CCI Worldwide Logistics launched ‘Trans Africa’, a technology-led freight service designed to streamline cross-border logistics across the African continent. Backed by an investment of ₹106 crore, the initiative targets a significant boost in freight volumes with a projected 5,000 TEUs annually via air and sea transport, and an estimated 15% return on investment. With this launch, CCI Worldwide further strengthens its commitment to transforming Africa’s trade landscape through innovation, connectivity, and scalable freight solutions.

DHL Express has announced the strategic expansion of its operations at Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) resulting in a consolidated footprint of over 130,000 sq. ft. This expansion includes the integration of a new, purpose-built service center at the AISATS Bengaluru Logistics Park within the Kempegowda International Airport. This initiative addresses the increasing shipment volumes from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises across Southern India, driven by the region’s consistent economic growth and growing global trade engagement. The new service center, spanning 17,900 sq. ft., is equipped with advanced material handling systems designed to enable faster and more efficient shipment processing. It also incorporates automation technologies, including telescopic conveyors, wheel sorters, and an operation logic-based conveyor sequence, to import and export processes. These enhancements are projected to reduce shipment processing times, enhancing throughput capacity to handle current and future volume growth.  

Debajyoti Bagchi, Vice President Business Development (Air Cargo) said, “TT Group To ensure smooth cargo operations during monsoon, CTOs must reinforce terminal infrastructure by maintaining waterproof roofing, efficient drainage, and preventing water seepage and logging. A monsoon advisory should be issued to stakeholders for proactive measures. Shippers are encouraged to shrink-wrap cargo to avoid rain exposure, prevent moisture damage, and improve stackability. High-value and sensitive goods should have insurance coverage. Loaded ULDs must be safeguarded with plastic sheets and wiped dry before loading into aircraft. Agents should collaborate with transporters to schedule pickups and deliveries around weather alerts and off-peak ACC timings, minimizing delays at truck doc and facilitate aircraft turnaround times efficiently.”

Dinesh Krishnan, Chairman – Southern Region, ACAAI said, “At the Chennai cargo terminal, due to truck ramp and shed misalignment, the cargo gets wet while loading and unloading in the trucks. At the import shed although a canopy is provided the segregation is done outside and cargo gets wet. As soon as monsoon arrives, airport terminal operators ensure multiple roofing, check for leakage in pipes, water backlog which risks both import and export cargo. Monsoon is an annual event in India, so there’s no surprises if the cargo terminal operators paying attention to the ‘Monsoon Enabled’ terminal infrastructure in advance instead of the trade suffering due to wet cargo and then the CTO’s waking up to do patch work to fix the problems.”

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “Transportation during monsoons pose a great challenge to the handlers as how to protect the cargo from the possible damage hence as far as possible closed body vehicles need to be used for carrying the goods. The transport service providers also have to take additional precautionary measures by covering the truck with layers of tarpaulin and plastic sheets. The handlers also should be aware not to undertake outdoor loading or unloading of goods in severe weather conditions to ensure safety. With the onset of monsoon season bringing rains throughout the country, it becomes not only desirable but essential that required precautions are taken by the cargo handlers so that the boxes containing the contents do not get wet or damaged. Since rainy season has not been a new phenomenon in our country hence the handlers concerned are fully aware and trained as how to ensure a safe and secured packing of the cargo to avert any damage from rains. They are also well trained to load or unload cargo using covered platforms in a way that minimizes exposure to rains and potential damages.”  

Rajen Bhatia, Chairman Western Region, ACAAI said, “Airports and ground handling agents must roll out monsoon-specific SOPs to all airside and landside cargo teams before the season starts. Protective packaging and pallet wrapping are crucial. Handlers are trained to ensure cargo is shrink-wrapped, covered with tarpaulin and placed on plastic or elevated pallets to prevent contact with water on the tarmac or warehouse floor. Teams are given refresher training on how to act quickly during sudden downpours or waterlogging scenarios. Cargo movements from terminal to aircraft (or vice versa) are minimised during heavy showers or conducted using covered dollies and rapid transit vehicles. Handlers are equipped with monsoon gear (raincoats, boots, gloves) to ensure uninterrupted safe handling.”

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics said, “Monsoons bring added challenges to cargo handling, but with proper precautions, risks can be minimised. CTOs and agents should focus on waterproof packaging, secure palletisation and use of covered storage or transport to prevent cargo damage. Regular checks of terminal drainage, real-time weather monitoring and staff awareness are equally important. Transparent communication with customers about potential delays or diversions builds trust. Proactive planning, especially for sensitive or high-value shipments, is essential to ensure cargo safety during this season.”

The logistics management platform, Shipway, has launched its AI chatbot Loca. Designed to serve as a virtual logistics assistant, Loca enables D2C brands to automate customer support at scale – managing delivery inquiries, tracking orders, and resolving issues without human intervention. With Loca, Shipway empowers sellers, especially emerging and smaller brands, by instantly answering logistics-related queries, freeing up teams to focus on growth and core business functions. Loca offers multilingual support, ensuring brands in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can access services in their preferred language. “The role of technology is to simplify business processes. Loca’s ability to handle most customer queries without human intervention makes it ideally suited for scalable implementation and  translates into faster response times for users. We believe AI tools will transform backend operations, and Loca is an important step in that direction,” said Saurabh Kumar Choudhary, Chief Business Officer at Shipway.

GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo proudly announces the official rollout of CLIMB – Cargo Loyalty Incentives and Milestone Benefits, India’s first dedicated loyalty program for freight forwarders. Following a successful soft launch during the ACFI Conclave in Hyderabad on January 31, 2025, the program will go live on July 1, 2025, with Hyderabad (HYD) as the pilot location.  Developed exclusively for the freight forwarding community, CLIMB is a pioneering initiative across GMR-operated airports in India, designed to recognize and reward freight forwarders. The program offers a host of premium benefits, including: Priority cargo handling Dedicated single point of contact (SPOC) Demurrage waivers And more exclusive add-ons Loyalty Rewards   With CLIMB, GMR aims to strengthen long-term collaboration, incentivize performance, and enhance stakeholder value across the air cargo ecosystem. This innovative loyalty program reflects GMR’s commitment to driving operational excellence and nurturing a future-ready cargo infrastructure in India.  

The Warehousing Association of India (WAI) unveiled the second edition of e-handbook on ‘Standards of Warehousing in India,’ jointly with DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry at the ongoing 14th edition of India Warehousing Show in New Delhi. Manu Raj Bhalla, President, WAI, Arif Siddiqui, Vice President and Mohit Kapoor, Chairperson Projects and Events Committee at WAI  thanked the govt for extending their cooperation and assistance and association members for their support and efforts. He said, “This handbook is not just a publication, but a living document and a shared national commitment for developing a globally competent, sustainable and standard-driven warehousing ecosystem in India.”