialists for a customised, end-to-end solution.
Key Benefits
- Dedicated air and sea charter services for urgent, high-value, or out-of-gauge cargo.
- Global reach through an extensive partner network of vessel owners, carriers, and operators.
- 24/7 operations and rapid response for emergency or time-sensitive shipments.
- Full access to aircraft and vessel types — from turboprops and freighters to bulk and breakbulk ships.
- Certified handling for hazardous, temperature-controlled, and NCACC/IMO-regulated goods.
- On-board courier and hand-carry options for critical air cargo.
- Transparent pricing and route planning for cost-efficient operations.
- Integrated ground handling, port operations, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery.
- Full compliance with IATA, AVSEC, Part 108, IMO, and SAMSA standards.
- Single-point coordination from charter booking to final delivery.
What is Chartering in Freight Transport?
A charter service gives you exclusive use of an aircraft or vessel for a specific shipment or project. Unlike scheduled transport, chartering allows full control over routing, capacity, and timing — ideal for cargo that can’t fit standard service schedules or requires special handling.
At C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa, our chartering team designs both air and sea transport plans that optimise cost, time, and compliance, delivering maximum flexibility and reliability for complex, high-value, or urgent shipments.
C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa’s Air & Sea Charter Services
C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa provides fully integrated air and sea charter solutions designed for speed, precision, and reliability. Whether moving bulk cargo by sea or time-critical freight by air, our dedicated charter services give clients full control over routing, capacity, and scheduling — with end-to-end coordination across ports, airports, and inland facilities.
Direct Global Access and Negotiated Freight Advantage
Through direct contact with vessel owners and international air carriers, we negotiate the most competitive freight rates and combine compatible cargoes to reduce cost.
Charters can be arranged into or out of South Africa to destinations worldwide, leveraging our Pan-African depots and facilities — where C. Steinweg is a majority shareholder — to ensure consistent service and seamless cross-border operations.
Dedicated Charter Control and Real-Time Visibility
Each project is managed by a dedicated charter controller who oversees bookings, documentation, and port or ground handling from initial collection to final delivery. Using customised tracking software and direct integration with port authority systems, our teams ensure that every consignment remains traceable, compliant, and delivered safely, on time, and intact.
Global Fleet Access and Partner Network
Through the worldwide C. Steinweg Group and its trusted network of aviation and maritime partners, we provide access to aircraft and vessels of every size and capacity — from turboprops and freighters to bulk carriers and heavy-lift ships. This global reach enables us to optimise routing, laycan scheduling, and transit-to-cost ratios, ensuring efficient turnaround, fuel economy, and complete visibility from origin to destination.
Specialised Air Chartering Services
Our air cargo charter solutions support urgent, oversized, and high-value shipments that require dedicated aircraft capacity. As an IATA-approved and Part 108-compliant service provider, we offer global reach, 24/7 responsiveness, and total transparency.
Our specialised air charter services include:
- Heavy and out-of-gauge freight such as industrial machinery, mining parts, and construction equipment.
- High-value cargo including precious metals, electronics, and currency.
- Perishables and temperature-controlled goods such as pharmaceuticals and fresh produce.
- Hazardous and NCACC-regulated materials, including chemicals and defence-related items.
- Humanitarian and emergency consignments for relief and medical aid.
Each charter flight is tracked in real time, with full documentation, customs management, and compliance with IATA, AVSEC, and SACAA standards.
Specialised Sea Chartering Services
Our sea charter division provides bespoke vessel chartering for bulk, breakbulk, and project cargoes. Acting as both brokers and agents, we negotiate directly with vessel owners to secure optimal rates, reliable capacity, and safe passage for your cargo — coastal or deep-sea.
Our specialised sea charter services Include:
- Full and part-charter arrangements, including time charters for voyage flexibility.
- Transport of IMCO/IMO-classified and Class 1 hazardous cargo, with guidance on NEQ limits and optimal port selection.
- Abnormal or oversized shipments, including permit applications, route surveys, dunnage preparation, lashing, securing, and escort coordination.
- Supply of shipper-owned containers for single-use or special projects.
- Laycan coordination to align cargo readiness with vessel schedules and reduce port delays.
- Floating-crane operations where shoreside equipment or ship’s gear cannot accommodate loading or discharge, including Class 1 compliance where required.
- Survey and tally functions, ensuring condition inspection, cargo count, and verified loading/discharge accuracy.
- Full stevedoring operations, including safe lashing, securing, and voyage preparation.
- Coordination with regulatory authorities such as SAPS, the Fire Department, SAMSA, the Harbour Master, and the Marine Safety Office for hazardous cargo approvals.
- Integrated import/export clearances and marine documentation for smooth customs processing.
