Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and FedEx Logistics signed MoU to facilitate the establishment of a regional logistics facility in Qatar’s free zones. The facility, which will operate under the company’s FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage division, will be located at Ras Bufontas Free Zone and will include a state-of-the-art logistics office. The MoU was signed by Sheikh Mohammed H. F. Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), and Patrick Moebel, President and CEO of FedEx Logistics, in a ceremony that took place on the sidelines of their participation at the Qatar Economic Forum, following a productive panel discussion titled ‘Connecting to the Shifting Global Supply Chain Network’ that brought together QFZ and FedEx Logistics. The new facility will help continue to support the expansion of FedEx Logistics with seamless integration into the FedEx global network, serving as a key gateway for international cargo transition in the region between Asia and Europe, says release. The location of the FedEx Logistics facility in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, adjacent to the award-winning Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways, will provide enhanced access to air transportation and freight, efficient customs processing time, convenience, and the opportunity to grow business in the region. Sheikh Mohammed H. F. Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) said: “The collaboration between QFZ and FedEx Logistics will help accelerate the flow of goods and strengthen supply chains, benefitting economies on a global scale”. He added, “The FedEx Logistics investment in QFZ reflects a shared commitment to growth and innovation within the logistics sector. The collaboration leverages the world-class expertise and global network of FedEx and will undoubtedly contribute to highlighting Qatar as a preferred business …

From the warehousing perspective, Marcus Fornell, Director – Warehousing Solutions/ Contract Logistics at Rhenus Logistics India shares, “Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of each product / material is thoroughly studied and reviewed before it comes in the Rhenus warehouse for storage in order to understand all storage & handling requirements of chemical products. The team handling these chemicals is fully trained for handling and storage of chemicals. Hazard identification and risk assessment is done regularly for taking appropriate control measures during storage and handling of chemicals. Emergency Response Plan and Incident Reporting Systems are in place to manage any possible mishaps associated with chemicals storage including fire detection and firefighting arrangements.” He adds, “Rhenus India has 31 fully complaint and certified warehouses strategically located across India with 2.4 million Sq. Ft. of warehousing space. All our warehouses follow an international standard of EHS. Our warehouses have a state-of-the-art infrastructure including: • PEB stable building structure to withstand earthquake; situated far away from residential areas. • Adequate illumination & ventilation as per national norms/NBC. • Firefighting and Fire Detection Systems (fire hydrant/sprinkler, beam detection systems connected to fire alarm) as per norms. • Emergency Exits connected to fire alarm with at least 2 Hours fire resistance. • Arrangements for containment of large quantity of Chemical spill (containment pit) as per storage requirement. • Standard Electrical fixtures installed with adequate safety devices like MCB/RCCB/ELCB and sufficient earthing’s provided for all electrical equipment including lightening arrestors. • Dock levellers provided for each dock for loading/unloading activity. • Modern Material handling equipment’s for material movement which are operated by trained competent operators. • High density racking systems for material storage designed as per storage …

Pradeep Panicker, CEO-GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) asserts, “Ensuring the security of dangerous goods across the supply chain demands unwavering vigilance. Employing tamper-proof packaging and secure transportation, alongside bolstering physical security at cargo terminals, are foundational measures to ensure security. However, real-time tracking and establishing a clear chain of custody, coupled with meticulous documentation of handoffs from origin to destination, are imperative. Trained and certified personnel must handle dangerous goods, equipped to respond to any contingencies. Thorough background checks on employees with access to such goods mitigate insider threats, while fostering a culture of 100% incident reporting promotes swift identification and resolution of vulnerabilities. Promoting a safety culture within the organization and conducting regular emergency mock exercises further secures the ecosystem, ensuring readiness to address any emergencies effectively. GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo has been successfully handling Dangerous Goods at our Air Cargo Terminal, without any incidents. We have implemented several initiatives and measures to ensure the safe handling of these goods. Our staff are trained to IATA standards for handling dangerous goods, including CAT 6, 7 and 8 qualifications. Goods are thoroughly checked upon acceptance. Security screeners undergo CAT-12 training. Screened goods are stored in designated areas following IATA guidelines and equipped with spill kits. Emergency contact numbers are prominently displayed. Cargo build-up occurs at a dedicated workstation, supervised during transportation. Regular HAZMAT drills are conducted as well.”

