When you work with CH Logistics, you’re not just choosing another logistics company in South Africa – you’re choosing a partner who understands how much is riding on every shipment. Whether it’s a reefer container of table grapes heading to Rotterdam, a pallet of avocados bound for the Middle East, or a mixed load of consumer goods for local distribution, we treat every consignment like it’s our own.
We’re proudly based in Cape Town, the heart of South Africa’s export industry and the gateway to global markets.
Anyone can book space on a vessel or put goods on a truck. But a truly reliable logistics company South Africa exporters and importers can depend on does more: we reduce risk, keep the cold chain intact, and give you clear information before you even have to ask.
Think about the value of a shipment of citrus. A small delay at port or a dip in temperature can wipe out weeks of work on the farm. That’s where we come in – making sure the paperwork is in order, the timing is precise, and the cold chain never breaks. It’s not just logistics; it’s protecting livelihoods, reputations, and margins.
No two loads are the same. That’s why our approach as a transport logistics company is to tailor the mode to the product.
It’s not about choosing one mode – it’s about combining them to find the balance between cost, speed and reliability.
South Africa’s fruit industry is a national treasure, but it’s also one of the toughest sectors to manage. Citrus, avocados, table grapes, pome and stone fruit – each has its own quirks and sensitivities.
We know citrus needs airflow just right to arrive firm and bright in Europe. Avocados must be shipped at precisely the right ripening stage, with careful handling to avoid bruising. Grapes demand rapid pre-cooling and steady conditions all the way to destination. Apples, pears and plums have to be managed against physiological stress, with the correct humidity and temperature curves.
This is where technology makes all the difference. With FlashLink-devices, we can see the exact temperature inside a container at any point in its journey. If there’s even the slightest deviation, you’ll know about it in real time. That visibility protects quality, reduces claims, and reassures your buyers that they can count on you season after season. Have a look to our Glasshouse Effect.
As a top logistics company in South Africa, we’ve learned that exports are about much more than getting produce onto a ship. It’s about timing, compliance, and coordination.
From farm pickup to container booking, customs clearance, marine insurance and destination updates – we manage the process so you can focus on growing and selling. During peak season, we know delays can cost dearly. That’s why we’re proactive, making sure slots are booked, documents are correct, and your fruit calendar aligns with shipping schedules.
We’ve seen how a single well-managed season can open doors with new buyers, and how one bad shipment can damage years of hard work. Our job is to make sure the former happens, not the latter.
Imports matter just as much. Whether it’s consumer goods, dry cargo, or industrial equipment coming into South Africa, our Cape Town logistics company operations give you a secure entry point.
We handle customs clearance, tariff classification, bonded warehousing and inland distribution. Our warehouses include bonded and temperature-controlled facilities, so you can manage stock efficiently and protect quality before it reaches the market.
Logistics has always been about moving goods. Today, it’s also about moving information. As a modern logistics transport company, we make sure you have the right data at the right time.
That means GPS tracking, temperature data from DPLink, and proactive updates when something changes. No chasing, no guessing. Just clear communication that allows you to act before small issues become big problems.
Clients often tell us this is where we make the biggest difference – not only keeping the cargo safe, but keeping them informed.
We’re not interested in being just another service provider. We want to be the logistics company South Africa businesses call first because they know we understand their industry. That means focusing on sustainability too – using rail where possible, reducing emissions, and aligning with ESG goals that matter to global buyers.
When you work with CH Logistics, you get a partner who’s in it for the long haul – from one season to the next, from Cape Town to the world.
If you’re looking for a logistics company in South Africa that combines local expertise, global reach and true care for your cargo, we’d love to talk. From citrus and avocados to industrial goods and consumer imports, CH Logistics delivers solutions that protect quality, save costs and give you peace of mind.
South Africa has a number of established logistics providers, ranging from international players to specialised local operators. What sets a top logistics company in South Africa apart is not size alone, but the ability to combine local expertise with global reach, cold-chain capabilities and transparent communication. At CH Logistics, we focus on Cape Town and Durban – two of the country’s most strategic hubs – to provide exporters and importers with tailored solutions and real-time visibility.
The largest operators usually have nationwide networks and big fleets. But being the “biggest” is not always the same as being the best fit for your needs. Many South African businesses prefer to work with a logistics transport company that is flexible, specialised and able to give personal attention. CH Logistics combines the reach of a global freight forwarder with the hands-on support of a local partner, which makes us a strong alternative to the large corporates.
