Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has announced contingency measures at the Port of Richards Bay ahead of the planned national shutdown on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, becoming the latest major logistics operator to implement precautionary measures.
In a notice issued to customers on Friday, Transnet confirmed that restrictions will be introduced for road motor transport (RMT) trucks entering the terminal in an effort to minimise disruptions to port operations during the anticipated national action.
According to the notice, the final cut-off time for all inbound trucks will be 18:00 on Monday, 29 June 2026. Truck intake operations will only resume at 06:00 on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
This means truck drivers delivering cargo to the Richards Bay terminal will not be able to access the facility during the shutdown period.
Transnet has urged customers, transport companies and logistics operators to adjust their planning accordingly to avoid delays and disruptions to their supply chains.
“The Terminal will be implementing contingency plans as a means of ensuring that the pending shutdown has minimal impact and/or disruptions to the Port of Richards Bay operational activities,” the notice stated.
The company added that it will continue monitoring the situation and will communicate any further operational changes should conditions require additional measures.
The announcement follows similar precautionary action by Grindrod Logistics, which confirmed it will suspend transport operations and close the majority of its South African facilities from the afternoon of 29 June until the morning of 1 July. Together, the announcements signal growing concern within South Africa’s freight and logistics sector over the potential impact of the planned national shutdown.
For truck drivers servicing the Port of Richards Bay, the restrictions mean deliveries should be completed before Monday evening or rescheduled until operations resume on Wednesday morning.
Although Transnet has stressed that the measures are precautionary, transport operators are encouraged to remain in contact with customers, dispatchers and terminal representatives as the situation develops.
SA Trucker will continue monitoring developments across South Africa’s freight industry and provide updates as more logistics companies announce contingency plans ahead of the planned 30 June shutdown.
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