TCRA warns unlicensed courier service providers
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has issued a gentle reminder to courier services to register their undertakings.
The TCRA director general Dr Jabiri Kuwe Bakari issued the warning yesterday when he was giving feedback on an ongoing four-month campaign to increase public awareness about licensed postal and cargo transportation services and their importance in social and economic development in the country.
He said the campaign aims at addressing challenges facing users of parcel and cargo transportation services.
Speaking to the Daily News, the TCRA boss urged those who need to register courier services to submit their applications through Tanzanite Portal page, which enables applicants to avoid having to physically visit TCRA offices.
“We have greatly improved our services, and all license applicants can obtain their licenses through the Tanzanite portal,” he said.
So far, TCRA issues licenses for postal and cargo transportation companies in six categories, including international, East Africa, intra-city, and inter-city.
In an ongoing four-month campaign started from March, this year, users of parcel and cargo transportation services are being educated about the risks of using unauthorized unlicensed service providers, as well as their rights as consumers to ensure they are protected.
He explained that licensing for providers of parcel and cargo transportation services enhances accountability of service providers to the citizens they serve.
The public education campaign aims to encourage users to make use of duly authorized and officially registered providers of courier services, which have official offices, storage facilities for parcels, and a good record of efficiency, safety, and integrity in the delivery of parcel services.
“As the Regulatory Authority responsible for overseeing the courier services sector, we recognize the vital role they play in supporting our economic activities. It is our duty to remind both existing and potential providers of courier services, of their obligation to register their services with TCRA and renew their licenses if they have expired,” stated Director General Bakari.
He explained that licensing for providers of parcel and cargo transportation services enhances accountability of service providers to the citizens they serve.
Consumer rights for postal service users include receiving information before and after services are handled, filing complaints, and having the opportunity to appeal to the Regulator, among others.
TCRA said the number of players in the industry, thanks to the booming of the growth of online businesses.
TCRA emphasized that users should ensure the legitimacy of the service providers they choose to entrust with their parcel and cargo transportation needs.
