This year, Turners Shipping proudly celebrates 130 years of serving South Africa’s importers, exporters, and the international trading community. Since David Turner, opened his office at the Port of Durban in 1896, our company has grown from a modest customs clearing agency into one of South Africa’s largest privately owned freight management and logistics companies.
For more than a century, Turners Shipping has witnessed and adapted to extraordinary changes in global trade—from the days when cargo arrived by sailing ships to today’s fast-paced, technology-driven supply chains. Throughout this time, one principle has remained constant: delivering dependable, personalised service while building long-term partnerships with customers.
Today, Turners Shipping offers an extensive portfolio of integrated logistics solutions designed to simplify international trade. Our general services include customs clearing and brokerage, international sea and air freight, cross-border road and rail transport, and project cargo management.
In recent years, we have added additional services to better serve our clients. Our unique trade finance offering has proven popular with importers, providing a combined finance and logistics package that takes the strain out of importing goods while freeing up working capital.
We employ experts in excise and customs who offer valuable advice through our consultancy service, and we use specialist technology solutions that give customers real-time shipment visibility and regulatory and legislative compliance.
While the logistics industry continues to evolve, Turners Shipping remains focused on innovation, operational excellence, and exceptional customer service. Backed by more than 250 logistics professionals and an extensive African and international network, we continue helping businesses move goods efficiently and confidently around the world.
Celebrating 130 years is more than a milestone—it is a tribute to the dedication of our employees and the loyalty of our customers, and the vision of those who have guided the business since the start. As we honour our proud heritage, we look forward to continuing our journey as a trusted logistics partner, delivering world-class freight management solutions for many years to come.