In appreciation of role of forwarders in port-related activities Westport last week held a gathering at its business center in Pulau Indah in Port Klang which was also attended by the Minister of Transport, Dato’ Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik, General Manager of Port Klang Authority Datin Paduka O C Phang and Selangor Director of Customs Dato Wazir Muar.

On occasion of the event, the executive chairman of Westport Tan Sri G Gnanalingam said the port had installed installation a terminal operating system at the office of the Association of Forwarding Agents Port Klang to enable forwarders to go into the system and check on documentation and closing times for the respective containers.

He said forwarders who play a vital role in the logistics chain, form an essential link between the shipper and the shipping line by acting on behalf of the shipper to ensure all documentation is in order for smooth container clearance. In the course of their work they also liaise with government agencies, the respective ‘Haulage’ companies and terminal staff.

“This makes the forwarder an integral part of the logistics cycle that keeps the boxes and cargo moving in the right direction till it reaches it’s destination, “ added at the event attended by more than 250 people from the industry.

Meanwhile, users of Westport can now extracting container and vessel status via their hand-phone Short Messaging System or more commonly known as SMS.