DB Schenker is collaborating with Microsoft Cloud Logistics for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Sustainable Marine Fuel (SMF), highlighting their collective ambition to comprehensively reduce the environmental footprint of their transportation practices. This pivotal effort also includes building best-in-class logistics warehouses and implementing alternative energy trucks. It signifies an important step towards reducing the carbon emissions associated with their logistics operations (Scope 3) compared to transportation associated with conventional fossil-based fuels and thus supports their overarching environmental sustainability goals. Jochen Thewes, CEO of DB Schenker says, “Microsoft and DB Schenker, that’s two global leaders united to reduce emissions in transportation and logistics. Our cooperation is expected to demonstrate that significant CO2e-savings are feasible already in today’s intercontinental supply chains. The upgrade of the Netherlands warehouse to BREEAM Excellent status and the Illinois, United States SuperHub receiving the LEED Platinum Certification are prime examples of our dedication to paving the way for more sustainable and innovative logistics solutions.”

Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) convened its 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Annual Function in Mumbai and elected Sanjeev Harale who has successfully served the Association for more than 20 years.  The keynote address was given by the Chief Guest, Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone II, Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House, and Rajesh Pandey (IRS). The AGM witnessed the taking over of the charge of the Association Office by the new Office Bearers who stood unopposed by election nomination process and the newly elected Managing Committee for the term 2024 – 2026 under the leadership of the incoming President, Sanjeev Harale with his vast experience and noteworthy skills in the field. Senior Vice President / President Elect, Paresh Thakkar, Vice Presidents Vinayak Aparaj, Hiren Ruparel & Ganpat Korde, Hon. Secretary, Nirav Thakker and Hon. Treasurer, Ketan Desai took charge as the new Officer Bearers of the Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association.

Keku Bomi Gazder, Managing Director & CEO, Aviapro Logistic says, “10 MMT by 2030 is an aspirational target set by the government of India and I would say that we are well on the way of moving towards it. Whether we do it in 2030, 2031, before that or after that, what matters is, how do we want to get there? Do we want it only with local cargo, transshipment cargo, or with both? I think the answer lies in the third one, which is to have a mix of everything. If India is going to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, if we want to achieve the position of Atmanirbhar Bharat, we need to consider what we can do to grow our businesses here. I am confident we will achieve the target.”  

Satish Lakkaraju, CEO, NexGen Logistics says, “The trade lanes play very important role to achieve 10 MMT, this target cannot be accomplished from one airport or state or commodity. The trade lanes become critical because today the large revenues in terms of exports will come from countries like US, which are area one traffic. So, we are making good progress, and especially in the limelight of what is happening in the neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and in the rest of the world, India has a great opportunity to capitalize on it in terms of achieving the 10 million metric tonnes target by 2030.  

C.K Govil, President, ACAAI says, “The government initiatives to promote and develop the airports across India to facilitate the export of cargo is really what I should say a big step in achieving this target. I am sure with this initiative and positive thinking of the government to mitigate any issues and trying to resolve the blockades would help in getting these issues resolved and help India in achieving the target of 10 million metric tonnes by 2030.”

Abhishek Goel, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group says, “The development in the air cargo industry has been tremendous, and fast, especially boosted by the e -commerce exports. So, logistics is the backbone of the industry, which is driving the growth in the industry. Further, the government support and export of commodities and industrial goods has also supported the export out of India. I think we should be able to surpass the 10 MMT by 2030 target set by the government, and even achieve much higher tonnage in the coming years.”

Hans Infomatic successfully hosted the first-ever AI-focused hackathon for the logistics industry, titled ‘Algnite..Code The Future 2024,’ to bring together software developers and industry experts to explore the transformative role of AI in logistics operations, aiming to boost business efficiency and operational agility. Parvinder Singh, MD, Hans Infomatic along with two other directors, Tajinder Kaur and Padma Handa graced the occasion. Singh also gave a welcome speech and shared the company’s vision behind this initiative. The hackathon featured talented software developers from various regions who showcased their coding skills, building cutting-edge AI applications tailored to the logistics sector. The event was moderated by Rajesh Kumar, General Manager of Hans Infomatic, while Ankush Tyagi, Software Development Manager at Ericsson (Austin, Texas), and Jivtesh Singh, Backend Developer at IBM (Austin, Texas), served as judges to evaluate the innovative AI solutions presented. The event kicked off with discussions on the future potential of AI applications in streamlining logistics processes and optimising supply chain management. Developers competed to craft the best AI-driven solutions for enhancing operational efficiency in areas such as shipment tracking, inventory management, and predictive analytics.

To explore how the supply chain of tomorrow will be shaped by embracing cutting-edge technologies and prioritising environmental responsibility, the International Supply Chain & Logistics Summit (ISCL) 2024 is all set to be held on 4th and 5 October at Hotel Pride Plaza Aerocity, New Delhi, India. The ISCL 2024 aims to be a premier forum for the discussion and dissemination of the latest advancements, strategies, and best practices in the field of supply chain and logistics, focusing on the theme “Next Generation Logistics: Smart, Resilient, Sustainable.” The primary objective of ISCL 2024 is to create a global platform to showcase supply chain and logistics standards, best practices, innovations, and technology. The summit will bring together international leaders, professionals, regulators, academics, consultants, and other stakeholders for cross-cultural learning and the sharing of knowledge, aiming to enhance the efficiency and resilience of global supply chains. The event is supported by the Association of Supply Chain Professionals.

The Domestic Air Cargo Agents Association of India (DACAAI) members held a meeting with Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to discuss regarding the increasing congestion and hikes in handling charges at the airport terminals across the country for domestic cargo movement. “According to the AERA, there’s a regulatory body for commercials, but there’s no official body to monitor the performance of the cargo terminals, or to ensure seamless domestic cargo movement. The domestic cargo agents are pleading the airport authorities to help move the cargo, which, is due to congestion getting delayed despite the customers paying high freight rates for faster deliveries. In this regard, the enraged agents are urging for a fast and concrete solution to this quagmire.”  

Allcargo Gati announced a 10.2% average General Price Increase (GPI) effective from January 1, 2025, for its Express Distribution services. This is the first price revision since Allcargo Logistics Limited’s strategic acquisition of Gati in 2019, driven by the necessity to align pricing with ongoing operational investments and maintain high standards of service quality. The GPI will help offset the significant increase in costs over the years, taking into consideration inflation, administrative costs related to regulatory and security measures, enabling further investment in infrastructure and technological advancements.  New customers who sign up between October 1 and December 31, 2024, will have the GPI excluded. Ketan Kulkarni, Deputy Managing Director, Gati Express and Supply Chain Pvt. Limited. (GESCPL), said, “At Allcargo Gati, our primary objective is to provide exceptional logistics solutions with unmatched reliability and efficiency. This price revision is a strategic response to the evolving economic environment. Amid rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures, this move is essential to maintaining the high standards of service our customers expect. The revised pricing will allow us to further invest in infrastructure and technological advancements enabling us to be well-positioned to meet the increasing demands of our clients across diverse regions.”