The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) has been awarded the ‘Eurasian Transportation Excellence Award’ at the 33rd Plenary Meeting of the International Coordinating Council on Trans-Eurasian Transportation (CCTT).  The event focused on enhancing logistical cooperation and addressing challenges in the Eurasian transport network. Participants discussed measures such as multimodal logistical planning, border-crossing facilitation, financial and insurance solutions, and the critical role of digitalization in logistics. This recognition highlights FFFAI’s exceptional cooperation, partnership, and contribution to the development of CCTT and the International North-South Transport Corridor. The 33rd Plenary Meeting (CCTT was held in a hybrid format with the support of the Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations of India (FFFAI). The meeting was attended by more than 100 representatives of government establishments, railways, seaports, shipping, investment and transport and logistics companies – members and partners of CCTT – from 18 countries (Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, R. Korea, UAE, Austria, Germany, Singapore, Thailand, Egypt, Belarus, Azerbaijan, China, Mongolia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Turkmenistan).

Quickship Global Express, a unit of the Inext Logistics Group has announced its ‘Dedicated Delivery Services’ for shipments between India and Canada, irrespective of weight and size. With this initiative, Quickship Global Express cements its position as the undisputed leader in the India-Canada and Canada-India logistics corridor, offering unparalleled speed, reliability, and customer-centric solutions. “The India-Canada trade lane is booming, and businesses on both ends need fast, efficient, and hassle-free logistics to thrive,” said Amar Khurana, CMD of Quickship Global Express and writer of Amazon’s best-seller Selling Beyond Borders. “Our new 24×7 services promise to redefine cross-border shipping with speed, transparency, and innovation,” he added. Quickship Global Express’s new initiative is designed to empower businesses, freight forwarders, and shippers, Online sellers, Amazon sellers looking to expand across the India-Canada trade lane. Whether you’re shipping textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, pharmaceuticals, Food items, medicines or heavy cargo, we have the solutions to fit your needs. Our goal is to simplify global trade and help businesses flourish across borders,” added Mr. Khurana. “By connecting India and Canada with unmatched efficiency, we are enabling businesses to think globally and act confidently.” Key Features Own offices, own Custom brokerage, own warehousing and own delivery capabilities in India and Canada 24×7 Delivery Network: Around-the-clock dedicated services for shipments from India to Canada and Canada to India. 30-Minute Quotation Guarantee: No waiting! Receive precise shipping quotes in under 30 minutes, empowering businesses to act swiftly. Comprehensive Solutions: Tailored logistics for all shipments – from e-commerce parcels to bulk cargo and high-value goods. Dual Market Leadership: Leveraging Quickship Global Express’s expertise as a market leader in India and Canada. Why Choose Quickship Global Express? Fastest Transit Times: Minimized delivery timelines …

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), Vadodara has signed MoU with the Indian Navy in New Delhi to enhance logistics-related education, research, and training for the Indian Navy. The agreement, signed by Vice Admiral Deepak Kapoor (Controller of Logistics, Indian Navy) and Prof. Manoj Choudhary (Vice-Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya), represents a major milestone in bolstering India Navy’s logistics capabilities and operational efficiency. The collaboration is set to strengthen the Indian Navy’s logistical framework by focusing on supply chain management, multimodal transportation, and sustainability in logistics. It also aligns with national development initiatives such as the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022. The MoU facilitates the exchange of expertise and case studies in areas such as AI applications, predictive analytics, and blockchain technology to elevate logistics practices. A specified number of Indian Navy officers will also have the opportunity to pursue academic degrees at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), alongside management development programs designed exclusively for them.

Swiss WorldCargo has added its capacity to online booking portal WebCargo as part of efforts to expand its digital presence. Through the partnership, the airline’s bellyhold capacity will be available to book online by WebCargo’s forwarder users. The company added that the new partnership with WebCargo would enhance digital presence. The airline said its product portfolio will be bookable on WebCargo for selected markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas. This includes Swiss General Cargo and Swiss Pharma and Healthcare. These products can be paired with the Celsius Passive transportation solution for temperature-sensitive shipments and the X-Presso option for expedited transportation.  

Global air cargo demand showed no signs of slowing down in November as volumes recorded a 13th consecutive month of double-digit growth and load factors hit their highest level since April 2022, according to the latest market analysis by Xeneta. Demand rose +10% year-on-year in November, fuelled by the continued boom in e-commerce. This, coupled with only a marginal +2% growth in air cargo capacity, contributed to global air cargo spot rates (valid for one month) also reaching their highest level in nearly two years at USD 2.90 per kilo, a sixth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. The air cargo market’s strong monthly performance in 2024 had led to hopes of a ‘peak of all peaks’ in Q4 from some sectors of the market. Niall van de Wouw, Xeneta’s Chief Airfreight Officer, however, says the industry has done well to avoid it. “The peak of all peaks should not be a goal. It should be avoided because of the imbalance it creates between winners and losers. 2024 had all the ingredients to see crazy peak season rates but the fact we haven’t seen this situation develop is another sign of the maturity we previously referenced in the global air cargo market. What we witnessed in 2023 was a mess and a valuable lesson. In 2024, we are seeing those lessons put into practice,” he said.  

Amit Tandon, CEO & MD, Asia Shipping India says, “Currently, India’s airports handle 6.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, with plans to expand this capacity to 10 million tonnes by 2030. Modernisation initiatives by the Airports Authority of India include upgrading 150 smaller airports to enhance cargo handling capabilities through multimodal hubs, cold storage facilities, and digital integration. These measures aim to reduce logistics time and costs and establish India as a trusted global trade and transshipment hub. While advancements in air cargo and logistics infrastructure are promising, sustained investment in efficiency, capacity expansion, and technological integration remains essential to drive the sector’s growth and meet the demands of an increasingly dynamic market.  

Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport says, “The air cargo and logistics sector has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, yet infrastructure standards remain a mixed bag. While major hubs boast world-class facilities, regional airports often lack the necessary infrastructure for seamless operations. Major challenges include but not limited to outdated cargo terminals, limited cargo handling capacity, and inadequate cold storage facilities for temp-sensitive cargo. Further, lack of standardized processes and digitalization hinders efficiency and transparency. Few airports in India are experiencing increasing congestion, particularly with the rise in air cargo volumes driven by current geopolitical situation, emergence of global e-commerce, increase in pharmaceutical exports, and China +1 strategy benefitting India. However, there’s a growing emphasis on modernizing infrastructure. Further, investments in automation, safety & security, and sustainable practices are driving positive changes in the sector. Collaboration between stakeholders, including governments, airlines, and logistics providers, is crucial to bridge the gap and ensure the sector’s long-term competitiveness.”

Pramod Menon, Vice President – Cargo, Rainbow Aviation says, “The government has launched initiatives to modernise 150 underutilised airports and airstrips across the country, which will boost air cargo capabilities and regional connectivity. In terms of air cargo infrastructure, there are plans to establish dedicated cargo terminals, and cold storage facilities for perishables. Automated storage and retrieval systems, mechanised cargo handling systems, and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems will also be introduced to enhance efficiency and transparency. However, despite these efforts, there is still a need for significant investment in logistics infrastructure, including basic requirements of warehousing, transportation, and technology upgrades. The Indian logistics sector is expected to grow significantly, driven by the e-commerce boom, Make in India Initiative (government initiatives), and investments in infrastructure. Overall, while there have been notable improvements in air cargo and logistics infrastructure, there is still a long way to go to meet the growing demands of the sector.”

Arun Chandra, BIAL, Vice President – Aviation Business, BIAL says, “To support the growing demand, Public-private partnerships should drive investment in green infrastructure, ensuring sustainability while expanding capacity.  Furthermore, the government, in collaboration with stakeholders, should evaluate existing procedures and processes, aiming to adopt global best practices. This will help streamline air cargo operations in India, making them more efficient and growth focused. BLR Airport with its enhanced connectivity and state-of-the-art infrastructure, has established itself as a key airport for air cargo operations in India, enabling seamless global trade. In FY 2023-24, BLR Airport handled 44% of South India’s total perishable cargo and contributed 28% to the national perishable cargo share, showcasing its pivotal role in supporting industries reliant on temperature-sensitive logistics. The standards of infrastructure in the air cargo and logistics sectors have witnessed significant progress in recent years, with technological advancements, cold chain facilities, and streamlined customs processes. However, India’s air cargo and logistics sector requires infrastructural advancements to accommodate growing demand and achieve global competitiveness specifically from sectors like the e-commerce.  Modernising the cargo terminals with state-of-the-art infrastructure, streamlined processes, and digital innovation is essential to unlocking the sector’s potential and meeting international standards.”

  Kaushalya Logistics (KLL) has received the approval of three new depots in Uttar Pradesh for JK Cement. KLL stated that these locations, Shahganj, Fatehpur, and Akbarpur, mark a significant step forward in its mission to strengthen logistics footprint in the cement industry. This expansion is expected to create new growth opportunities, enhance revenue streams, optimize resource utilization, and strengthen relationships with clients. It reflects the companys commitment to delivering seamless and efficient logistics solutions across India, it added. Uddhav Poddar, managing director, Kaushalya Logistics, said, We are delighted to announce the addition of three new depots for JK Cement in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in our journey to strengthen our logistics network. This expansion reflects our dedication to providing efficient and reliable logistics solutions to our clients while supporting the growth of JK Cements operations.