Blue Dart is pleased to announce the launch of a ground-breaking Unified Shipping API Software Platform. This platform is tailored specifically to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as Large Enterprises across India, catering to all their logistics requirements. This innovative tool is designed to address the distinctive challenges faced by small, medium, and large establishments in managing their First Mile Dispatches through Digitization, with a focus on operational efficiency. By streamlining operations and fostering growth across all enterprise segments, Blue Dart aims to transform the way businesses handle their shipments. Blue Dart will integrate the cutting-edge software platform offered by eShipz.com into its existing logistics infrastructure. This integration will provide access to advanced dispatch tools, ensuring seamless connectivity with sales platforms, marketplaces, order management systems, warehouse management systems, and enterprise resource planning systems of shippers. On the offering, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, says, “Through this platform, we aim to enhance the capabilities of both MSMEs and large enterprises, enabling them to optimize their supply chain processes and gain a competitive edge in their respective industries. We are dedicated to supporting the growth and success of MSMEs, not only in India but also in enabling them to go global.” On the partnership, Shivadeep Mahadi, Co-Founder & CMO of eShipz.com, added, “Our partnership with Blue Dart aligns perfectly with our mission to empower businesses through technology.” One of the Blue Dart’s key USPs is its unparalleled reach, boasting access to over 56,000+ locations across the nation and with DHL Group spanning 220 countries and territories worldwide.

Global air freight rates are continuing to rise, according to the latest data from TAC Index. The overall Baltic Air Freight Index calculated by TAC gained a further 4.1 percent in the week to March 18, the third successive weekly increase, reducing the decline over 12 months to 20.3 percent. Rates are rising strongly again out of China with the index of outbound routes from Hong Kong up a further 5.2 percent WoW with gains on almost all major lanes cutting its YoY decline to only 7.9 percent, the update added. “With sources among forwarders suggesting renewed robust demand for Chinese exports, outbound Shanghai gained 8.9 percent WoW – strong gains both to Europe and the U.S. – further eroding the YoY decline to 7.6 percent. Meanwhile, after recent huge gains, rates out of India seem to be levelling off, and from Vietnam falling back a little.”

DHL Express is further building up its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) operations with the signing of a strategic partnership with international bank Standard Chartered for its GoGreen Plus service. The two companies have agreed to co-invest in SAF, allowing Standard Chartered to balance CO₂ emissions linked to its upstream logistics with Verified Emission Reductions (VER) carbon credits. Standard Chartered is among the first banks to use the GoGreen Plus service globally, and has committed to net zero emissions in its own operations by 2025 and in its financed emissions by 2050, said DHL Group. The bank expects to see its own emissions reduce by up to 30% in year one (against a 2019 baseline) with an expected incremental reduction of 7% year on year from 2025. It estimates that 3,780 tonnes CO2e will be saved between 2024 and 2030. Standard Chartered will receive a monthly report on the carbon footprint of its shipments as part of GoGreen Plus and quarterly certification of the emission reduction achieved by an independent auditor. “The partnership between Standard Chartered and DHL has been going strong for more than two decades. They were the first bank to adopt our GoGreen service in 2011 and are now working with us to make international express shipping more sustainable,” said Yung Ooi, senior vice president for commercial, Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport says, “Indian EXIMs heavily depend on international carriers, presenting a growth opportunity for domestic airlines to enhance freighter connectivity. However, challenges persist, including inadequate infrastructure for cold chain logistics operations, limited adoption of advanced technologies, scarcity of pharma skilled workforce, and post-Covid regulatory hurdles. The absence of dedicated wide-body freighter aircraft impedes access to long-haul destinations, while time-consuming regulations and lack of coordination among industry stakeholders exacerbate delays and inefficiencies in air cargo operations. Achieving seamless coordination among stakeholders and addressing infrastructure deficits are crucial steps towards optimizing India’s air cargo industry.”

Keku Bomi Gazder, CEO & MD, Aviapro Logistic says, “Changing trade policies can have significant ramifications on global supply chains, influencing sourcing strategies, production locations, and distribution networks. Tariffs, trade agreements, and geopolitical tensions can disrupt established supply chains, leading to increased costs, delays, and uncertainties for businesses worldwide. As a company operating within this complex landscape, we closely monitor trade policy developments and adapt our strategies accordingly. We prioritize agility and resilience in our supply chain operations to mitigate risks associated with policy changes. Additionally, we maintain open communication channels with our suppliers and partners to swiftly address any emerging challenges. From the government, we expect transparent and consistent trade policies that foster a conducive environment for international trade. Clear regulations, minimal bureaucratic hurdles, and a commitment to free and fair trade are essential for businesses to thrive in the global marketplace. Furthermore, we encourage policymakers to engage in constructive dialogues with industry stakeholders to understand their concerns and develop policies that support sustainable economic growth. Additionally, investments in infrastructure, technology, and skill development are crucial to enhance the competitiveness of Indian businesses on the global stage. By fostering an enabling environment for trade and innovation, the government can contribute to the resilience and prosperity of the Indian economy amidst evolving global dynamics.”

Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA shares, “The risks of geo-political tensions and the impact they have on supply chains, often go without notice. The recent situation in the middle east which escalated to closing off the red sea shipping lanes was one example. It very quickly caused crucial drug shortages in parts of Europe and whilst air cargo was quickly mobilized to support, accessing suitable capacity at short notice was a challenge. Additionally, effective disruption management requires constant interaction between partners to identify if temperature excursions are at risk and to then agree on corrective measures. For this to be optimized we need much greater adoption of universal digital standards and the agreement to utilize and share data across the community.

The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) is all set to organize its second edition of International Conference on Shipping and Logistics on March 22 in Hyderabad to focus on the cutting-edge trends and innovations shaping the shipping and logistics landscape. The event is being organised with the support of Ministry of MSME. It is a multidisciplinary Mega Conference to share the innovative ideas in facilitating better logistics management in the industry. The conference will invite a thriving network of entrepreneurs, industry experts, and professionals who are converging to bring out impactful solutions through esspecially curated panel discussions and keynotes.

Beyond SqFeet Supply Chain Solutions has started construction of its new state-of-the-art storage facility at Tharu Road, Gurgaon, Haryana. “This is Phase 1 development of our North India footprint. The facility will provide efficient storage solutions and it will facilitate B2B and B2C fulfilment for our customers. The facility is ESG Compliant with ultra-modern amenities,” said an official LinkedIn Post. “With large scale infrastructure projects under construction, such as Delhi – Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Dedicated Freight Corridor, NCR remains as the strong consumption centre in India, we are looking to expand quickly in North and up-North geographies,” said Pratap Hazra, Director, Beyond SqFeet Supply Chain Solutions in a LinkedIn post.

DP World has inaugurated the latest in a string of more than 100 freight forwarding offices across the world, marking a significant expansion aimed at supporting customers navigating the complexities of global trade. In response to increasing disruptions to global trade – from climate change, geopolitics and macroeconomic challenges – DP World has embarked on a bold initiative to bolster its commitment to its customers. The offices already employ 1,000 staff, adding to DP World’s already 108,000-strong team and this is expected to grow significantly over the next 12 months, helping move more than 10% of global trade every year. In India, DP World has a strong freight forwarding network with offices in over 16 locations including major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and tier I cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, Cochin, and Jaipur to name a few. Fuelled by global trade disruptions, businesses are now prioritising dynamic strategies to build resilience into their supply chains, according to Economist Impact research[1]. The traditional asset-light freight forwarding model, which moves cargo via third parties, has proven to be susceptible to disruption at key chokepoints and can have knock-on effects for inventory and fulfilment planning for businesses and their customers. With businesses seeking increased control over their supply chains, DP World’s expansion comes at a pivotal time for the global logistics and supply chain industry. By expanding its freight forwarding offering, with a focus on air and ocean freight, DP World will deploy its ‘toolbox’ of services or capabilities made up of ports, terminals, warehouses, trucks, rail and shipping services to increase control and resilience, supported by proprietary digital technology, whilst also working with complementary partners across the supply chain to boost …

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed MoU with Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) for driving innovation and efficiency in the logistics. The partnership aims to leverage the respective strengths of CONCOR and CWC to optimize supply chain management, enhance customer service, and foster growth in the industry. The collaboration will encompass sharing infrastructure, technology, expertise, and resources to achieve common objectives to offer seamless and cost-effective, end to-end logistics service including First Mile Last Mile solution by offering to its stakeholders the best logistics solutions with an overall purpose to reduce the logistics cost of the nation. CONCOR operates 59 terminals across the country along with two strategic tie-ups. The company’s primary operation is to provide inland transportation of containers from ports using rail wagons. The company also manages cold storage chains and warehouses. The logistics solution providers consolidated net profit rose 12.42% to Rs 330.74 crore on 10.28% increase in revenue from operation to Rs 2,210.57 crore in Q3 FY24 over Q3 FY23.