Crown Worldwide Group has launched exXtra, a valet storage service in India. The facility offers secure, climate-controlled storage with 24 to 48-hour retrieval times, ensuring quick and hassle-free access to stored belongings. The service provides a seamless doorstep pickup and delivery model, eliminating the inconvenience of traditional self-storage and making storage effortless and accessible. With exXtra, customers can schedule pickups, track their belongings, and manage payments via a user-friendly web-based portal. Items are stored in durable, lockable plastic bins or racks (23 kg and 3456 kg respectively) and housed in state-of-the-art warehouses equipped with 24/7 security and fire suppression systems. This innovative service is designed to cater to modern lifestyles, offering a secure, flexible, and technology-driven solution for household and business storage needs. “exXtra is more than just a storage service, it’s a game-changer in how people manage their space. It redefines traditional storage by combining convenience, technology, and trust. With our expertise in global logistics and warehousing, we are committed to providing a world-class experience that gives customers not just extra space, but also complete peace of mind,” Praveen Joseph, Assistant Vice President – South Asia, Crown Worldwide Group, said.
Read More »DTDC launches DIVA 2.0 to enhances user support
DTDC Express introduces DIVA 2.0, the first-ever conversational GenAI in Indian logistics industry to provide intelligent user support. The ingenious virtual assistant harnesses GenAI’s abilities to effectively address users’ shipping and delivery-related queries in 17 regional Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Assamese, Odia, Manipuri, Konkani, Punjabi, and Ladakhi. DIVA 2.0’s enhanced AI capabilities, Natural Language Understanding (NLU), and multilingual support are designed to offer an inclusive experience for users. The ingenious virtual assistant harnesses GenAI’s abilities to effectively address customers’ shipping and delivery-related queries in 17 regional Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Assamese, Odia, Manipuri, Konkani, Punjabi, and Ladakhi. DIVA 2.0’s enhanced AI capabilities, Natural Language Understanding (NLU), and multilingual support are designed to offer an inclusive experience for users. “DTDC’s continued efforts and focus on innovation propels us to embrace cutting-edge technologies in our infrastructure. In today’s fast-paced world, businesses must adapt and remain agile in the face of relentless change. As we look to the future, Artificial Intelligence stands poised to transform our services. DIVA 2.0 aims to not only boost operational efficiency but also create deeply personalized, user-centric experiences,” Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO, DTDC Express, said.
Read More »India, Qatar strengthen trade ties via signing of MoUs
India and Qatar strengthened their economic and trade ties via the India-Qatar Joint Business Forum, held on February 18, 2025, in New Delhi. The major highlight of the event included signing of two MoUs one between CII and QBA, and the other between Invest India and Invest Qatar. The forum was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, State of Qatar, and Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, gave special keynote addresses on the occasion. The forum featured panel discussions on topics like cooperating and leveraging competencies in the fields of logistics and strengthening cooperation in futuristic areas.
Read More »Air Freight rates move up despite tariff concerns – TAC Index
The global air freight rates moved up slightly to 1.7 per cent during the week ending on 17th February, a report from TAC Index stated. The global Baltic Air freight Index showed a 12.8 per cent rise over the last 12 months. The rates have stood firm despite concerns that the addition of US tariffs on China, may have an adverse impact on the market. “The relatively firm tone to the market confounds some expectations that fears over rising tariffs and the threatened end to the de minimis exemption for smaller parcels entering the U.S. might hit volumes and rates hard, amid reports of some e-commerce flights already getting cancelled. Rates reported so far in the period post Chinese New Year do not reflect anything so dramatic, at least not yet,” the TAC Index report stated.
Read More »BLR Airport ships over 44 million roses, 35% YoY growth
BLR Airport has reported a processing of 44 million rose stems weighing 1,649 metric tonnes (MT) for 22 international and 38 domestic destinations this season. This marks a remarkable 50 per cent year-on-year growth in stems processing, and a 35 per cent YoY increase in tonnage. During this phase, the international rose shipments saw a 51 per cent increase in tonnage and an 86 per cent rise in stem count, with key destinations including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sharjah, Kuwait, Auckland, Amman, Manila, Riyadh, Colombo, and Abu Dhabi. Domestically, 1,344 MT of roses were transported — a 32 per cent increase, with major shipments heading to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bagdogra, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Agartala, and Chandigarh. This year, BLR Airport also expanded its floral footprint, adding new destinations like Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Beirut, Tokyo, Bahrain, and Dammam.