Starting a logistics company in South Africa can vary widely in cost. If you are setting up as a transport operator with trucks, the investment can be significant. On the other hand, starting as a freight forwarder or consultancy has lower barriers but requires strong networks and compliance knowledge. For many exporters and importers, the smarter choice is to work with an experienced logistics company South Africa businesses already trust, rather than carrying the cost and risk of building an operation from scratch.
Launching a logistics company in South Africa requires licences, customs registration, capital for vehicles or warehousing, and the right industry connections. It’s a complex process that involves compliance, health and safety standards, and strong partnerships at ports and borders. That’s why many companies choose to outsource to a transport logistics company like CH Logistics, which already has the infrastructure and know-how in place. This lets you focus on your core business while we manage the supply chain.
A logistics company manages the movement of goods from origin to destination. This includes planning, documentation, customs clearance, warehousing, transport by sea, air, road or rail, and in our case, real-time cold-chain monitoring. At CH Logistics, we go beyond moving cargo – we provide visibility, proactive communication and solutions that protect quality and reduce costs.
A transport logistics company organises the full journey of goods. That includes freight forwarding, warehousing, temperature control, customs clearance, and last-mile distribution. At CH Logistics, our services cover sea freight, air freight, road and rail, plus value-added solutions such as bonded warehousing and cold-chain monitoring with DPLink.
A transport company usually focuses on the physical movement – trucks, ships or planes. A logistics company in South Africa manages the entire process: planning, compliance, documentation, warehousing, and visibility. That’s why many businesses prefer a partner who offers the full scope, not just the transport leg.
Look for a partner who offers transparency, proactive communication, and real-time visibility. A top logistics company in South Africa will not only deliver on time but also keep you informed, protect your cargo quality, and help you meet international standards.
Yes. A specialised logistics company South Africa fruit exporters rely on provides cold-chain solutions, temperature monitoring, and customs compliance. At CH Logistics, we’ve worked extensively with citrus, avocados, grapes and pome fruit, ensuring each shipment arrives fresh, market-ready and on time.
Costs vary depending on the cargo type, route, mode of transport and season. While sea freight is generally the most cost-effective for large volumes, air freight offers speed at a higher price. Working with an experienced logistics transport company helps you balance cost and quality.
A logistics company offers personal service, flexibility and direct communication. Instead of being just a number in a big system, you get tailored solutions and a partner who truly understands your cargo.
Cape Town sits close to farms and packhouses, which means shorter inland trips, lower costs and fresher fruit on arrival. For citrus, grapes and avocados, this makes it the most efficient export hub.
FlashLink shows the exact container temperature at any moment during transit. With this visibility, you can react quickly if conditions change and protect your cargo before quality is lost.
A logistics company manages the full chain: pre-cooling, container booking, customs, and cold chain monitoring. Without this support, fruit exports would be slower, riskier and less reliable.
Avocados are sensitive and need careful handling. We help exporters ship at the right ripening stage, control the atmosphere inside the container, and ensure the fruit arrives market-ready.
Apples, pears, plums and peaches all need stable temperatures and humidity. Cool chain logistics keeps them fresh for longer and ensures buyers receive fruit in top condition.
Transparency is about open communication and real-time data. Exporters value it because it builds trust with buyers and reduces surprises in the supply chain.
By planning routes carefully, monitoring shipments in real time and having backup options in place, a transport logistics company lowers the risk of delays, spoilage or costly mistakes.
Importers should look for bonded warehousing, strong customs knowledge and reliable last-mile delivery. A partner with these strengths ensures smooth entry into the South African market.
For us, “Creating Helpful Logistics” means making life easier for our clients. It’s fewer claims, less stress, better planning and knowing your cargo is in safe hands every step of the way.
Christian Helms is Chairman of CH Logistics, a logistics company based in Cape Town, South Africa. With more than three decades of international logistics experience, he held senior roles with Kühne + Nagel, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and Rhenus Schenker, before founding CCG Holding AG in 2004. Within just one year, CCG expanded across Europe, South America and Africa and later acquired Rungis Express AG, growing into a group with 650 employees and €150 million turnover, successfully sold to Metro Group in 2016. When selling to Metro, Christian made a decisive choice: he did not include the South African subsidiary in the deal. His love for South Africa and belief in its potential led him to continue the company under the name CH Logistics as an independent forwarder.
As Chairman, Christian is not physically present in South Africa at all times, but he remains deeply involved, guiding operations, advising the management team and sharing his extensive expertise in global logistics and cool chain supply chains. His vision – to bring German precision and transparency into the South African logistics market – still drives CH Logistics today, under the guiding claim Creating Helpful Logistics.
Press releases:
Marilienke Gunter
Commercial- Business Development Executive
CH Logistics Pty Ltd
220 Buitengracht Street,
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa
