TCS partners with TPT South Africa to build an online logistics marketplace

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) in South Africa, a state-owned freight transport and handling company, to develop an integrated online marketplace platform by bringing together cargo owners, shipping lines, clearing and forwarding agents, and road/rail haulers. Both the companies aim to create a platform named Cargo Connect, which will function as an online logistics marketplace where customers can submit logistics related requests and allow service providers to bid online. Customers will be able to select the preferred proposal and award the cargo contract to that bidder. Expected to be ready in 12 months, the Cargo Connect marketplace will reshape the industry and drive TPT’s growth.
Sharla Chetty, Chief Information Officer, TPT, says, “A major feature of this solution is a logistics marketplace which will function in the same manner as existing market platforms in the transportation and hospitality industry. Customers could tender logistics requests on the platform and allow logistics service providers to bid and potentially be selected to undertake a logistics service.”
Siyabulela Mhlaluka, General Manager, Sales and New Business Development, TPT, said, “The new solution will help us bring all logistics players under one platform, create transparency in the industry, as well us power the next leg of our growth journey.”
“TCS has been partnering with progressive organizations across the world to develop new technology-enabled business models that power their growth and transformation journeys,” said Sumanta Roy, Head, TCS Middle East, Africa, and Mediterranean.