Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal  have requested that, where possible, all freight movements (trucks) towards the Port of Durban are suspended / withheld until the situation at the Port has improved. 

There are already long queues of trucks along the N3. The Marianhill plaza has a backlog of 10km all the way to Hammarsdale and the problem is that (according to the Road Traffic Inspectorate) the local communities are now targeting the trucks (eg. looting). 

Access roads around the Port have been damaged, container yards, truck depots and trucks themselves have been flooded and damaged and the area is really a disaster at the moment.

Logistics operations will be impacted: there will be delivery disruptions for goods being imported. The Association has advised members to delay any departures towards Durban, and to find depots and safe parking areas along the way. 

Where possible, Members have been requested to assist one another to get any vehicles off the road and to secure holding areas until the logistics chain is up and running again.

No foreseeable shortages in foodstuffs and fuel are expected.

 

By Gavin Kelly – Chief Executive Officer: The Road Freight Association