Dynamic pricing the norm for most carrier rate structures

SACO Shipping will provide in-house export clearance from 2026 as customers increasingly prioritise neutrality and data security in a subdued airfreight market. According to Jacob Pretorius, SACO’s general manager for airfreight, the function was previously outsourced. The decision to bring the service in-house was taken in response to growing customer demand. “We have seen more customers hesitant to use our clearance services due to concerns about a third-party clearing agent handling their shipments,” said Pretorius. “To ensure total neutrality, we decided it was time to manage this process internally, giving customers confidence that their commercial information remains secure with us.” In addition, SACO is now handling crating and palletising on-site. These services were also previously outsourced but can now be provided at the company’s Johannesburg and Durban facilities. “These services are offered independently and do not require cargo to be moved on a SACO waybill,” he told Freight News. “Customers can request a separate quotation from our teams for clearance, crating and palletising services.” Looking ahead to the first part of 2026, Pretorius does not expect significant changes in airfreight capacity or demand compared to 2025. “Shipping lines continue to drive down container rates, limiting the competitiveness of airfreight except when there is no other choice. Dynamic pricing is now part of almost all carrier structures, meaning rates depend on capacity availability per flight.” As a result, rates are expected to remain broadly in line with those seen in 2025, with no major spikes anticipated during the first half of the year. “We don’t foresee any significant demand drivers that would materially influence pricing in the near term.” According to Pretorius, current customer activity reflects this cautious outlook. “Very few customers are reporting a strong year, with most experiencing reduced airfreight volumes,” he said. “Many customers have managed to retain their client base, but their customers have downscaled shipments due to excess stock levels or weaker sales. It may be that 2025 represented a return to pre-Covid normality. If that is the case, we now have a more realistic baseline, and 2026 could show a slight improvement in activity.” From a broader perspective, Pretorius said the South African economy remained the single biggest challenge facing the airfreight sector in 2026, with sustained economic growth essential to restore consumer spending and support increased cargo volumes. “We need businesses to flourish so that jobs can be created and people can improve their lives,” he said. “Without this, we will continue to see downward pressure on cargo movements, both locally and globally.” Geopolitical uncertainty also remains a concern, particularly in relation to South Africa’s trade relationship with the United States, where any lack of reconciliation at a government level could result in further sanctions, which would negatively impact cargo flows. Despite these challenges, SACO is continuing to focus on operational efficiency and service excellence. The company is currently developing an internal system aimed at improving turnaround times and streamlining daily operations. “We are not trying to be the cheapest in the market,” said Pretorius. “Our goal is to be the most efficient at what we do. Delivering a world-class service remains our priority, and we continue to invest in our systems and product offerings to support that.” LV