Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo says, “The scheme introduced by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry is primarily focused on expansion of areas and improving productivity of Cardamom (small & large) and to further generate an exportable surplus of quality spices through post-harvest improvement, export promotion of spices and increasing the share of value-added spices in the export basket. The additional vital components of this scheme are enhancing capacities for market expansion, the trade Promotion, the technological interventions with related research and capacity building apart from establishing skill development centers.”

GEODIS announced an extension to its warehouse, co-packing and distribution contractual relationship with Mondelēz International in Singapore, for a further three years from this month.  Under the contract GEODIS will continue to support Mondelēz International in providing warehousing and distribution of their products to all retail channels & outlets in Singapore. This extension reflects GEODIS’ excellent performance in achieving productivity, innovation and sustainability levels that align with Mondelēz International’s global warehousing & transportation expectations. Since 2008, GEODIS has provided comprehensive end-to-end third-party logistics services to Mondelēz International. In addition to warehousing and distribution functions, the service provision includes inventory management, order fulfilment, reverse logistics and value-added activities such as labelling and product bundling for sales promotions. The award of the contract extension is based on GEODIS’ successful track record of achieving Mondelēz International’s key performance indicators (KPIs). Such KPIs include maintaining 100% of inventory/stock accuracy in Cycle Count and Annual Stock Take; achieving close to 100% for Delivery On-Time and In-Full, and the highest rating of “Satisfactory” for Quality Assurance (QA) audit compliance. Looking ahead, GEODIS is also exploring environmentally pragmatic initiatives to further streamline operations. Planned initiatives include utilizing electric vehicles (EVs) for deliveries and installing solar panels and LED lighting replacements to optimize energy consumption. Andy Tan, Customer Service & Logistics Lead for Singapore and AMEA Exports said: “At Mondelēz International, we prioritize efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in our supply chain, combining our dedication to our consumers with our commitment to the planet. GEODIS has consistently excelled in warehousing and distribution, supporting our growth in Singapore. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership and exploring new sustainable initiatives together.”  

Dushyant Mulani, President, Brihanmumbai Custom Broker Association (BCBA) and Chairman, Federation of Freight Forwarders in India (FFFAI), who was recently honoured with DDP Trailblazer award at India Cargo Awards 2024, said, “This industry is amazing. When I started my career, the first thing that I realised was the startup world had started. We have 60 per cent startups out here. And the first-time entrepreneurship and first-time employment generation potential is amazing, especially in the logistics sector. Friends, be ready, tighten your seatbelts for the next flight.”

Ekart is all set to redefine logistics and supply chain management in India with its comprehensive end-to-end (E2E) supply chain solutions. Designed to cater to a diverse range of parcel sizes and business requirements, Ekart’s E2E solutions are powered by cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships. Ekart’s E2E solutions are tailored to accommodate both large and small parcels, ensuring seamless and efficient logistics operations. Its optimized last-mile delivery networks ensure timely and secure delivery to customers across diverse geographic locations across 15,000+ pincodes, leveraging its vast infrastructure of 50 million cubic feet of warehousing space and a fleet of more than 7,000 trucks. This robust network is supported by state-of-the-art technology, including route & delivery address optimization algorithms and GPS tracking systems, enhancing delivery efficiency and accuracy. Ekart leverages innovative technology to provide real-time tracking updates, automated delivery scheduling, and advanced inventory management. Mani Bhushan, Chief Business Officer, Ekart, said, “At Ekart, we are committed to driving innovation and efficiency in supply chain management. Our end-to-end solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of each brand, leveraging advanced technology and strategic partnerships to deliver unmatched value. By continuously evolving and adapting to industry challenges, we empower our partners to achieve their business goals and enhance the customer experience.”

DP World has achieved a remarkable milestone at DP World Mundra handling a record-breaking highest ever monthly throughput of 1,29,368 TEUs in July 2024. This milestone highlights DP World Mundra’s pivotal role in facilitating trade between Gujarat and the world, showcasing the terminal’s exceptional operational efficiency and capacity to handle increasing trade volumes. Since inception in 2003, DP World Mundra has achieved a total throughput of 1,74,95,602 TEUs. DP World Mundra has introduced new electric Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (e-RTGCs) and electrified the existing ones. The terminal also replaced Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) with electric versions (e-LMVs) and converted diesel Forklift Trucks (FLTs) to electric (e-FLTs), reinforcing its commitment to green initiatives. Ravinder Johal, Chief Operating Officer, Ports & Terminals, Operations & Commercial, Middle East, North Africa & Subcontinent, DP World, said, “The record throughput at DP World Mundra is a testament to our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and sustainable port operations. By optimizing our supply chain processes and enhancing connectivity, we are not only boosting trade efficiency but also supporting the growth of industries in Gujarat and beyond. Our ongoing efforts in equipment electrification will further minimize carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in port operations.”    

