“ULIP offers an unprecedented opportunity for states to enhance their logistics frameworks. I encourage all states to actively leverage ULIP and drive forward a seamless, efficient, and inclusive logistics sector across India,” said Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in a workshop organised to promote Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) so it continues to lead the charge in transforming India’s logistics sector. The event saw enthusiastic participation from representatives of various states including Telangana, Kerala, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, and Rajasthan. Additionally, many industry associations, enterprises and start-ups joined the workshop. He also emphasized the critical role of ULIP in fostering collaboration and integration among states to create a unified logistics ecosystem.

“Enhancing airport infrastructure and optimizing integrated cargo handling processes to streamline operations and enhance service quality is the need of the hour,” says Kamesh Peri, CEO, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management Pvt Ltd. He adds, “Secondly, navigating the complex regulatory landscape poses a challenge for handlers in India. Cumbersome regulatory approvals, intricate procedures and documentation requirements impede operational efficiency. Simplifying regulatory processes and fostering greater collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies are essential to facilitate smoother operations. Lastly, intense competition within the handling sector necessitates continuous innovation to maintain competitiveness. Collaborative efforts among cargo industry players to standardize processes, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions are crucial for driving growth and sustaining competitiveness. By proactively addressing these bottlenecks through concerted efforts and strategic initiatives, we can overcome challenges and unlock the true potential of the cargo handling industry in India.”

“The air cargo industry faces headwinds. Volatile fuel costs, including the rise of cleaner-burning Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), create pricing instability,” says Kunal Maheshwari, Chief Growth Officer, Softlink Global. He adds, “Traditional tracking systems lack real-time data, leaving shippers in the dark. Paper-based processes lead to delays and errors. Labor shortages and outdated airport infrastructure further disrupt on-time delivery. Evolving security regulations add complexity. Geopolitical events disrupt cargo flows. Finally, air cargo’s high carbon footprint demands solutions like SAF and route optimization. These challenges necessitate collaboration between airlines, freight forwarders, technology providers – which is what Softlink Global is – a technology provider to thousands of freight forwarders – and regulators to build a more efficient, transparent, resilient, and sustainable air cargo system.”

DP World has achieved a historic milestone with its Chennai Container Terminal Pvt. Ltd. Port (CCTPL), successfully berthing and handling its deepest-ever container vessel. The vessel, named APL Boston, boasts a draft of 14.9 meters and a capacity of 9,326 TEUs. This achievement underscores DP World’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of maritime excellence and facilitating seamless trade flow. The vessel serves critical locations in the port rotation, including, Colombo, London Gateway, Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore. Notably, this vessel serves major ports across Europe, enhancing connectivity and trade opportunities. The APL Boston vessel, with dimensions measuring 328 meters in length and 46 meters in breadth, signifies a new era of maritime operations at CCTL. This service belongs to a consortium of partners comprising MSC and CMA, with the vessel belonging to CMA. This milestone reaffirms DP World’s position as a global leader in maritime operations and highlights its unwavering commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the logistics sector. DP World has maintained its focus on exceeding customer needs and anticipating future trends to facilitate and act as a driver for containerisation and industrial growth in India.

SriLankan Cargo, the cargo arm of SriLankan Airlines, has partnered with CargoAi, to simplify and enhance its airfreight booking and payment processes, and bring more transparency and velocity for users than ever. The integration of SriLankan Cargo’s airfreight services into CargoAi’s ecosystem gives users access to online booking and instant cross-border payment capabilities, while allowing SriLankan Cargo to increase its reach and support forwarders that were previously untapped. CargoAi’s integration with SriLankan Cargo also streamlines payment processes by offering multiple payment methods, ranging from local transfers to credit card payments, removing the reliance on cash payments and enhancing security and efficiency in financial transactions. Additionally, CargoAi’s CargoWALLET platform facilitates the reconciliation process, automating tasks that were previously manual and time-consuming. For freight forwarders, the integration also means that they no longer need to provide a bank guarantee or pay yearly subscriptions. Everything is seamlessly integrated with CargoMART, simplifying operations and reducing overhead costs, allowing forwarders to focus on core business operations without the burden of administrative complexities. Chaminda Perera, Head of Cargo of SriLankan Airlines commented by saying, “Our partnership with CargoAi marks another significant stride in our digitalization journey, aimed at expanding our horizons. We will be able to enhance the visibility of our inventory and offer customers a convenient airfreight booking experience. We are looking forward to extending our market reach and engaging with businesses of all scales with CargoAi.” Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi, also expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with SriLankan Cargo marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionize the air cargo industry. By leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance user experience, we are paving the way for a …

