TPT launches tracking app

27 Jun 2014 - by Alan Peat

The announcement last week
by Transnet Port Terminals of
a real-time cargo tracking app
has been trumpeted as a step in
the right direction.
Allowing real time cargo
tracking, it provides a fund
of vital information for cargo
owners and transporters –
including live berth plans
and terminal updates for
TPT’s national network of 16
terminals.
Although little known to
port users as yet, only a few
days after its official launch
by TPT the concept has met
with distinct approval in the
seafreight trade.
The shipping lines, for
example, have warmly
welcomed this extension
to real-time electronic
communication of cargo
tracking.
“It’s very definitely a step
in the right direction,” said
Peter Besnard, CEO of the SA
Association of Ship Operators
and Agents (Saasoa). “It
provides a lot of valuable
information in real time, and
TPT should be commended for
putting this in place.”
Beverley Waugh, CEO of the
SA Shippers' Council (SASC)
– the primary target for the
real-time app – was equally
enthusiastic about the concept.
“Anything that raises
the supply-chain visibility
of information is warmly
welcomed by cargo owners,” she
told FTW.
TPT has taken five months
to develop this app. And,
identified as ‘Transnet TPT’, it
is available in both the Google
Play store for Android devices
and the App Store for devices
operating on iOS.
Nombuso Afolayan, GM
(commercial and planning) at
TPT, added that the app would
assist traders in “enhancing
their planning and proactively
making decisions” with the
real-time information now at
their disposal.
She is also happy that this
is in-line with modern world
developments, and that it
will better enable the TPT
customer base to track their
cargo and terminal operations
and developments without
physically being on site.
Afolayan said: “Until now,
customers could only track
their cargo movement through
their computers using the
internet. The app offers instant
access and immediate overview
of terminal operations.”
TPT currently carries cargo
in automotive, containers,
agricultural and mineral bulk
as well as breakbulk cargo.
But Afolayan said that it was
considering options to diversify
further to handle liquid bulk
and gas. “The app also offers
the possibility of wider use
within the Transnet group,” she
added.
But, while the concept has
distinct advantages, it doesn’t
forestall criticism of TPT.
Said one major container
terminal user: “It is great to
know where your cargo is
electronically. But, although
it’s good to know your cargo is
on the ground and waiting, it
would be better if they (TPT)
also loaded our trucks in realtime.
Not the 18-24 hours we
often have to wait.”