Read More »MP’s logistics policy will boost logistics, attract investors – CM Yadav
The Madhya Pradesh government has officially launched its new logistics policy. The policy focuses on key aspects such as enhancing the multimodal connectivity, reduction of logistics cost, and improved supply chain efficiency across Madhya Pradesh. The new policy is set to boost the state’s economy and attract investors, Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh said. He also highlighted key features of the policy which includes the implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and the United Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), for faster movements of cargo. Yadav also emphasised the crucial role of the Green Card Scheme, and green industrialisation, which promotes sustainability in the logistics sector. The policy’s purpose is to develop efficient, reliable, and strategically sustainable world-class logistics infrastructure so that logistics cost can be reduced to global standards by 2030, he added.
Read More »Volvo Trucks introduces India’s first Road Train to boost logistics ops
Volvo Trucks has unveiled India’s first Road Train, which is set boost efficiency and load capacity in logistics sector. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, flagged off the first Road Train in Nagpur. The concept was incorporated into regulations in 2020, allowing the vehicle to reach lengths upto 25.25 metres. The Road Train features a Volvo FM 420 4×2 tractor, a 24-ft trailer, and a 44-ft semi-trailer. The train delivers a combined cargo capacity of 144 cubic meters – which is 50% higher than the standard trailers. After successfully completing the testing and trials, the Road Train is certified by MoRTH and ARAI for operation between Delhivery hubs of Nagpur and Bhiwandi. “The Volvo FM 420 4X2 road train is another pioneering introduction by Volvo Trucks for the Indian market. Designed to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of road transport, it aligns perfectly with ongoing transformation in Indian logistics and the government’s Gati Shakti master plan,” Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said.
Read More »‘Tech not enough without skilled workforce’ – Amit Maheshwari
During the panel discussion at the LogiMAT India 2025, Amit Maheshwari, Founder & CEO, Softlink Global, said “This is the third time in my career I have been this excited about technology—first with Windows, then with the internet, and now with AI. While buzzwords like AI, IoT, and Blockchain are shaping the logistics industry, the real question is: Are we ready for this transformation? Technology alone is not enough; without skilled professionals to drive it, even the most advanced systems fall short.“ The panel included Dushyant Mulani – Chairman, FFFAI, Abbas Panju – MD, India at UPS Express; Ravi Kumar Thummalapalli – MD, Envirotainer, Kamal Jain – Director, Cargomen Logistics and Mahesh Vadela – MD, HMDA Truck Doc Logistics. The discussion revolved around topics like industry readiness for digital transformation, AI and IOT in Logistics and reskilling & workforce transformation.
Read More »‘PMGS, NLP game-changers for logistics sector’
At the official launch of the Logitrust Global Solutions, Pushpendra Pratap Singh, Managing Director & CEO, Logitrust Global Solutions, said, “Before the initiatives like National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti were introduced, India’s logistics sector lacked world-class infrastructure. However, after the introduction of these visionary initiatives from government, India’s logistics sector has completely transformed. The integrated infrastructure development has enhanced logistics efficiency, which has helped in the ease of doing business. It can be said that PMGS, NLP has boosted the growth of Indian logistics.” Singh aims to revolutionise the logistics and supply chain industry with innovative solutions and expertise. The launch event was graced by distinguished guests, including Samanjasa Das, Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs for the Delhi Zone, and Rajesh Menon, Maritime Specialist, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The ceremonial lamp lighting was conducted by Singh alongside esteemed dignitaries, including Shivani Singh, Vipul Jain, Shweta Jain, and Sanjay Tanwar, symbolizing the dawn of a new era in the logistics sector.
Read More »Scandron unveils cargo drone with 200 kg payload capacity at Aero India
Scandron has launched the CargoMax 20KHC, cargo drone with a 200kg payload capacity, at the ongoing Aero India 2025 Air Show. The drone is designed to provide the Indian Armed Forces with a Stable, Robust, Reliable Aerial Logistics Platform for Last Mile Deliveries. The CargoMax 20KHC is a fully Autonomous Aerial Logistics Platform that offer pilotless operations, an operational range of 15km and a Operational Ceiling of 6000m AMSL. All CargoMax drones have variants that enable them to offer superior logistics capability whether it is for High Altitude Operations, Desert Operations or Naval Operations. “Scandron is a customer focused company, and we continuously innovate to design and develop disruptive drone solutions to help solve real world problems and bring enhanced efficiency to our customers operations. We focus on integrating our drones into mainstream operations to enhance efficiency and reduce costs without compromising safety and reliability”, Arjun Naik, CEO & Founder, Scandron, said.
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