Category Archives: Supply Chain

The International Federation of Customs Brokers (IFCBA) on 28th August organised a virtual Board of Directors meeting, with representations from numerous countries at various stages of global trade facilitation. Shankar Shinde, IFCBA Chairman, who also chairs the Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Association in India, spoke at the event to welcome IFCBA directors and past chairs from all over the world, and identified three areas of importance for them to contribute in. First is the membership recruitment drive of the IFCBA which is underway and Mr. Shinde talked about what benefits it brings to the member associations. The second priority is nurturing the next generation of customs brokers, which is also a goal shared by the World Customs Organization (WCO).  The final goal is paying attention to Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs), and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), which is the key for facilitation and promotion of efficient logistics operations across borders. “IFCBA not only provides an effective platform to the CB community to connect with the world of wisdom but also acts as a vigilant on international Customs matters, intervening/collaborating with the policy decisions of different Governments. We at IFCBA appeal to the world Customs fraternity to get them prepared for coping with the threat to the traditional CB business. Under this umbrella organisation they should also be united to strengthen trade facilitation, i.e. smooth cargo clearance across the borders,” said Mr. Shinde.

At the recently held ANUTECH 2023, at Mumbai on 7th September, Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Association of India emphasized the need for technology based infrastructure to operate cold chain services across the country. Panelists mentioned how starting from warehousing, to transportation, and distribution, automation of techniques should be prioritised and implemented in the industry to harness the immense potential of the cold chain industry in India. Dr. Nirav Thakker, Executive Committee Member, FFFAI, was also Moderator of the session, and emphasised India’s prospect of 14.37 per cent CAGR in the next five years. Other panelists who participated in the event were Mr. P.A. Bamane, Assistant Manager APEDA; Dr. Karuna Dhale, Assistant Director (Tech), FSSAI, and Ms. Chaitaly Mehta, Director, EKF Logistics. FFAI Chairman, Mr. Shankar Shinde, also spoke at the event, and mentioned that FFFAI is working in close cooperation with the government, using contemporary technology solutions for the cold chain system in the country to have world-class efficiency. As the world’s leading information and procurement platform, ANUTECH combines all such technological solutions along the entire value chain, that includes all sectors of the food and beverage industry, and this international event offered all cross-process future technologies for the same.

Block your dates for the much-awaited, India Warehousing Show (IWS) set to take place on 14,15 &16 June in 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The show is focused to bring the biggest companies on the show floor showcasing supply chain solutions. The upcoming edition will have around 230 suppliers showcasing generation next technologies under niche segments including Automation for Logistics, Ecommerce Zone, Supply Chain Zone, Warehouse Real Estate Zone and Packaging for Logistics offering logistics professionals an exclusive opportunity to connect face-to-face with the right solution providers in New Delhi. “India Warehousing Show has been successfully bringing the logistics stakeholders for almost 12 years now. It continues to shine after all these years and is one of the most awaited events to highlight the current issues, trends and future plans for the logistics sector. Wishing IWS team and RX India the best for the upcoming event and hoping for more diversified events in the years to come,” Shri Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, Logistics & Trade, DPIIT, Ministry of commerce & Industry, Govt of India. Janish Jafri, Project Manager, India Warehousing Show, said, “My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming all participants to the 12th edition of India Warehousing Show is scheduled to take place from 14th to 16 June 2023 at Pragati Maidan. IWS has received an overwhelming response and is looking very good. This year, 230 exhibitors and around 15,000 attendees are expected to be a part of the event, product and solutions on display will include warehouse building solutions, materials handling solutions, storage solutions, automation and packaging for logistics, AIDC and software solutions, logistics service providers, LCV’s and UCV’s and other related services.” Echoing the same …

