What is Distribution?
Distribution is the process of taking a complete product or service and making it accessible to the customers or businesses who wish to purchase them. Distribution services can be conducted by the producer or through another distributor.
What makes Bridgewater Logistics Distribution Services different?
Our dedicated team at Bridgewater Logistics is committed to delivering your products in the most cost-effective and direct manner as possible. Our project specialists design bespoke solutions for our customers in order to fully satisfy their logistical needs. Distribution Logistics offers businesses several benefits. Some of the advantages it provides include the following:
- Facilitates demand analysis for replenishment planning
- Assists in the formation of sales analysis for market planning
- Allows goods to be tracked from their source to the present location
- Provides an organized shipping system that assists in time and cost-saving
- Helps identify every cost element that is associated with the movement of the goods
- Helps further cross-reference labelling, contract management and returned merchandise authorization
Bridgewater Logistics offers the following types of Distribution:
Bulk Distribution – Bulk distribution is the movement of more than ten tons across any distance. Bridgewater Logistics offers bulk distribution across South Africa with a fleet of super link trucks.
Full Truck Loads (FTL) – Full Truck Loads are used when a customer reserves a dedicated vehicle for a specific shipment.
Less than a Truck Load (LTL) – Less than a truck load is used when a customer cannot fill a truck on their own so various shipments, from a wide variety of origins, are grouped together and sent to the same destination in one vehicle. This helps customers save on their transportation costs.
Consolidated Distribution – Consolidated distribution is similar to less than a truck load. It is used when a single customer cannot fill a truck on their own so multiple shipments are placed onto the same vehicle however they do not have the same destination. This means the truck will have to make multiple stops. Bridgewater Logistics uses consolidated distribution to create full truck loads which are more cost effective for smaller businesses.
Courier Services – Courier services are used for smaller parcels sent nation wide without the expense of using dedicated vehicles. Courier services have an option of overnight services for the urgent deliveries or regular delivery times depending on the urgency of the parcel.
Bridgewater Logistics wide range of distribution services also include:
Express courier services -This includes deliveries to all major cities in South Africa.
Same day deliveries – your products are collected and delivered on the same day.
Next day delivery – for more complex deliveries we collect the products, log them into our state of the art warehousing system and then deliver them the following day.
Economy road freight – Economy freight is the most popular and cost effective option for those companies with more relaxed schedules and heavier loads. Deliveries in all major cities are between 24 to 48 hours while outlying areas can be between 48 to 98 hours lead time.
Air freight – Air freight delivery times are determined by the flight availability. Normal air freight is delivered on the same day or the following day to the major cities.
All of our distribution services are tracked and monitored with our Winfreight management system, giving you peace of mind that your products are being well cared for. Bridgewater Logistics prides itself on its order fulfilment and transportation management skills. Ensuring you get the best service possible with the least amount of costs and time delays.
Value-Added Benefits for Clients
When you partner with Bridgewater Logistics for distribution, you benefit from:
-
Cost transparency and predictability — We identify every cost element involved in transport, shipping, and handling, giving you clarity and helping you plan accurately.
-
Efficient replenishment and market planning — Our distribution services support detailed demand analysis and sales forecasting, helping you optimise stock levels and supply-chain responsiveness.
-
Flexible, scalable solutions — Whether you need bulk shipments or single-parcel courier services, we adapt to your requirements — from one-time deliveries to ongoing distribution programmes.
-
Nationwide coverage — Our fleet and logistics network cover all major cities and many regional areas across South Africa, enabling you to reach customers wherever they are.
-
Reliability and professionalism — With a dedicated team and well-managed transport systems, we ensure high service standards, timely deliveries, and minimal delays or disruptions.
Who Can Benefit
Our distribution services are ideal for:
-
Retailers needing regular replenishment to stores or warehouses
-
Manufacturers sending products to wholesalers, retailers, or direct to customers
-
E-commerce businesses requiring flexible parcel delivery solutions
-
Companies with mixed shipment sizes — large bulk freight, small parcels, or anything in between
-
Businesses needing urgent deliveries, scheduled dispatches, or ongoing distribution contracts
How to Get Started
-
Contact our team with your delivery requirements — shipment size, destination, timing, and any special handling needs.
-
We’ll design a bespoke distribution plan tailored to your needs, whether it’s bulk freight, consolidated loads, or express courier.
-
Once agreed, we manage the full process: collection, warehousing (if required), transport, tracking, and delivery.
-
You receive regular updates and full visibility via our transport-management system.
Request a quote or get in touch to explore how Bridgewater Logistics can optimise your supply chain and distribution needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Warehousing & Distribution South Africa
1. What areas do you cover for national logistics and distribution?
Bridgewater Logistics provides nationwide coverage across South Africa, including all major cities and regional areas, ensuring reliable delivery of goods to customers anywhere in the country.
2. What types of freight and shipments can you handle?
We manage bulk shipments, full truck loads (FTL), less than truck load (LTL), consolidated shipments, parcels, and urgent express deliveries — providing flexible logistics solutions for businesses of all sizes.
3. Can you handle both large-scale industrial freight and smaller parcel deliveries?
Yes, our warehousing and distribution services accommodate everything from heavy industrial consignments to small parcels and e-commerce deliveries, all managed efficiently through our logistics network.
4. Do you provide real-time tracking for shipments?
Yes. Our transport and order-management system enables clients to track shipments in real time, offering full visibility from collection to final delivery.
5. How fast can deliveries be made across South Africa?
We offer flexible delivery timelines including same-day, next-day, and economy options. Delivery speed depends on shipment type, size, and destination, ensuring cost-effective and timely distribution.
6. Does Bridgewater Logistics offer warehousing as part of the distribution service?
Absolutely. Our secure warehouses in Johannesburg and Cape Town provide storage, inventory management, staging, and final assembly or packing for retail programs, supporting efficient nationwide distribution.
7. Can you handle sensitive or high-value goods?
Yes. Our logistics services include secure handling of fragile, high-value, or specialised freight, with additional care and security measures to ensure safe delivery.
8. How do I request a quote for distribution or freight services?
Contact our team with details of your shipment — including size, destination, timing, and any special requirements — and we will provide a customised quote tailored to your logistics needs.
9. Do you provide ongoing or scheduled distribution services?
Yes. Bridgewater Logistics offers scalable logistics solutions for regular or recurring deliveries, including scheduled replenishments, ongoing contracts, and integrated supply-chain support.
10. Why choose Bridgewater Logistics for warehousing and distribution in South Africa?
We combine secure warehousing, nationwide transport, dedicated fleet options, and advanced order-management systems to deliver reliable, efficient, and cost-effective logistics solutions for businesses across South Africa.