State-owned Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is developing the Cargo Connect app, which will serve as a digital marketplace for logistics services in South Africa.
The app will increase the logistics’ network visibility and benefit customers and the broader supply chain. Some of the app's features include improved and expanded user benefits, such as real-time container statuses with information on whether loaded, discharged, released or allocated.
With operational notifications pushed to users, customers will have sight of vessel status whether berthing, loading, discharging and the percentage of work completed.
The app will also feature mobile terminal instruction requests such as pre-advise, truck appointments and truck assignments, and will also include a road haulage operating system. The first market release is planned for the second quarter of this year.
“Cargo Connect is an innovative digital solution to meet customer requirements. South Africa needs an online solution that gives an end-to-end supply chain view enabling the market to submit logistics-related requests on the platform and allow service providers to bid and the preferred proposal to be selected,” TPT sales and new business development GM Siyabulela Mhlaluka says.
TPT has, for the first time, collaborated beyond its primary customers and included first-line end-users of the import and export industry to develop the mobile app in response to calls from industry.