The global air freight rates moved up slightly to 1.7 per cent during the week ending on 17th February, a report from TAC Index stated. The global Baltic Air freight Index showed a 12.8 per cent rise over the last 12 months. The rates have stood firm despite concerns that the addition of US tariffs on China, may have an adverse impact on the market. “The relatively firm tone to the market confounds some expectations that fears over rising tariffs and the threatened end to the de minimis exemption for smaller parcels entering the U.S. might hit volumes and rates hard, amid reports of some e-commerce flights already getting cancelled. Rates reported so far in the period post Chinese New Year do not reflect anything so dramatic, at least not yet,” the TAC Index report stated.

BLR Airport has reported a processing of 44 million rose stems weighing 1,649 metric tonnes (MT) for 22 international and 38 domestic destinations this season. This marks a remarkable 50 per cent year-on-year growth in stems processing, and a 35 per cent YoY increase in tonnage. During this phase, the international rose shipments saw a 51 per cent increase in tonnage and an 86 per cent rise in stem count, with key destinations including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sharjah, Kuwait, Auckland, Amman, Manila, Riyadh, Colombo, and Abu Dhabi. Domestically, 1,344 MT of roses were transported — a 32 per cent increase, with major shipments heading to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bagdogra, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Agartala, and Chandigarh. This year, BLR Airport also expanded its floral footprint, adding new destinations like Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Beirut, Tokyo, Bahrain, and Dammam.

The Madhya Pradesh government has officially launched its new logistics policy. The policy focuses on key aspects such as enhancing the multimodal connectivity, reduction of logistics cost, and improved supply chain efficiency across Madhya Pradesh. The new policy is set to boost the state’s economy and attract investors, Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh said. He also highlighted key features of the policy which includes the implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and the United Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), for faster movements of cargo. Yadav also emphasised the crucial role of the Green Card Scheme, and green industrialisation, which promotes sustainability in the logistics sector. The policy’s purpose is to develop efficient, reliable, and strategically sustainable world-class logistics infrastructure so that logistics cost can be reduced to global standards by 2030, he added.

Volvo Trucks has unveiled India’s first Road Train, which is set boost efficiency and load capacity in logistics sector. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, flagged off the first Road Train in Nagpur. The concept was incorporated into regulations in 2020, allowing the vehicle to reach lengths upto 25.25 metres. The Road Train features a Volvo FM 420 4×2 tractor, a 24-ft trailer, and a 44-ft semi-trailer. The train delivers a combined cargo capacity of 144 cubic meters – which is 50% higher than the standard trailers. After successfully completing the testing and trials, the Road Train is certified by MoRTH and ARAI for operation between Delhivery hubs of Nagpur and Bhiwandi. “The Volvo FM 420 4X2 road train is another pioneering introduction by Volvo Trucks for the Indian market. Designed to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of road transport, it aligns perfectly with ongoing transformation in Indian logistics and the government’s Gati Shakti master plan,” Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said.

During the panel discussion at the LogiMAT India 2025, Amit Maheshwari, Founder & CEO, Softlink Global, said “This is the third time in my career I have been this excited about technology—first with Windows, then with the internet, and now with AI. While buzzwords like AI, IoT, and Blockchain are shaping the logistics industry, the real question is: Are we ready for this transformation? Technology alone is not enough; without skilled professionals to drive it, even the most advanced systems fall short.“ The panel included Dushyant Mulani – Chairman, FFFAI, Abbas Panju – MD, India at UPS Express; Ravi Kumar Thummalapalli – MD, Envirotainer, Kamal Jain – Director, Cargomen Logistics and Mahesh Vadela – MD, HMDA Truck Doc Logistics. The discussion revolved around topics like industry readiness for digital transformation, AI and IOT in Logistics and reskilling & workforce transformation.  

  At the official launch of the Logitrust Global Solutions, Pushpendra Pratap Singh, Managing Director & CEO, Logitrust Global Solutions, said, “Before the initiatives like National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti were introduced, India’s logistics sector lacked world-class infrastructure. However, after the introduction of these visionary initiatives from government, India’s logistics sector has completely transformed. The integrated infrastructure development has enhanced logistics efficiency, which has helped in the ease of doing business. It can be said that PMGS, NLP has boosted the growth of Indian logistics.” Singh aims to revolutionise the logistics and supply chain industry with innovative solutions and expertise. The launch event was graced by distinguished guests, including Samanjasa Das, Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs for the Delhi Zone, and Rajesh Menon, Maritime Specialist, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The ceremonial lamp lighting was conducted by Singh alongside esteemed dignitaries, including Shivani Singh, Vipul Jain, Shweta Jain, and Sanjay Tanwar, symbolizing the dawn of a new era in the logistics sector.

Scandron has launched the CargoMax 20KHC, cargo drone with a 200kg payload capacity, at the ongoing Aero India 2025 Air Show. The drone is designed to provide the Indian Armed Forces with a Stable, Robust, Reliable Aerial Logistics Platform for Last Mile Deliveries. The CargoMax 20KHC is a fully Autonomous Aerial Logistics Platform that offer pilotless operations, an operational range of 15km and a Operational Ceiling of 6000m AMSL. All CargoMax drones have variants that enable them to offer superior logistics capability whether it is for High Altitude Operations, Desert Operations or Naval Operations. “Scandron is a customer focused company, and we continuously innovate to design and develop disruptive drone solutions to help solve real world problems and bring enhanced efficiency to our customers operations. We focus on integrating our drones into mainstream operations to enhance efficiency and reduce costs without compromising safety and reliability”, Arjun Naik, CEO & Founder, Scandron, said.

Elixia has launched cold chain logistics marketplace, Elixia Connect, for the transportation of temperature sensitive goods across India. The logistics tech SAAS AI platform aims to transform cold chain logistics by offering on-demand, temperature-controlled vehicle placement, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and real-time visibility for businesses. The marketplace is set to streamline operations for more than 2,000 shippers and hundreds of transporters dealing with temperature-sensitive goods. “This is a game-changer for India’s cold chain logistics. For too long, the industry has struggled with fragmented networks, unpredictable pricing, and limited vehicle availability. Our new marketplace directly addresses these challenges by providing a seamless, transparent, and cost-effective solution. By keeping the platform free for transporters and ensuring shippers only pay when they receive value, we are making cold chain logistics more efficient, accessible, and future-ready,” Sanket Sheth, Founder & President, Elixia, said.  

Western Carriers has secured a contract worth ₹ 1089 crore from Vedanta for four years spanning till 2028 which will involve the transportation of aluminium products, billets, wire rods, pig iron, and EXIM cargo from Jharsuguda, Vedanta to domestic and international ports. “This mega order with Vedanta underscores their trust in Western Carriers’ expertise in delivering seamless, cost-effective, and efficient multi-modal logistics solutions. We remain committed to leveraging our extensive network, cutting-edge technology, and operational excellence to enhance supply chain efficiency for our clients,” Kanishka Sethia, CEO, Western Carriers, said.  

H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World says, “When it comes to manufacturing for a consumer market, there is no better place than India for nearshoring. Prime Minister Modi’s initiative “Make in India” for the world is truly working.  The country’s roadways and railways are expanding and witnessing an increase in capacity and efficiency. Looking ahead, industrial parks and free trade zones near ports will be key to sustaining India’s trade momentum as it explores new markets. India holds great strategic importance for DP World. We have invested over US$ 2.5 billion in the country’s logistics ecosystem to enhance domestic and global connectivity. With a strong presence across the world, we are leveraging our global expertise and capabilities to provide Indian businesses with seamless access to new markets like Africa, and beyond.”