From ferro-alloys and steel to project cargo and soft commodities, our sea chartering experts ensure every shipment is handled with precision — on time, on budget, and in full compliance with international shipping standards.
End-to-End Sea and Air Charter Logistics
C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa integrates both air and ocean charter freight within a complete, multimodal logistics framework. Each charter connects seamlessly with rail and road operations, allowing cargo to move directly between ports, airports, and inland depots. From vessel or aircraft booking and customs clearance to last-mile delivery, our single-point management ensures full visibility, faster transit, and reduced handling times.
Industry Expertise Across Sectors
With over three decades of experience supporting mining, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors, we deliver specialised air and sea cargo charter logistics tailored to industry demands. Our planners, marine surveyors, and loadmasters ensure every shipment — by air or sea — meets the highest international handling and safety standards.
Customs and Documentation Expertise
At C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa, every charter service is supported by our in-house customs and documentation team to guarantee smooth, compliant, and delay-free clearance. We manage all required documents, including air waybills, manifests, bills of lading, export permits, and certificates of origin, with direct integration to SARS systems and alignment with IATA, IMO, and Part 108 frameworks.
Compliance, Accreditations and Certifications
All C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa ocean and air charter operations comply with international aviation, maritime, trade, and security compliance regulations.
Our globally recognised credentials and certifications reflect our commitment to safety, transparency, and operational excellence. Every air and sea charter is managed under rigorous quality and security systems, ensuring full compliance with IATA, AVSEC, Part 108, IMO, and SAMSA regulations.
Credentials and Certifications:
- IATA-approved air freight forwarder
- Part 108 regulated agent
- AVSEC-certified air cargo screening
- SAMSA & IMO compliance for maritime operations
- ISO 9001:2015 certification
- AEO Level 2 accreditation
- EcoVadis Sustainability Rating (Silver)
- NCACC accreditation for controlled goods
- SAAFF and SASDC membership
- Full SHEQ compliance
- B-BBEE Level 1 certification (135% procurement recognition)
Related Services: How Air & Sea Charter Services Fit Into Your Supply Chain
Air and sea chartering form a vital part of our end-to-end logistics network, providing flexible, scalable transport solutions for complex cargo movements. Integrated with freight forwarding, warehousing, customs clearance, and multimodal transport, they offer complete control over scheduling, capacity, and delivery routes. From urgent air lifts to large-scale sea movements, C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa ensures your cargo moves efficiently and securely across global and regional trade lanes.
Why Partner with C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa?
C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa combines global aviation and maritime partnerships with local compliance expertise to deliver dependable, secure, and responsive air and sea charter services. Every project is managed by dedicated charter controllers who oversee all bookings, documentation, and port or ground handling — ensuring full visibility and control from loading to final delivery.
- Rapid mobilisation of dedicated vessels and aircraft for urgent, oversized, or high-value cargo.
- 24/7 global operations with full network support and local coordination at ports and airports.
- Proven expertise in regulated, hazardous, and project-based charter logistics.
- Seamless integration with road, rail, warehousing, and customs clearance for end-to-end efficiency.
- Transparent pricing, robust governance, and real-time shipment visibility from origin to destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cargo are best suited for air or sea chartering?
Air and sea charter services are ideal for shipments requiring exclusive transport, faster delivery, or specialised handling. This includes oversized machinery, high-value goods, perishables, hazardous or IMCO/IMO-classified materials, humanitarian aid, and project cargo. At C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa, we match each shipment to the most suitable aircraft or vessel, ensuring maximum safety, compliance, and efficiency.
How does a charter service differ from regular freight transport?
Regular freight forwarding relies on scheduled carrier services and shared capacity.
A charter service provides exclusive use of an aircraft or vessel, allowing full control over routing, scheduling, load configuration, and security — ideal for time-critical, high-value, or complex shipments that demand precision and flexibility.
What types of aircraft and vessels are available for charter?
We charter a wide range of transport options, from light turboprops and wide-body freighters to bulk carriers, breakbulk ships, and heavy-lift vessels. Equipment is selected based on cargo weight, dimensions, destination, and handling requirements, ensuring the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
How much does it cost to charter an aircraft or vessel?
Charter pricing depends on multiple factors, including cargo weight and dimensions, distance, equipment type, route, and handling requirements. Rates are quoted per voyage or flight and include fuel, port or landing fees, and ground or marine handling. For an accurate estimate, please request a personalised quote from our team.
Does C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa handle documentation and customs?
Yes. Our in-house customs and documentation teams manage all regulatory paperwork for both air and sea charters, including air waybills, bills of lading, manifests, export permits, and security documentation. All processes comply fully with South African Revenue Service (SARS), IATA, IMO, and SAMSA regulations to ensure smooth, delay-free clearance at every port and airport.
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