Mr T CEO warns against skipping goods insurance amid festive delivery damage surge

As South Africans ramp up festive-season spending on household essentials and luxury items, Mister Transport (Mr T) has warned that thousands of consumers risk losing money due to uninsured goods in transit.

Mr T is one of South Africa’s delivery platforms focused exclusively on medium- to heavy-load goods. Mr T Chief Executive Officer Terence Smith, says December remains the busiest and riskiest period for transporting items such as televisions, fridges, furniture and appliances, with damage and loss claims surging nationwide.

“December is when emotions run high and timelines are tight. People buy something they are proud of, only to watch it arrive scratched, cracked, or broken. The shock is not just the damage, it’s the realisation that no one is accountable.”

Industry trends indicate that demand for heavy-goods transport spikes sharply towards year-end due to home moves, student relocations, retail purchases and business shutdowns. This surge is often accompanied by increased use of informal transport operators, many of whom operate without insurance or formal accountability.

“Many people assume the retailer, the driver, or someone else is responsible if goods are damaged,” said Lee-Roy Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Mr T. “In reality, if the transport is not insured, the loss sits with the customer. That’s when a moment meant to bring joy becomes a financial and emotional setback.” Beyond the financial loss, there is also an emotional cost. 

“People feel embarrassed hosting a family with damaged goods, or frustrated knowing they spent months saving for something that didn’t make it home safely. These are avoidable outcomes if transport is planned properly,” said Smith.