As from October 2025, Maersk will no longer offer a direct shipping service from the east coast of the USA to South Africa. Which will leave a single direct US shipping line. [Refer to the News 24 article]
In March this year USA Freight Forwarders were advised by our USA partner, Carotrans International, that effective 1 October 2025, Maersk would be transshipping all their USA East/Southeast Atlantic containers via Europe. As a result of this decision, MSC becomes the sole direct service provider leading to reduced overall space and possibly higher prices. Customers should plan their buying accordingly due to limited options available. To put this into perspective, in 2021 the importer had the option of at least three direct shipping lines to South Africa.
With Maersk offering a transhipment service out of the USA, we expect Algeciras to be their predominant transhipment hub. Transhipment cargo often offers lower rates with longer transit times and potential delays at ports, depending on the carrier’s reliability. There is also a risk of missing vessel connections at the transhipment port. While less unique, if extra transit time is anticipated, transhipment can be cost-effective for importers or exporters, particularly when specified by Inco terms in sales contracts (sales agreement/contract between buyer and seller).
Our traditional customer base on Full Container Loads (FCL’s) have usually opted for the direct service, because of reliability, commitment of sales to their ultimate customer, value of cargo, fast consumable goods and payment terms to their suppliers.
We have provided both direct and transhipment services for FCL cargo. For LCL shipments, we book only direct sailings and will continue to do so as long as possible. LCL importers typically order smaller quantities more frequently for reasons such as JIT (just in time) needs, critical parts, consumables and inventory management.
We are aware of the challenges ahead with the option of only one direct shipping line and the possibility of vessels being overbooked and limited cargo on the return leg to the USA. However, we will endeavour to secure sound relations and cost-effective rates with the carrier/s who continue to offer a direct service. It is our view that there is a gap for other carriers to fill this void and we hope that this will be the case in the future, as South Africa remains a valuable global player.
On the exports from South Africa to USA, the recent tariff hikes on certain strategic exports such as vehicles, citrus and nuts to name a few, will have an immediate impact. Negotiations are underway to alleviate these tariff hikes, and we trust these will be fruitful.
With these changes, clear and concise communication with our customers is paramount. If there are blank sailings (carriers not calling at scheduled ports) customers will need to be made aware of this.
Together with our partner, Carotrans International, USA Freight Forwarders will continue to monitor changes in FCL/LCL cargo situation and appraise our customers as proactively as possible.
Alistair Heald
August 2025