sKart Express has launched the sKart Express digital sales portal, which is designed to simplify and streamline access to a wide range of services tailored for MSMEs. Through this initiative, sKart aims to support the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector with the implementation of tech-driven logistics solutions. The portal is designed to provide customized solutions to the unique needs of MSMEs. It utilizes a combination of owned, leased, and franchised assets. It offers a comprehensive suite of services, including commercial, express, cross-border, and reverse logistics, across the B2B, B2C, and social commerce sectors. “MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, yet they often face challenges in accessing essential services and resources. sKartGlobal Express is our solution to bridge this gap, providing an integrated platform where businesses can find everything they need to succeed. This launch marks a step forward in our mission to empower MSMEs through innovation and technology,” Yashpal Sharma, Managing Director, Skyways Group, said.

Aiming to enhance operational efficiency and compliance with Indian customs’ regulations, Master Marine Services (MMSPL) has introduced the MMD3 SCMTR Digital Portal. The solution has been developed to streamline compliance with the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR). The MMD3 SCMTR Digital Portal is a comprehensive tool that allows businesses to Ensure compatibility with SCMTR specifications mandated by Indian Customs, and generate SAM, SEI, SDM, SDN, and CSN (including SCE and SCX) seamlessly. “Our in-house development of the MMD3 SCMTR Digital Portal is a testament to our dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. With this tool, our customers can now navigate SCMTR compliance with confidence and ease. This breakthrough innovation not only underscores MMSPL’s technical prowess but also demonstrates its commitment to providing tailored solutions for the logistics and shipping industry,” Xerrxes Master, Managing Director, MMSPL, said.

Blue Ocean Corporation has signed MoU with the Institute of Integrated Learning in Management University to launch Logistics and Supply Chain Skill Development Programme, aligned with the Foundations Course from Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), integrated into IILM University curriculum. Sathya Menon, Group CEO of Blue Ocean Corporation, and Prof. Taruna Gautam, Vice Chancellor of IILM University signed the MoU. This collaboration not only offers a comprehensive understanding of logistics management and advanced supply chain strategies, but also provides participants with an internationally recognized certificate from the USA. “India’s logistics sector is undergoing a transformation, and this collaboration will ensure that the next generation of professionals is equipped with the advanced skills required to drive that change. By integrating our program into IILM’s curriculum, we are laying the foundation for a new era of logistics excellence. This is just the beginning of our mission to shape a smarter, more efficient logistics future for India”, Sathya Menon, the Group CEO of Blue Ocean Corporation, said.

UltraTech Cement is leveraging inland waterways to transport a large consignment of mineral gypsum via National Waterway 1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River system) in a pilot project. This pilot movement was flagged off by the Minister of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal at G.R. Jetty, Kolkata. UltraTech’s participation in the pilot was supported by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). The consignment is being shipped from Haldia port in West Bengal to Gaighat terminal in Patna, Bihar and is being transported to Pataliputra Cement Works, UltraTech’s cement grinding unit located in Patna district, Bihar. “Through this pilot, we are proud to partner the government of India in promoting the use of inland waterways in line with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This initiative underscores UltraTech’s commitment to green logistics as an enabler to realise its Net Zero goal by 2050,” K C Jhanwar, MD, UltraTech Cement, said.

ThaiLion Mentari Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Lion Group, is expanding its operations in India. The airline has started operating flights from Chennai and Kolkata, with four frequencies from each station. This expansion follows the launch of operations in Mumbai, Amritsar, Bangalore, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. Thai Lion Airlines to Offer Cargo Movement Options from India. Thai Lion will now offer cargo movement options from India to Thailand and further connectivity to Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Nepal. The airline has started operating flights from Chennai and Kolkata, with four frequencies from each station. This expansion follows the launch of operations in Mumbai, Amritsar, Bangalore, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. The new cargo services will provide businesses and individuals with more options for transporting goods between India and Thailand, as well as to other countries in the region. Thai Lion Mentari Co Ltd is committed to providing affordable and reliable cargo services to its customers. Key Benefits of Thai Lion Airlines Cargo Services: Competitive rates Fast and efficient transit times Experienced and professional staff Reliable and secure handling of cargo Real-time tracking of shipments

