Trucking companies have been warned that drivers will not be allowed to attend Transnet’s new mandatory port induction unless an official booking has been made and confirmed in advance.
The requirement forms part of Phase 2 of Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) Driver Truck Management System (DTMS), which is being introduced at Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 1 and the Durban Multi-Purpose Terminal (DBN MPT).
The induction programme begins on 4 and 5 July 2026 and will continue every weekend over the coming months.
With thousands of truck drivers moving containers through Durban’s port every week, transport operators are being urged to complete the registration process as soon as possible to avoid drivers being turned away.
How to register drivers
Transnet has outlined a simple booking process that every trucking company must follow before a driver can attend the induction.
Step 1: Email the correct terminal
Companies sending drivers to DCT Pier 1 must email [email protected].
For drivers attending induction at DBN MPT, bookings must be sent to [email protected].
Step 2: Choose a time slot
Each trucking company must select an available time slot for every driver when submitting the booking request.
The induction sessions will take place every weekend between 07:00 and 13:00, with each session expected to last about 30 minutes.
Companies are also responsible for arranging transport for their drivers to and from the induction venue.
Step 3: Submit all required documents
Every booking must include the following supporting documents:
- A South African ID document or driver’s licence for South African drivers.
- A valid passport, asylum permit or work permit for foreign drivers.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- A valid medical certificate of fitness.
- A letter of employment for each driver.
Failure to submit all the required documents could delay the booking process.
No booking confirmation means no induction
Transnet says every booking will first be verified before a confirmation email is issued.
Only after the documents have been validated will companies receive confirmation of their allocated induction time.
Drivers who arrive without an official booking confirmation will not be permitted to attend the induction.
The requirement applies to all drivers collecting or delivering containers at DCT Pier 1 and DBN MPT.
Why the induction matters
The new induction programme forms part of Transnet’s efforts to improve security, strengthen access control and enhance driver management at two of South Africa’s busiest freight terminals.
The rollout follows Transnet’s decision to introduce stricter document verification for drivers entering the facilities, including identity documents, driver’s licences, medical certificates and proof of employment.
The move has attracted widespread attention across the trucking industry, with transport companies now preparing drivers for the new requirements before implementation begins.
For operators that rely on Durban’s container terminals, booking drivers early and ensuring all documents are complete could be the difference between keeping freight moving and having drivers denied entry to the induction programme.
With the rollout now underway, trucking companies that have not yet started the booking process are being encouraged to act quickly to avoid disruptions to container collections and deliveries in the weeks ahead.
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