Cyrus Katgara, Partner, Jeena & Company shares, “By fostering collaboration and transparency, continuously upgrading the certifications, and educating employees regarding compliance and government rules and regulations, we ensure stakeholders and businesses mutually benefit from the prescribed processes by the regulatory bodies. This approach ensures that people involved in handling the Dangerous Goods follow a smoother & compliant process which results in cultivating a culture of vigilance, mitigates risks, and upholds stringent safety standards. Ultimately it fortifies mutual trust and bolsters sustainable growth. In today’s world, safeguarding our environment and its resources is of utmost importance.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers shares, “In the realm of Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) cargo handling and transportation, a crucial issue has emerged, casting shadows over the smooth flow of DG goods. Since the implementation of a new format, circulated by IATA, effective from January 1, 2023, institutes and instructors have been awaiting approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct the IATA DGR course. However, the absence of this approval has led to a stalemate, preventing officials of IATA approved freight forwarders/agents from renewing their certificates. Compounding the problem is the imposition of an age limit cap of 70 years for DGR instructors, exacerbating the shortage of qualified personnel in the market. The consequence of this bottleneck is the non-compliance of DGR cargo handling processes for both export and import cargo, potentially disrupting the movement of DG goods through the country. Although the DGCA has assured that approvals will likely be granted by the end of May, the delay has raised concerns among trade associations and bodies. It is imperative for the DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation to swiftly resolve this issue to prevent any adverse impact on the international cargo movement originating from India. The industry remains hopeful that the movement of DGR cargo will not be unduly hampered, as any disruptions would undoubtedly reverberate throughout the broader landscape of international cargo transportation.”

Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal announces the successful handling of an Airbus H125 helicopter shipment. Weighing a total of 6539 kilograms, this special cargo arrived in Delhi from France via Doha on Qatar Airways. The Çelebi Delhi Cargo team demonstrated exceptional expertise and efficiency in managing this unique shipment, showcasing its commitment to excellence in handling diverse and challenging cargo movements. With meticulous planning and execution, we ensured the safe and timely delivery of the Airbus H125 helicopter, further solidifying our reputation as a trusted partner in the aviation logistics sector. Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal continues to demonstrate its capability to handle diverse cargo types, reinforcing its position as a preferred partner for cargo logistics solutions. Çelebi remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence and look forward to continuing the success in handling such special movements in the future.

In an initiative aimed at reducing load on terminal gates, The Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has commenced evacuating direct port delivery (DPD) containers landing at Jawaharlal Nehru port (JNPT) by rail, says official reports. The initiative aims to offer a sustainable alternative to road transport and will reduce emissions. “Under the DPD scheme, import containers are delivered directly to pre-approved clients at the port itself instead of waiting in a container freight station (CFS) located outside for clearance, which reduces the cargo dwell time and cost for shippers,” reports add. In collaboration with Gateway Terminals India (GTI) and PSA BDP, CONCOR initiated the dispatch of two rakes on May 11 and 12, carrying cargo from Sabic Innovative Plastics India from GTI’s rail siding at Jawaharlal Nehru port in Nhava Sheva to its Varnama ICD at Vadodara, and subsequently to SABIC, the official from CONCOR said in reports.

“Increasing transportation costs and rising fuel prices are affecting overall revenue and profits and Innovation is the only solution to tackle it,” says Gurdeep Singh, Founder & Chairman, Jujhar Group. He adds, “Logistics expenses in India account for approximately 13-14% of its GDP, surpassing the global average of about 8%. Innovation is crucial in this situation. Logistics companies are implementing route optimisation software to strategically plan trips to reduce mileage and fuel consumption. Additionally, establishing strategic partnerships with fuel providers can lead to securing discounted prices. He adds, “Another major obstacle is the need for more drivers. The sector is experiencing an increasing shortage of drivers compared to the need for their services. To tackle this issue, companies are enhancing the appeal of the profession through competitive salaries, better working environments, and the implementation of driver training initiatives. Furthermore, automation is becoming more prevalent, with autonomous trucks on the way, which could help reduce some of the burden on workers.”