Integrated services that keep freight flowing

Cowata blends forwarding, customs, and distribution expertise under a unified control tower. We coordinate multi-modal moves, manage documentation, and keep every handoff compliant and on schedule.

✓ Multi-modal coordination (Road, Air, Ocean)

✓ Real-time tracking & visibility

✓ End-to-end compliance management

5

Integrated service offerings

24/7

Control tower monitoring

Core service pillars

Freight Forwarding

Dedicated planners engineer end-to-end moves for road, air, and ocean freight—balancing cost, compliance, and transit time.

  • Network design and carrier sourcing with SLA tracking
  • Consolidation, deconsolidation, and staging programmes
  • Route optimisation and milestone alerts across the journey

Customs & Compliance

SARS-licensed customs specialists handle classification, document control, and broker coordination for South African and SADC entries.

  • Tariff engineering, VAT management, and rebate advisory
  • Transit bond management and customs inspections supervision
  • Dangerous goods, PPECB, and SANS 10231 compliance oversight

Distribution & Hubs

Regional depots act as cross-dock, break-bulk, and returns centres to keep national and cross-border flows synchronised.

  • Kempton Park and Lilongwe hubs with bonded supervision
  • Final-mile coordination, parcel segregation, and POD capture
  • Temperature-controlled capabilities for chilled and frozen cargo

Carrier Services (Transportation)

Direct transport operations delivered through our partner Coimbra Investments, providing dedicated fleet solutions across the SADC region.

  • 24-vehicle fleet: 14x 30-tonne flatbeds, 4x 34-tonne superlinks, 6x fuel/oil tankers
  • Road freight services throughout Malawi and cross-border SADC routes
  • Specialized handling for general cargo, bulk freight, and petroleum products

Industry expertise

Sector-focused operating teams tailor handling, compliance, and turnaround plans to match your customer promise.

Retail & FMCG

  • Omnichannel fulfilment and promotional roll-outs
  • Store replenishment using night-time delivery windows
  • Reverse logistics and returns consolidation programmes

Industrial & Mining

  • Inbound raw materials and outbound finished goods control
  • Heavy and abnormal load coordination with permit management
  • Linehaul for reagents and engineered equipment

Cold Chain & Healthcare

  • GDP-aligned pharmaceutical and medical device handling
  • PPECB-accredited temperature-controlled distribution
  • Chain-of-custody visibility and variance reporting

Agriculture & Export

  • Farm input distribution and produce consolidation
  • Export documentation, certification, and inspection support
  • Access to SADC corridors for growth markets

Technology that uplifts every load

Our telematics-first environment unites data from fleet, customs, and client systems to surface issues before they escalate.

Telematics first

  • Live GPS with geofencing alerts and automated ETA updates
  • Engine diagnostics feeding predictive maintenance cycles
  • Driver behaviour analytics and coaching interventions

Client portal

  • 24/7 shipment tracking, documentation, and POD storage
  • Digital quotes, bookings, and invoice management
  • Performance dashboards and tailored reports

Sustainability tech

  • Route optimisation reducing kilometres and emissions
  • Fleet upgrades with aero kits and idle reduction tech
  • Pilots for alternative-fuel vehicles on Gauteng and KZN lanes

People who deliver the promise

Experienced leadership, professional drivers, and 24/7 support teams protect your cargo and your brand.

Leadership

Over 100 years of combined logistics experience anchored by experts in forwarding, customs, and supply chain technology.

  • SADC expansion planning and market entry strategy
  • Dedicated account directors for enterprise clients
  • Quarterly business reviews driving continuous improvement

Professional drivers

  • EC and EC1 licensed with National Road Traffic Act compliance
  • Average 10+ years long-haul and cross-border experience
  • RTMS-accredited safety and dangerous goods training

Support staff

  • 24/7 control tower, planning, and dispatch coverage
  • Customer experience and key account management
  • Safety, quality, and compliance specialists

Let’s design your logistics roadmap

Share your cargo profile, service requirements, and growth ambitions. Our team will assemble a multi-modal programme tailored to your business.

Start a consultation