A brand new truck appointment system that will allow drivers calling at Sohar Port and Freezone to schedule collection and delivery of cargo in advance is to be unveiled at Oman International Container Terminal next month, according to a senior official at the terminal operator.
Oman International Container Terminal/Hutchison Port has invested $184 million in developing state-of-the-art terminal operations at Sohar.
Albert Pang, chief executive officer of Oman International Container Terminal said the new truck appointment system will be an important step in creating the nucleus of a seamless logistics network in Oman’s busting North Al Batinah region.
“The truck appointment system will provide a number of time and cost savings for logistics service providers and the broader Omani economy. Perhaps the biggest benefit will be the ability for drivers to monitor traffic flows remotely and schedule their arrival,” he said.
“This extra visibility should lead to better traffic flow in the port and on local roads as well as fewer empty trips between Muscat and Sohar,” he added.
Oman’s logistics sector has grown rapidly in the past decade, and with increased investment aiming to create 80,000 jobs by 2020 the truck appointment system is expected to make the industry more competitive.
“The industrial and economic benefits of being able to consolidate the movement of cargo, include lower shipping costs and increased connectivity, which has the potential to enhance Oman’s existing competitive advantage,” said Pang.
Pang said the new system has been designed with end-users in mind and that drivers will have three options to book arrival times at the port, includes a mobile app, a dedicated website, and an IVR (Interactive Voice Recognition) number.
“We are aware of the need for flexibility and that the mobile devices drivers have access to will vary significantly,” he said.