Transport Corporation of India Ltd. (TCI Group), in collaboration with Indian Institute of Management Bangalore has launched new sustainability lab at IIMB campus with a focus on supply chain management. This will be a one-of-its-kind centre of excellence in sustainable supply chain practices, dissemination, and advocacy. TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab plans to conduct research in areas such as decarbonization, circular economy and sustainable procurement, and publish white papers on sustainable supply chain management topics. It will also offer consulting services on carbon-related mapping, measurement, mitigation and management. Moreover, it targets to provide certification and assessment services, such as supplier sustainability assessment. It has already initiated research projects, white papers and case studies, and is partnering with other organizations such as WRI India, Herbal Life, etc. Vineet Agarwal, MD – TCI said, “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Indian Institute of Management at Bangalore for creation of one-of-its-kind Supply Chain Sustainability Lab. As a group that believes in knowledge-sharing and uplifting the industry, this is yet another addition to our initiatives that facilitates a culture of collaborative growth and thought leadership. With a continued commitment towards delivering excellence, we believe that this lab will build a community of solvers, by combining research with industry expertise.”

DP World has launched a new double-stack freight train facility to improve efficiencies and connectivity between its inland terminal at Ahmedabad and the Mundra port. The maiden train was flagged off from Mundra in early April with a full payload. The double stack train service will further boost the connectivity of Ahmedabad and will drive better efficiency and significantly lower the overall logistics cost for cargo movement on the route even with fewer rakes, owing to the lower haulage rates and lesser or zero port ground rent (PGR) resulting from the faster evacuation of containers from the port. Adhendru Jain, CEO Rail and Inland Terminal, DP World Subcontinent said, “Robust infrastructure and efficient logistics are crucial for boosting economic growth and exports. We are committed to strengthening our supply chain and enabling seamless connectivity to help our customers move their goods quickly and reliably to global and domestic markets. The new double stacked rail freight service will boost cargo carrying capacity substantially and will open new markets for MSMEs in and around Gujarat by leveraging DP World’s world-class integrated multimodal logistics infrastructure.”

CEVA Logistics is transitioning all its contract logistics and freight services to low-carbon electricity by 2025. “The commitment will rely on a combination of purchasing low-carbon electricity (renewable and nuclear) from local utility providers and increasing its own production of electricity using rooftop solar panels, which the company will triple by the end of 2025,” said an official release. “In addition, CEVA expects to reach 100 percent LED lighting in its warehousing facilities by the end of 2023.” CEVA finished 2022 with LED lighting in approximately 80 percent of its contract logistics warehouses, the release said. CEVA is also increasing the size of its lithium-ion material handling equipment (MHE) fleet. “The global logistics provider expects its global fleet to reach a 40 percent level in 2023 of eco-MHE (lithium-ion and gel battery units). Beyond the obvious emissions savings in moving away from diesel- or LPG-powered combustion MHE, the company is also seeing an average 16 percent emissions reduction during the charging process when switching from a lead-acid battery MHE to more eco-friendly lithium-ion batteries.” Through a joint investment with real estate partners of approximately $180 million, CEVA plans to triple the surface area of solar panels covering the roofs of its contract logistics warehouses around the world, the release said. “By the end of 2025, the company expects to have approximately 1.8 million square metres of solar panels installed at its facilities — an area 2.25 times the size of France’s famed Palace of Versailles. With this coverage area, the company estimates it will generate approximately 135,000 MWH per year.”

China’s Cosco Shipping has opened a sea and air logistics centre in Guangzhou Airport’s economic zone to expand global operations. The facility is to include warehousing, logistics, e-commerce and other value-added services, said a statement. Its opening marks the start of the Shanghai-headquartered company’s regional supply chain platform in southeast China. Cosco Shipping Logistics chairman Han Jun said: “This logistics park applies [a] smart management system, which can make the best use of visualisation, digitalisation and intelligent technology to build a safe, convenient, efficient and green park. “This project is in line with the national Great Bay Area development strategy and we will increase investments in core resources and accelerate upgrading [to create an] integrated logistics supply chain.” CMA CGM, Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) have all invested aircraft or entered partnerships to develop their own cargo airlines. CMA CGM Air Cargo is partnering with Air France-KLM and recently launched flights to Shanghai. Maersk has bought and leased aircraft, purchased freight forwarder Senator International (rebranded as Maersk Air Freight) and set up a subsidiary airline, Maersk Air Cargo, which began operations in October 2022. Atlas Air took delivery in November 2022 of the first Boeing B777-200 freighter that it will operate on behalf of MSC.

CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd, has partnered with Netradyne, a SaaS leader in artificial intelligence to provide advanced fleet safety solutions. The engagement provides fleet of 1000 vehicles of CJ Darcl with AI-enabled embedded safety technology, helping the company improve fleet operation performance, driver behavior, and reduce thefts. By deploying Netradyne’s Driver•i, CJ Darcl Logistics enhances their fleet management and further builds upon cost-effective services and sets new safety standards. The Driver•i system helps the company achieve its goals of improving driving behavior through automated driver coaching. It also supports in expediting driver exonerations as well as in handling insurance claims. Durgadutt Nedungadi, Vice President – International Business, Netradyne, said, “We are thrilled to partner with CJ Darcl Logistics, and we will deliver our industry-leading AI-based safety technology solutions to its fleets. The partnership paves the way for us to showcase our technology’s flexibility to cater to our customers’ diverse needs.” Nikhil Agarwal, President- CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd said, “Our vision is to train and to make the drivers follow the best road practices to avoid accidents. CJ Darcl aims to accomplish zero accidents and to understand and address the areas of concern while driving. Partnering with Netradyne’s Driver•i with smart safety dash cams will help to control the driver’s distracted sight. We have also conducted certain trials. Hence, it is helping in maintaining the Driver’s scorecard with other promising results.”

DHL Express has launched GoGreen Plus, a new service that will allow customers to reduce (‘inset’) the carbon emissions associated with their shipments through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This is a first for global express carriers, and will initially launch in the UK, shortly followed by Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Starting this month, customers based in these countries will have the option to select GoGreen Plus when choosing their shipping service through MyDHL+, the company’s online shipping and tracking platform. The service is designed to be fully flexible as it can be selected for individual shipments. GoGreen Plus will become available to all DHL Express customers globally over the coming months, with customers being given the chance to tailor the CO2e reduction they want to achieve and the amount of SAF they use. The new GoGreen Plus service is made possible following DHL’s recent collaborations with bp and Neste to supply SAF to DHL Express hubs around the world. The renewable part of the innovative fuel is produced from waste oils. Such SAF from wastes and residues can provide greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 80 per cent over its lifecycle compared with the conventional jet fuel it replaces. John Pearson, CEO DHL Express, says: “We know our customers are committed to reducing their environmental impact so it’s important we’re giving them the means to do so. I’m delighted that our investment in SAF can now be fully leveraged by customers to enable them to bring down the emissions of their shipments. SAF is currently the primary route to reducing carbon emissions in aviation, so this is the …

FFFAI Chairman, Shankar Shinde has been unanimously elected as Chairman of the International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA) during its Board of Directors’ Annual General Meeting held recently. Shinde is currently Chairman of the Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI) and earlier was holding the post of Managing Director of IFCBA. FFFAI as an Apex body of Customs Brokers in India plays a pivotal role in customs clearance on cross border, recommending best practices in International Exim trade. Other Members elected to the Board of Directors of IFCBA are Secretary General- Ms Carol West from Canada and six Managing Directors: Mr Clive Coke from Jamaica, Ms Angela Collin from Canada, Mr Paul Damkjaer from Australia, Mr Bai Fengchuan from China, Mr Seisaku Okafuji from Japan and Ms Kristiann App from the United States of America. It is pertinent to mention that IFCBA chairs the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) of World Customs Organisation (WCO). Commenting on his focus area as FIATA Chairman, Mr Shinde said that with the WCO theme “Nurturing the next generation: promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional pride in Customs”, which was launched on International customs Day, IFCBA would be happy to carry forward the implementation of this theme to benefit and promote professionalism in the trade.