To improve supply chain performance, CMA CGM has launched an industry first early container return incentive programme at the FMS terminal in Los Angeles and at its return locations in Dallas, Chicago, Memphis, and Kansas City. The 60-day incentive programme started on 16 May 2022 will continue until July 15 2022. “It will assist in putting back 43,000 dry containers into circulation within four days of pick-up. Clients are expected to receive a $300 credit per dry container returned to eligible locations during calendar days one to four. Followed by a calculation of incentive credits, which will be carried out on a weekly basis with a credit memo issued every 14 days to each applicable importer,” said a company release. Ed Aldridge, President, CMA CGM and APL North America, said, “We are committed to doing everything to increase the fluidity and velocity of America’s supply chain. Our new programme will result in an incentive credit for our importers, improve equipment availability for our exporters and expedite the flow of goods into and out of America’s heartland.”

India has been considering entering into a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Oman, said Piyush Goyal, The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles at the 10th Meeting of India-Oman Joint Business Council (JBC) in New Delhi recently. The minister added that India had been looking at a comprehensive trade agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, of which Oman is an important member. Talking about recently held Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) the minister stated that despite close relations, the bilateral trade and investment in the two nations were yet to reach maximum potential. The minister also invited Government of Oman to increase their pharma trade with India. “Our pharma companies will bring quality products at competitive prices to consumers in Oman and help bring down the cost of healthcare,” said the minister and thanked Oman for agreeing to fast-track approvals for the Indian medicines that had already been cleared by strong regulatory environments like UK, EU, and USA.

With the recent announcement of Global Air Cargo branch opening in Seoul, Korea, ECS Group continuing with its expansion in Asia. “The newest branch of ECS Group GSSA subsidiary GAC is a strategic milestone in the Group’s network expansion plans which see the Far East, particularly China, Korea, and Japan, as having the greatest dynamic potential,” said an official statement. Adrien Thominet, Executive Chairman, ECS Group said, “ECS Group pledges to offer the strongest Asian network with unlimited connections. Korea was missing from our extensive network. The first six months of operation have already shown that a local presence on the Korean market is highly welcomed, and we look forward to seeing GAC Korea grow its business in this well-yielding and promising market.”

Since its inception, DP World, Cochin posted the highest ever vessel productivity at 150 moves per hour on the MV TCI Anand (Container Ship that was built in 2003) on March 23, 2022, surpassing 137 moves achieved in July 2019. “Clocking record transhipment volumes of over 1.50 lakh TEUS in 2021, DP World Cochin maintained its first position among South Indian terminals in April 2022 with a volume of 66,000 TEUs,” said a company release. Praveen Thomas Joseph, CEO, DP World Cochin, said, “2021 was a great year for DP World Cochin. Our focus on improving productivity and improving customer relations with active support from Cochin Port Trust has made Cochin a destination for international shipping liners. The WIS service, and the ISG Service connecting Cochin to the Middle East and the East Coast of India has helped achieve volume growth, especially in transhipment. We continue to dedicate our efforts to helping our customers navigate the increased complexities in the current global supply chain eco-system.”

SmartKargo, cloud-based air cargo solutions provider has joined Cargo iQ, a cross-stakeholder organization. SmartKargo offers a suite of scalable applications, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), a booking portal, and its end-to-end e-commerce shipping solution for global airlines. SmartKargo has joined Cargo iQ is to bring key quality enhancements to the air cargo industry. Milind Tavshikar, CEO, SmartKargo said, “Establishing t quality management standards requires transparency and collaboration among supply chain partners who bring a variety of perspectives to the conversation. We joined Cargo iQ to bring our unique experience to this important interest group and look forward to contributing as well as being inspired by our industry colleagues. Together, we can ensure that standards of quality management evolve steadily in this industry that is so important to the world.”

The Air Charter Association (ACA) announces Challenge Group as its new member to cater to the companies and individuals engaged in aircraft charter. Challenge Group is committed to co-constructing and sharing its values with new communities. The aim is to enhance each other and build the future of the air cargo industry. Or Zak, Vice President Commercial of Challenge Group said, “The association is one of the oldest and most respected air freight related associations globally. The Challenge Group is honoured to be accepted as a member by this association, and we are looking forward to work alongside other members and partners in shaping the future of the air freight industry in general and that of the Global Charter in particular.”

Delhi Cargo Service Center (DCSC) was conferred with the Best International Air Cargo Terminal Operator Award at the recently held India Cargo Awards, the country’s topmost supply chain awards which helps create a platform to recognise those behind the success of the cargo and logistics industry. Amrit Lal Meena, Special Secretary (Logistics), Union Department of Commerce and Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Union Ministry of Civil Aviation presented the award. CSC is the leading provider of airport ground handling services in India with over two decades of industry experience. Our dedicated team of industry experts and skilled field personnel ensures reliable and efficient services round-the-clock.

Lodha, real estate developer, announced a tie-up with Bain Capital and Ivanhoe Cambridge to develop a next generation green digital infrastructure platform to invest US $1 billion to create USD 1 billion to create operating assets worth 30 million square feet to serve the digital economy of the country. The platform will establish a pan-India presence in the digital infrastructure, including logistics, light industrial parks, and in-city fulfilment centers. Lodha will lead the development, operations, and management of the assets. Abhishek Lodha, CEO and MD, said, “Following the government’s focus on improving logistics efficiency and creating jobs across the country, the platform will plan the development of industrial and logistics parks as well in-city fulfilment centers across multiple cities in India. And we will focus on building and operating this digital infrastructure to the highest levels of environmental sustainability with the view to creating a global benchmark.” Each of the three partners will have a 33 per cent equity interest in the property ownership.

With the focus on supporting growth of the Indian e-commerce ecosystem by expanding infrastructure and services, DHL Supply Chain has, after Bangalore, now expanded its India Fulfilment Network (IFN) to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. The company has so far invested over INR 25 crores in capacity building through IFN. “The latest development is designed to be a launch pad curated for easing the B2C fulfilment process. It is a 360-degree supply chain solution for enterprises across sectors, allowing them to manage their fulfilment operations seamlessly in a fully online marketplace scenario. In addition to this, IFN also offers carrier agnostic transportation network linkages to brands and companies desiring to sell online, providing them with last mile delivery services to further bolster their independent dot.com models,” said an official release. Vikas Anand, Managing Director said, “Using IFN not only reduces delivery times, but also helps avoid long distance shipments across the country thus reducing CO2 emissions occurring from transport.”

Combined Logistics Solutions won the Best Logistics Service Provider Award at the recently held India Cargo Awards, the country’s topmost supply chain awards which helps create a platform to recognise those behind the success of the cargo and logistics industry. Amrit Lal Meena, Special Secretary (Logistics), Union Department of Commerce and Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Union Ministry of Civil Aviation presented the award. Combined Logistics Solutions is an International Freight Forwarding, Customs Brokerage and Logistics Company offering end-to-end solutions in Freight Forwarding and Transportation Management. With over two decades of experience, Combined Logistics has emerged as a specialist with a keen understanding of the unique Indian operating conditions.