FedEx has introduced the ‘FedEx One Stop Shop’, a digital platform that provides access to both shipping and freight forwarding services, simplifying global shipping for businesses. The solution brings order management, booking, and track & trace into a single system, providing businesses with comprehensive visibility and control over shipments. The platform enables streamlined operations through a single point of contact at FedEx, eliminating the complexities of managing multiple freight forwarders. Additionally, it allows businesses to maintain a repository of their past shipments, ensuring a more efficient and transparent logistics process. “FedEx One Stop Shop is a significant step in our transformation into a digitally driven business, powered by our extensive transportation network. Developed in India, it is already creating efficiencies for customers who participated in the pilot by enabling them to book and manage shipments across FedEx shipping and logistics services. We’re excited to scale this platform to other regions, helping businesses simplify and improve their logistics operations,” Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President of Marketing and Air Network, FedEx, Middle East India Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA) said.

Allcargo Terminals has ramped up the capacity of its Kolkata Container Freight Station (CFS) in West Bengal, spread across 17 acres of operational land. Owing to the growing demand of rice export that is primarily originating from Asansol and Bardhaman districts in West Bengal, Kolkata CFS is equipped to handle over 1,200 TEUs of rice monthly. With its enhanced capacity, the CFS aims to achieve a throughput capacity growth of more than 25%. “We are witnessing a surge in rice exports following the recent lifting of the government ban, and we are fully prepared to meet the growing demand. Between October and November, we observed a significant growth of over 60% in TEU volumes, reflecting the increasing momentum in exports. We have ample capacity in terms of space, skilled workforce, advanced cargo-handling equipment, technology and infrastructure, to fulfil the growth in demands,” Nitin Behl, Regional Head – East & North India Allcargo Terminals, said in a statement.

Addressing the peak hours congestion issue at the terminals, Afzal Malbarwala MD Galaxy Freight says, “Different operators are having different screening procedures in the same cargo complex, it should be standardised, to avoid peak hour congestion. Trucks with export/import cargo should be allowed to ply all the time. Road time restrictions, no one can help and all the trucks waiting for hours move together and cause congestion. Screening procedures to be streamlined as every operator has different procedure for screening and should have modern equipment whereby whole trollies/pallets can be screened instead of each carton. All India, we should have one procedure defined, not different procedure for different operators.”

Pradhaan Air has announced its role as the official logistics carrier for the upcoming Bryan Adams concert tour in India. This partnership demonstrates Pradhaan Air’s logistical expertise and its contribution in enhancing cultural connections through world-class musical events. This initiative echoes the successful collaborations seen globally, such as DHL’s partnership with Bryan Adams during his “Shine A Light” world tour, which effectively highlighted the importance of logistics in creating memorable concert experiences. “Partnering with Bryan Adams is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in logistics. We are excited to contribute to the vibrant entertainment scene in India and help bring unforgettable experiences to fans,” Nipun Anand, Founder & CEO, Pradhaan Air said.    

DSV has released its regular market outlook and forecasted that the air cargo volumes and capacity might stay flat in 2025. It has also mentioned that the global air cargo trade is likely to be stable, following massive growth of e-commerce volumes and Red Sea shipping crisis. The growth opportunities may further be restricted in global air cargo sector in 2025, the report stated. Also, the stricter customs and compliance standards will add complexity and cost which will also hamper the growth in air cargo volumes. The capacity is likely to remain flat as the next generation freighters aren’t likely to feature in the market before 2026. “With capacity expected to remain flat and possibly decline as older aircraft are retired due to age restrictions, any increase in demand will put additional stress on the market,” the market outlook stated.