Sanjiv Edward, CEO – Cargo, GMR Group highlights, “At Delhi International Airport, we conduct regular training and exercises to keep cargo personnel up to date regarding the latest measures on handling dangerous goods. DIAL follows all necessary safeguards rigorously which are important while handling such cargo including imparting dangerous goods training which is certified and valid at time of handling such goods. We ensure necessary infrastructure and processes all along the way to transport such goods – PPE for all staff handling dangerous goods, secluded area earmarked for handling, specialized transport vehicle, emergency response readiness and infrastructure thereof, environment friendly/green process of discharging any residue or remains of such product while handling of such goods. At Delhi Airport, we reiterate safety and regulations by displaying dangerous goods educative signage at prominent places at terminal and use technology, such as AI, to simulate handling and processing including past data & records of any accidents / prevention with help of data science. Delhi airport has allocated sufficient space to handle DG with specialized & certified manpower. We have invested in necessary infrastructure such as isolated locations, emergency response, chemical/smoke detectors and other timely detection infrastructure. Further, we ensure periodic certification from respective regulators to handle dangerous goods. Additionally, terminal operators at Delhi have global certification for warehouse operations such as ISOs, GDP among others. DIAL indulges in intermittent audits – Internal & external, which are conducted to ensure readiness for any eventuality, including drills/programs by government agencies which specializes in handling crisis situations. We continue to invest in people and processes for safe and secure handling of dangerous goods from our airports.”

C K Govil, President, The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) says, “Overall, while there are significant advancements in the handling and transportation of dangerous goods in India, ongoing efforts are needed to address the challenges related to infrastructure, compliance, and training. Enhanced regulatory frameworks, technological integration, and industry collaboration will be key drivers in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of hazardous materials in the Indian market. Handling and transporting dangerous goods in India require concrete efforts from the govt as well as the private players. I feel the adoption of technology in monitoring and managing the transportation of dangerous goods is increasing. GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, and digital documentation are becoming more common, enhancing safety and compliance. There is a continuous need for comprehensive training programs for all stakeholders involved in the logistics chain. Proper handling, emergency response, and safety protocols must be well understood and practiced. Many companies in India are adopting best practices and investing in training and infrastructure to ensure the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods. Industry associations play a crucial role in disseminating information and best practices. Continuous updates to regulations and stricter enforcement are expected to improve safety standards. There is a growing focus on minimizing the environmental impact of transporting dangerous goods. Sustainable practices and the development of green logistics solutions will likely become more prominent.”

“India’s cargo industry holds immense potential and plays a crucial role in driving the country’s economic growth. Currently, we are witnessing robust growth driven by various factors such as the rise of e-commerce, the expansion of the pharmaceutical sector, increasing demand for perishable goods, and the growing need for express cargo services,” says Satyaki Raghunath, COO, BIAL. He adds, “The future will also be fueled by rising consumer demand, government initiatives promoting ease of doing business, and the implementation of advanced technologies for efficient logistics management. At BLR Cargo, our comprehensive range of cargo solutions is designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers. From state-of-the-art facilities and advanced cargo handling systems to customised services and efficient supply chain solutions, we strive to provide seamless and reliable cargo operations. Furthermore, India’s position as a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports opens up immense possibilities for the cargo industry. We have also observed a steady rise in the export of perishable goods, including food products and flowers. Embracing digitalization, automation, last-mile delivery solutions, and sustainable practices are essential to staying competitive and meet evolving customer expectations. BLR Cargo has an estimated growth potential of 8.5-10% annually, aiming to reach 1.7-1.9 million metric tonnes (MTPA) by 2038.”

