Traders can now monitor cargo on mobile phone

Traders using the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam can now report an incident and receive updates of their cargo from loading to the destination on mobile phone using a new application.

The introduction of Shipplinc Application by Inter-Governmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS) is expected to be a relief to importers and exporters since it is serving as one of the trade facilitation platform for reporting, monitoring and resolving Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs).

ISCOS secretary general Daniel Kiange said the platform has come at a time when the continent is positioning itself for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).

Mr Kiange said the Shipplinc community helps reduce some of the risks experienced in the export and import industry by “keeping you informed on the latest transit updates”.

"The app is simplified to allow anyone in the freight and logistics to interact with it and it will end communication gap which has been in the industry for many years. The platform has provisions to report any agency not giving services as required and also getting feedback and any information regarding importation and exportation of goods," said Mr Kiange.

The platform which has been launched in East African countries including Zambia is a two-way structured communication between shippers, service providers and policy makers providing meaningful linkages between key players in the industry.

Already users have expressed optimism to the platform since it offers instant, real time support and information.

"The application offers platform to players in the freight and logistics sector since it's a venue to report incidences, any NTBs and policies which are considered to be bottlenecks in the movement of cargo in intra-regional and international trade right from oversea sources to the place of destination and vice-versa," said John Omondi, a Mombasa importer.