Freight Forwarding

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa offers end-to-end freight forwarding across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. With bonded and free-store facilities in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, and key regional hubs, we deliver door-to-door logistics for metals, minerals, agricultural products, and raw materials. Backed by the global strength of the C. Steinweg Group, our clients benefit from integrated transport, compliance expertise, and dependable cargo delivery to every major market.

Get in touch to move your next shipment with confidence.

Key Benefits

What is Freight Forwarding?

Freight forwarding is the management and coordination of cargo movement across multiple transport modes — road, rail, sea, or air — to ensure goods reach their destination safely, efficiently, and on time. 

A freight forwarder acts as a logistics partner, handling transport bookings, customs documentation, and compliance while optimising routes and costs.

In South Africa, freight forwarding services play a critical role in connecting inland production hubs to major global trade routes through ports like Durban, Cape Town, Richards Bay, and Gqeberha. With complex import and export regulations, reliable freight forwarding companies like C. Steinweg Logistics SA provide essential visibility, risk management, and compliance support to help businesses navigate customs, reduce port delays, and maintain control across international supply chains.

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa’s Freight Forwarding Service

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa delivers freight logistics services with total coordination and control — combining carrier management, customs expertise, and regulatory compliance under one seamless operation. Our approach aligns every stage of the logistics process, from route planning to final delivery, supported by ISO-certified systems, accredited partners, and the strength of a global, multimodal freight network.

Safety, Security & Compliance

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa ensures cargo safety and full regulatory compliance throughout every stage of international transit. Our freight logistics services operate under globally recognised accreditations and certifications, including ISO 9001 and AEO Level 2, with NCACC and explosives permits for controlled shipments. We maintain strict documentation control, customs adherence, and partner vetting to guarantee every consignment moves lawfully, securely, and without delay across borders.

Credentials and Certifications:

Integrated Operations

We coordinate every transport stage through a single logistics system. From mine or collection point to warehouse and port, our teams manage road, rail, and ocean freight, ensuring cost-effective scheduling and minimal handling. Dedicated trains link our Johannesburg and Durban facilities, with additional services connecting Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania for uninterrupted cargo flow.

Industry-Specific Expertise

Our freight forwarding teams specialise in metals and minerals — copper, cobalt, nickel, chrome, ferro-chrome, and steel — as well as agricultural exports including cotton, tobacco, tea, coffee, sugar, fertiliser, and timber. We also support chemical and raw-material cargoes such as sulphur, lime, pitch coke, and coking coal, ensuring each shipment meets sector-specific handling and compliance standards.

Multimodal Flexibility

We integrate sea, air, road, and rail freight to optimise transit times and reduce costs. Our long-term relationships with leading carriers and rail operators enable tailored routing options, reliable scheduling, and competitive rates. Whether shipping containers, bulk cargo, or project freight, clients gain efficient, resilient transport options.

Related Services: How Freight Forwarding Fits Into Your Supply Chain

Our international freight forwarding services integrate seamlessly with customs clearing, warehousing, multimodal transport, and port operations to deliver true door-to-door efficiency. By combining these capabilities under one network, we ensure full visibility, compliance, and control from origin to destination. Clients benefit from simplified coordination, faster transit times, and a single trusted partner managing every stage of their global logistics process.

Why Partner with C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa?

With over 30 years of proven expertise, C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa combines global capability with local precision. Our integrated infrastructure, certified processes, and customer-first approach make us a trusted logistics partner for importers, exporters, and manufacturers across diverse industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does C. Steinweg Logistics SA handle customs clearance?

Yes. C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa provides full customs clearing and documentation support as part of our international freight forwarding services. Our compliance experts manage declarations, permits, and tariff classifications to ensure your cargo moves through ports and borders without delays.

What shipping documents are required for international freight forwarding?

Typical documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, and any relevant permits or letters of credit. C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa assists clients in preparing and verifying all documentation to ensure full compliance and smooth customs clearance at every destination.

How much does a freight forwarder cost?

The cost of a freight forwarder depends on factors such as cargo size, transport mode, destination, and additional services like customs clearance or warehousing. At C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa, we provide tailored quotations to ensure every client receives cost-efficient, transparent pricing for their freight logistics services.

Does C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa assist with trade finance or collateral management?

Yes. Through the global C. Steinweg Group, we provide collateral management and trade finance support alongside our freight forwarding services. This allows clients to secure funding against stored commodities, manage risk, and maintain full cargo visibility — enabling smoother, more efficient international trade transactions.

Which regions does C. Steinweg Logistics SA cover?

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa operates from key logistics hubs across the country, providing national coverage and seamless connectivity to Sub-Saharan and global trade routes.