According to the latest reports by Xeneta, with disruptions to ocean freight services in the Red Sea contributing to the growth in air cargo spot rates this year and the reliability of ocean freight container schedule remaining low, average ocean container spot rates from Northeast Asia to the US West Coast in the first week of May were more than double the level 12 months earlier. According to Xeneta, In March, ocean freight container schedule reliability for services from Asia to the US West Coast was just 49 per cent. Into the US East Coast, it was even worse at 38 per cent. As any improvements in ocean freight container service reliability will be slight at best in the coming months and rates remain elevated, it is not surprising some shippers have turned to air freight to protect their supply chains, the Norway-based ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and market analytics platform said on its website. There has also been significant movement in the cost difference between ocean container and air cargo services. For example, in the first week of May, the average air cargo spot rate on the Trans-Pacific trade was just under nine times more expensive than ocean container spot rates. Back at the start of December before escalation of conflict in the Red Sea, air cargo was around 22 times more expensive. After a temporary dip in March post-Lunar New Year, the eastbound corridor from Northeast Asia to the United States has seen spot rates rebound by more than 30 per cent year on year.

Celcius Logistics has secured INR 40 crore in a pre-series B funding round, led by existing investor IvyCap Ventures, says official release. Other marquee investors include ⁠Mumbai Angels and Caret Capital. The platform connects shippers and transporters and is a one-stop solution for all cold chain requirements, ensuring last mile and hyperlocal delivery for all stakeholders. This follows the Series A funding round of INR 100 crore in April 2023 led by IvyCap Ventures. Celcius Logistics aims to deploy the fresh capital to expand its footprint across its Transportation Management System (TMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS), further strengthening its cold storage solution. Through this, it aims to expand its reach in over 500 cities in the next one year and help manufacturers sell their perishable products. Currently, the platform has 4,000 vehicles, 107 cold storage facilities, 27 distribution centres, and 200 hyperlocal riders across the country. Celcius Logistics Founder & CEO, Swarup Bose said, “Our technology-driven platform addresses the current challenges including operational inefficiencies faced by the Indian cold-chain ecosystem. We enable manufacturers and transport companies particularly in the food and pharma industries to ensure seamless delivery of perishable items. The real-time monitoring updates and analytics also help in reducing wastage of such goods. Through the fresh funding, we aim to further penetrate our presence and bridge the demand-supply gap in the cold supply chain. Our transportation and warehousing systems bring in transparency and operational efficiency, ensuring quality compliance in the cold chain logistics industry.”

” Capacity constraints, fluctuating fuel prices, regulatory complexities, and geopolitical uncertainties are crucial areas of concern for the air cargo sector,” says Prithviraj Chug, CEO Group Concorde. “The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as supply chain disruptions and labour shortages, continue to impact operations and add to the industry’s challenges,” he adds. Additionally, he shares that rising competition from alternative modes of transportation and evolving customer expectations pose further challenges for industry players. Despite these obstacles, we view them as opportunities for innovation and collaboration. With strategic planning and proactive measures, we’re committed to overcoming these challenges and delivering value to our stakeholders.”

DP World will be providing an intermodal rail service for containerised car shipments from June between Mexico, the US and Canada. The port terminal and inland logistics provider is using 16-metre (53ft) containers with R-Rak cassette systems in answer to the ro-ro and multilevel rail-capacity shortage for vehicle shipments in North America, said official reports. The 16-metre containers, which are common for general freight shipments in North America, can accommodate up to six passenger vehicles on special racking systems, compared to the four maximum that can be shipped in a standard 12.2m (40ft) container, which DP World said enhances efficiency and reduces costs for OEM customers. Four larger SUV-sized cars can be shipped in the containers. DP World said in a statement that it is the only logistics company currently providing the intermodal 53ft container solution for finished vehicles.