Digital logistics start-up, Fre8wise has launched Quasi-Blockchain and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions for the logistics industry. The advanced tech-solutions will help the industry deal with issues like lack of integration between customer’s ERP and government portals such as FOIS, FMS, PMS, i3MS, e-way Bill among others. It will also help eliminate manual and paper-based systems that cause delays and errors. It will also help improve visibility, and control pilferage and theft.

With an aim to expand its network, CargoAi has teamed up with North American airfreight trucking firm, Air Cargo Inc (ACI). According to the reports, the partnership will provide ACI’s customers access to CargoAi’s freight forwarding booking solution, while the portal’s user will be able to access ACI’s transport services. “The CargoAi platform will allow existing and ACI’s customers to access air and ground services and get up-to-date and accurate information on their shipments through a single platform,” said a statement. “This collaboration is designed to grow both companies’ ability to deliver to their customers the most innovative and advanced way of managing their shipments through CargoAi’ freight forwarding solution,” the statement added.

Logistics giant, Delhivery recorded growth in revenue at Rs. 7,241 Cr in 2021-22 FY22 from Rs. 4,450 crore in 2020-21, indicating a rise of 63 per cent YoY. The company announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 on Tuesday. Underlying reported revenue increased by 89 per cent to Rs 6,882 crore in 2021-22 from Rs 3,647 cr in 2020-21. The company also delivered full-year operating profitability with an adjusted EBITDA of Rs. 72 crore and Adjusted Cash Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 212 crore in 2021-22. Adjusted Cash PAT is arrived at after adjusting 2021-22 PAT for one-time/ non-recurring expenses and non-cash expenses, including depreciation/ lease expenses, amortization, and ESOP costs. This profitability is a testament to the scale-driven operating leverage of the business, stated a company statement.

Port-led development in the country has taken place under Sagarmala project in a big way, said Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Port and Shipping, while addressing the media recently. Sonowal added that the project will be the growth engine for the ports, especially major ports in the country. The project was taken up for fast development in the country. The minister said the government has spent Rs 99,000 crore for the project and took up 215 projects under Sagarmala. He said the projects are likely to be completed by 2035. “All the major ports have been performing well and the cargo handling has reached to 105 million tonnes at present, Modernization had been taken up in all the major ports and using latest technology to provide best facilities for the port users,” Sonowal said.

To meet the fast-growing demand for perishables in Brisbane, DHL Global Forwarding has opened a new 4,880 sq. mt. facility at Brisbane Airport, which houses the largest international cold chain services. The new facility will support the growth of general cargo in Queensland, Australia and is set to be ready by early 2023. George Lawson, Managing Director, DHL Global Forwarding Australia said in an official statement, “We are also planning to invest AUD 17 million (EUR 11 million) over a period of 10 years. The expansion of our facilities at Brisbane airport reflect the growth in exports, especially perishable exports. Brisbane’s economy is forecast to surge by 2031 and with this new facility, we are ready to support our customers’ growth.”

Emirates SkyCargo’s brand new cargo freighter, Boeing 777F departed Boeing’s facilities at Everett in Washington recently. According to the reports, this is Emirates SkyCargo’s 11th B777F aircraft with registration number A6-EFT, while also having MSN 67462 and line number 1713. Prior to its delivery flight, the aircraft had conducted five test flights, which took seven hours. The freighter first headed over the Pacific Ocean on a nearly 13-hour flight to Hong Kong on May 28 and spent about two hours on the ground before departing for Dubai World Central (DWC).

India is likely to get its first semi-high speed freight train under Gati Shakti by December. The trains, with 16 coaches each, will be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. These freight trains will run at a speed of 160 kmph akin to the Vande Bharat Trains, says reports. A K Agarwal, ICF GM said, “The design work of these trains has already started. Two of these trains will be manufactured by December. More number will be manufactured depending on the market’s response. We are planning to target e-commerce and courier parcel services by introducing these trains.” Every train will have refrigerated wagons in the rear and in the front to carry perishables products. Power connection for these trains will be provided by the coach. The rest of the coaches will have rollers for moving the container.

According to a recent survey titled xChange Industry Pulse Survey released by the Container xChange, a marketplace and technology infrastructure provider for container logistics companies, 51 per cent of freight forwarders, traders and shippers expect chaos in the coming peak season in summer as compared to that in 2021. The survey found that this year’s summer peak season cargo surge will be worse, exceeding the disruptions caused in the peak season of 2021. Twenty-six per cent predicted this year’s peak season would be less chaotic than in 2021, while 22 per cent expected the level of chaos to be the same, stated the survey.

To reserve a stake in Italian airline, ITA Airways, Lufthansa Cargo has submitted a joint bid with Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC). “The MSC Group aims to create a partnership with the Italian Government and Lufthansa as the project’s industrial partner. Lufthansa has already expressed its interest in taking part in the initiative. MSC Group’s interest derives from the possibility of activating positive synergies for both companies in the cargo and passenger sectors where the MSC Group is a global leader,” said a statement. According to media reports, Lufthansa is looking forward to take a 20 per cent stake in ITA while MSC will hold a 60 per cent stake under the joint offer and the remaining 20 per cent would be held by the Italian state. Though nothing has officially been confirmed as of now.

Ethiopian Airlines announced expansion plans of its freighter fleet by ordering five Boeing 777 Freighters. Mesfin Tasew, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines Group said in an official statement, “The addition of these five 777 Freighters into our cargo fleet will enable us to meet the growing demand in our cargo operation. While cementing our partnership with Boeing with new orders, the growth of our freighter fleet takes the capacity and efficiency of our shipment service to the next level. We strive to serve our customers with the latest technology aircraft the industry could offer. Our cargo terminal is Africa’s largest, coupled with fuel-efficient freighters and well-trained cargo handling professionals will enable customers get the best quality shipment service. The customers can rely on Ethiopian Airlines for wide-ranging cargo services across five continents.”