Freight

Freight refers to goods and cargo transported in bulk by road, rail, sea, air or pipeline for commercial purposes. The freight industry encompasses the physical movement of commodities, manufactured products, raw materials and other goods between producers, distributors and consumers. It is a critical component of supply chains and trade, enabling economic activity across local, regional and international markets. Freight transport is typically categorised by mode: road freight uses trucks and heavy vehicles; rail freight moves goods in wagons and containers; maritime freight relies on cargo ships and tankers; air freight handles high-value or time-sensitive shipments; and pipeline freight conveys liquids and gases. The efficiency, cost and reliability of freight services directly affect the competitiveness of industries ranging from mining and agriculture to manufacturing and retail. In South Africa, freight logistics faces challenges including ageing rail infrastructure, port congestion and the dominance of road haulage, which increases costs and environmental impact. Freight volumes are closely watched as an indicator of economic activity, with rail and port throughput data used to gauge industrial output and trade performance. The sector is undergoing transformation driven by digitalisation, intermodal integration and efforts to shift cargo from road to more efficient rail and coastal shipping. Freight policy and regulation intersect with infrastructure investment, competition law, environmental standards and trade facilitation.