On the back of a steady increase in demand for logistics services and with global geopolitical tensions impacting on supply chains with fossil fuel prices climbing, freight forwarding service Manta Freight Logistics MD Michael Tziranis says there is a need for “definite caution” in the mining equipment logistics market.

In helping its mining clients to import urgent mining equipment components such as pumps, valves and key production equipment and their associated spares, he says Manta Freight Logistics prioritises fast-tracked logistics.

Specifically for the mining industry, Manta Freight also handles the customs and forwarding of sensitive measuring and analytical machinery.

“In today’s volatile global trade environment, materials handling has evolved beyond forklift and warehouse systems. It now sits at the intersection of engineering, logistics strategy and real-time problem-solving,” states Tziranis.

However, as industries become more complex and time-sensitive, the demand for logistics partners that can manage not only ocean, air, rail and road freight, but the entire materials handling ecosystem, has “never been more pronounced”, he points out.

Tziranis explains that in contrast to traditional, transportation-focused freight forwarding, modern materials handling involves much more than merely moving cargo from its start point to its final destination.

The first challenge of modern logistics is waiting for confirmation of a vessel docking at the ports. Once docked, he says the challenge becomes waiting for the release of port handling slots to unload cargo at the terminal after obtaining customs releases.

In addition to this, a variety of government stakeholders may stop shipments for examinations by customs and excise officials, or even the South African Police Service. The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications also has authority to intercept cargo for inspection, says Tziranis.

Particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, mining and the supplying of industrial equipment, he says clients require partners that understand the physical constraints of handling oversized and delicate cargo, as well as packaging and compliance requirements across jurisdictions, on-site delivery complexities, installation sequencing and risk mitigation across multi-modal transport chains.

“Manta Freight has leaned decisively into this shift. Rather than operating as a transactional logistics provider, we approach each shipment as a coordinated project, integrating freight handling and final delivery into a single, accountable solution,” says Tziranis.

Operating in South Africa presents unique operational challenges, such as infrastructure constraints, port inefficiencies and regulatory complexity, which are ongoing realities that logistics providers must contend with, says Tziranis.

To address this, Manta Freight responds proactively, exploring alternative routing strategies, including rail solutions and flexible transport planning.

“This adaptability is critical. Delays do not just affect delivery, they can halt production lines, delay installations and impact revenue cycles,” he says.

While the logistics industry is increasingly being driven by automation and digital platforms, Manta Freight has adopted a more balanced approach that embraces technology support expertise rather than replacing traditional methods.