Freight Industry Backs Durban Congestion Plan, Urges Funding and Faster Implementation
South Africa’s freight and logistics industry has cautiously welcomed eThekwini Municipality’s revised Integrated Freight and Logistics Strategy 2026, while warning that its success will depend on clear implementation timelines, dedicated funding and stronger industry participation.
The strategy is aimed at addressing persistent congestion around the Port of Durban, South Africa’s busiest container port, and proposes measures including dedicated truck-staging facilities to improve the movement of freight in and around the port precinct.
The strategy is a review of the municipality’s 2013 freight and logistics framework and comes amid significant changes in cargo volumes, port operations, rail infrastructure and the regulatory environment.
The South African Freight & Logistics Association (Safla) and Road Freight Association (RFA) have supported the strategy’s integrated approach, particularly the proposal to establish properly located and managed truck-staging facilities.
Industry representatives say the absence of adequate off-street holding areas has contributed to trucks queuing along major freight routes, including Bayhead Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive, creating congestion and placing additional pressure on surrounding communities.
Safla said dedicated staging facilities could reduce informal truck queues and prevent residential and public roads from being used as holding areas.
RFA CEO Gavin Kelly described truck-staging capacity as one of the most urgent requirements for road freight operators serving the port, alongside a more efficient container movement system linked to terminal booking processes.
Strategy Must Move Beyond Paper
Industry groups have welcomed the strategy’s recognition that expanding roads alone will not resolve Durban’s logistics challenges.
The plan proposes greater alignment with major infrastructure programmes, including Transnet Rail Infrastructure Management initiatives, Sanral’s N2 and N3 upgrades, the Bayhead Road upgrade and the proposed second port access project.
However, freight operators remain concerned that several recommendations are dependent on future funding allocations, without firm implementation timelines.
The RFA has warned that without committed funding, the strategy could become another policy document without meaningful execution.
Safla has also called for clearer accountability among the various public institutions responsible for Durban’s freight network, including eThekwini authorities, Transnet, Sanral, provincial authorities and SARS.
Industry Seeks Greater Role in Implementation
Freight and logistics organisations are also calling for clearing agents, freight forwarders and road transport operators to be formally involved in consultations before the strategy is finalised.
They argue that practical industry input will be essential to ensuring that proposed interventions address operational challenges on the ground.
The strategy was tabled before eThekwini council and referred to a committee workshop for further consideration.
The municipality said the full document was not yet publicly available while it remained within the approval process.
For Durban, effective implementation will be critical. Persistent congestion around the port increases logistics costs, disrupts delivery schedules and affects the competitiveness of one of South Africa’s most important trade gateways.
The freight sector therefore wants the revised strategy to translate into funded projects, clear responsibilities and measurable improvements in cargo movement, rather than simply another long-term planning document.