Allcargo Gati is expecting robust growth in shipments in the upcoming festive season and has further strengthened its supply chain operations to meet the growing demand. The company has scaled up its technological capabilities and manpower strength at its sorting and fulfilment centres and beefed up its last mile delivery operations to boost its order processing and delivery efficiency to cater to the volume-driven time-sensitive demand. Allcargo Gati has ongoing collaborations with multinational brands and major ecommerce and quick commerce players. To meet the festive season rush, Allcargo Gati has launched last mile delivery operations for e -commerce giants in multiple locations in Maharashtra and in West Bengal. The company also runs 15 mother hub Sorting centres for its ecommerce customers. All sorting centres are operationally optimized and are capable of delivering more than the capacity during the festive season. In addition, Allcargo Gati has added six more manpower supply services to its pool of staffing solutions providers to meet the sudden surge in order processing and delivery demand in the festive season across regions. It has initial plans to hire over 3000 people in multiple operational roles and will intensify hiring in sync with the growth in demand. The company has also strengthened the capacity, productivity and efficiency at its sorting and fulfilment centres by setting up double deep racking, conveyors, advanced hand-held terminals, etc. apart from digitising the operations. Allcargo Gati has also adopted data-driven route-optimisation solutions to ensure faster last mile deliveries amid festive season rush. Sandeep Kulkarni – Chief Operating Officer (COO)- Allcargo Gati  said, “We expect the festive season demand to reach higher peaks this year on the back of positive consumer sentiment. To meet …

Express Global Logistics (EXG), which is part of the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC) in India, has successfully moved Power Plant Equipment from China to the southern part of India for the ongoing expansion of a Nuclear Power Plant. The end-to-end logistics involved Break Bulk Ocean movement from Lushun Port, China, to Tuticorin Port, India, import customs clearance, port handling, inter-carting, and road transportation from Tuticorin Port to the designated site using heavy-duty multi-axle trailers. The project cargo weighted 3708 freight tons in volume and comprised of 36 pieces. It was moved from China to India in just 21 days. The transportation from Tuticorin Port to the designated job site covered 250 km and a combination of heavy-duty and low-bed multi-axle trailers were utilized.

According to a report by real estate consulting firm CBRE titled, ‘India Industrial and Logistics Figures H1 2024’ highlights that, Industrial and logistics leasing activity stood at 16.6 million sq. ft. in H1 2024, a decrease of about 14% on a year-over-year (YoY) basis. Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Kolkata dominated the half-yearly leasing activity; together, these cities accounted for almost 60% of the overall space take-up. Third-party logistics players continued to drive the Industrial and logistics space absorption with a share of about 40%, followed by engineering and manufacturing firms (18%), FMCG companies (10%) and e-commerce players (9%). Supply addition decreased by about 12% YoY to reach 15.5 million sq. ft. during H1 2024.

  CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd is set to begin the transportation of heavy construction equipment, i.e., excavators via specialised rail rakes. This initiative positions CJ Darcl as the first in the industry to utilise the Indian Railways network for aggregating machines from multiple OEMs and transporting them from Chennai (Tamil Nadu) to Ballabgarh (Haryana). In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainability and efficiency, CJ Darcl transported 34 excavators using specialised rakes, including models from Volvo CE, Komatsu India Private Limited, and Gainwell Commosales Private Limited. This initiative closely aligns with the company’s mission to integrate eco-friendly practices into its logistics operations. KK Agarwal, CMD, CJ Darcl said, “We are driving a transformative shift in how heavy equipment is transported across the nation. Embracing rail transport is in line with India’s vision of modern, eco-friendly infrastructure. This initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the logistics sector. We are proud to pave the way for a more sustainable future.” “Our decision to employ rail transport for excavators marks a significant advancement in our sustainability commitment. This initiative not only minimises our carbon footprint but also underscores our dedication to leading the logistics industry toward a more environmentally friendly and efficient future,” said Nikhil Agarwal, President, CJ Darcl. “We are establishing a new standard in sustainable logistics, demonstrating that innovation and responsibility can coexist. We also extend our sincere gratitude to our valued customers for supporting this movement.” The use of rail rakes for moving excavators represents a major advancement in logistics. Rakes, integral to the Indian Railways’ infrastructure, are designed to handle heavy loads efficiently. Consolidating several excavators into one transport unit …

Industry veteran H. K. Vithalani, the Founder Chairman of Global Aviation Services, was felicitated with Gold Award under the category, ‘Gallery of Legends’, at the recently held India Cargo Awards 2024. His award was received by Jalpa Vithalani, Director, Global Aviation Services. She said, “India Cargo Awards and Cargo Talk is an organisation that we personally revere a lot and, this awards ceremony means a lot to us. My father was honoured with the Gallery of Legends award, and I would say it’s a culmination of his life’s work. Cargo and the aviation industry has been his truest passion, so this acknowledgement comes at a time when it’s at the pinnacle of his career. This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives our industry. Receiving this award is like a crowning glory.” India Cargo Awards are the country’s topmost awards which helps create a platform to recognise and honor heroes of logistics and air cargo industry. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy DG Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, GoI presented the award.