As we move toward 2026, the freight forwarding industry finds itself at a pivotal moment. Many of the trends that gained traction in 2025 will deepen, while new pressures – economic, environmental, regulatory, and technological – will challenge supply chains in fresh ways. For importers and exporters in South Africa and across Africa, the ability to anticipate and adapt will be essential.
Below, we explore the key freight market dynamics expected in 2026 and how forwarders like ourselves at Inter-Sped can help clients stay ahead of the curve.
1. Infrastructure & Capacity Pressures Intensify
A. Port & Terminal Expansion Comes Online
Throughout 2025, major ports have been investing in expansion. For example, the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has plans to procure new cranes and expand stacking and throughput capacity, with new equipment deliveries continuing into 2026.
These upgrades will begin to relieve chronic congestion and enable faster container cycle times – a welcome relief for importers facing long dwell times.
However, many are optimistic on improvements when it comes to ports:
- ICTSI (Global Port operator with HQ in the Philippines) is taking over some port operations in Durban on a 25 year lease basis.
- Transnet is giving MSC and Grindrod a mandate to operate wagons between Johannesburg & Durban.
B. Rail Challenges and Gaps
South Africa’s rail network is under strain. Transnet has acknowledged that planned rail volume targets may fall short due to maintenance backlogs and asset constraints.
For 2026, expect continued delays, underperformance, and opportunities for freight forwarders to fill gaps via road and multimodal routing.
C. Logistics & Warehousing Bottlenecks
Warehouse occupancy across Africa is already high: in 2025 the average occupancy for modern warehouses is reaching upwards of 80%.
In 2026, supply chain players will scramble for quality storage, particularly temperature-controlled spaces. Forwarders that can secure warehousing ahead of demand will gain a competitive edge.
2. Pricing Volatility and Rising Surcharges
A. Elevated Base Freight Rates
Global freight rates remain under pressure from shifting trade flows, fuel costs, and delays. Even though many excesses of post-pandemic peaks are leveling out, volatility is still baked into the system.
B. Surcharge Complexity
Expect more layered surcharges in 2026: currency adjustments, congestion premiums, environmental levies, peak-season add-ons. These will make “all-in” costing more critical.
C. Contracting & Forecasting Imperatives
Shippers will increasingly demand fixed or semi-fixed contracts, volume guarantees, and transparent surcharge structures from forwarders to guard against unpredictability.
3. Intra-Africa Trade & Regional Corridors Grow
A. AfCFTA Gains Momentum
Africa’s strategy to boost regional manufacturing and trade is showing early signs of success. In 2026, intra-Africa trade is projected to grow further, shifting demand patterns towards internal corridors rather than traditional exports.
B. Corridor Competition
Route optimisation will take on new importance. For example, Abidjan’s port operator is investing €60 million into inland logistics to shift congestion off its port region.
C. Local Sourcing & Shorter Supply Chains
Many importers will look to source closer to home, reducing lead times, exposure, and currency risk. Forwarders that can support pan-African supplier integration will be especially valuable.
4. Sustainability, Regulations & Green Freight Demand
A. ESG Becomes Non-Negotiable
In 2026, sustainability won’t be optional. Corporates and regulators will increasingly mandate carbon tracking, emissions reduction, and climate-aligned shipping practices.
B. Environmental Levies & Carbon Costs
Green taxes, carbon border adjustment mechanisms (especially interacting with Europe), and fuel costs will push shipping rates upward. Awareness and early adoption of lower-emission freight may offer competitive differentiation.
C. Cleaner Modes & Green Incentives
Expect expanded interest in cleaner powertrains (electric, hydrogen), route optimisation, modal shifts, and green certifications to reduce total supply chain emissions.
5. Technology, Visibility & Digital Integration
A. Real-Time Visibility & Predictive Analytics
Clients will demand live tracking, not just “where is my container now,” but predictive dashboards and exception alerts across all legs of transport.
B. Digital Customs & Single Windows
More African countries are digitalising customs processes, enabling API-based clearance, e-document exchange, and harmonised processing. This reduces friction and inspection delays for compliant forwarders.
C. Dynamic Routing & Physical Internet Concepts
Advanced logistics research is already exploring ‘dynamic directional routing’, where shipments route flexibly through a network based on real-time conditions and consolidation opportunities. This approach can optimise cost, time, and carbon metrics.
In 2026, early-stage adoption of such dynamic systems could emerge in freight hubs and regional networks.
6. Risk, Disruption & Supply Chain Resilience
A. Geopolitics & Trade Fragmentation
Trade tension, regulatory shifts, and supply chain nationalism will require importers and exporters to maintain route diversification.
B. Disruption Preparedness
2026 will test supply chains with climate events, geopolitical flashpoints, and infrastructure emergencies. Flexible routing, buffer capacity, and agile partnerships will be essential.
C. Insurance & Contingency Planning
Expect sharper scrutiny from insurers over risk exposures (delays, route dependencies, cargo value). Enhanced insurance products and supply chain risk modules will become standard.
How Inter-Sped Enables 2026 Resilience
Here at Inter-Sped it’s our aim to make your freight forwarding and warehousing experience simple and trouble-free. Here are a few reasons how we guarantee this:
- Network strength: Through L.I.N.K and strategic global partners, we secure rate stability, capacity access, and trusted connectivity in volatile lanes.
- Route & technology advisory: We help you assess which lanes to electrify, which to automate, and how to integrate visibility tools.
- Customs & clearance excellence: Deep African footprint ensures smooth cross-border movement even as regulatory systems evolve.
- Sustainability capability: We assist with carbon reporting, green freight options, and aligning logistics with ESG goals.
- Contingency readiness: Our flexible routing, buffer capacity, and crisis protocols help manage disruption risk.
As we look ahead to 2026, freight forwarding will demand not just operational efficiency, but strategic foresight. Those who lean into volatile markets – with smarter routing, sustainable practices, deeper regional integration, and advanced visibility – are best positioned to turn complexity into competitive advantage.
Importers and exporters in South Africa and beyond who partner with forwarders like Inter-Sped will benefit from both local expertise and global leverage, helping them transform uncertainty into growth.
