To explore the latest innovations in warehousing, material handling, automation, storage solutions, refrigeration, and cold chain logistics, RX India has announced the commencement of the 11th edition of the India Warehousing & Logistics Show (IWLS) and the India Cold Chain Show (ICCS) from November 21-23, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre Mumbai. IWLS and ICCS will offer a unique combined value proposition, serving as an integrated platform for the entire supply chain and cold storage ecosystem. The exhibitors and visitors will have an opportunity to explore the latest innovations in warehousing, material handling, automation, storage solutions, refrigeration, and cold chain logistics. This year, the exhibitions are set to bring together 150+ exhibitors, from India and around the world, featuring the likes of Gandhi, Indian Enterprises, Daifuku, Armstrong, Avians Delmon, Metaflex, Craftsman, Godrej Koerber, and several others.  

Aircargonet International has announced a strategic alliance with CargoAi, which will ensure seamless real-time rates and capacity booking for its associated airlines, including Amerijet International and Royal Jordanian. The integration streamlines the booking process through CargoAi’s advanced platform, offering users a comprehensive and user-friendly experience. The real-time rates and cargo capacity information will empower users to make informed decisions and optimize their airfreight operations. “At CargoAi, we are proud to announce this transformative partnership that elevates airfreight logistics to new heights. By providing real-time rates and capacity for Aircargonet International GmbH’s represented airlines, we empower our users with the tools needed to navigate the dynamic airfreight landscape seamlessly,” Matthieu Petot, CEO, CargoAi said.

Yashpal Sharma, Skyways Group, Managing Director, says ” If I talk from the government side, more on the transshipment policy of the government, it has seen a certain improvement, where we see that the domestic-to-domestic transshipment has slightly improved, but there’s still a long way to go, because globally transshipment is the major commodity or a major product for any aviation industry. Also, if you look at all the major airports of the world, there is a sizable part of that business that is transshipment business. However, in India, that process needs improvement. Currently, that process takes up to two days, and we need to bring it down to a couple of hours. In some of the developed economies, you can do a tail-to-tail transfer between two aircrafts, which you cannot do in India, because of the current process, which is set. And I hope the domestic-to-domestic transshipment as a first step improves. Then, we see the same in the domestic to international, international to the domestic and international to international, all four of them need to go up.”

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics says, “India’s customs clearance has seen remarkable advancements over the last 20 years, largely due to digitalisation. Processes are now faster, with reduced dependency on physical documents and presence, thanks to e-governance systems like EDI / E-Office. However, further improvements—such as seamless integration with participating government agencies (PGA) , simplified documentation, faster dispute resolution of interpretation of notification and HSN, and better transparency—can drive even greater efficiency and predictability.”

Debajyoti Bagchi, VP Business Development, TT Group says, “India’s initiative to accelerate and optimize customs procedures is essential for improving the business environment and enhancing global competitiveness. Efficient customs operations lead to reduced delays, lower costs, and greater predictability for enterprises, especially MSMEs. Measures such as ICEGATE 2.0, 24*7 clearance in courier terminals, ECCS e-mobility app, SCMTR, automation module on exchange rate, CeP 2.0, warehousing module for CBW etc help to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and enhance transparency. As India aims to establish itself as a global manufacturing and logistics centre, these improvements are instrumental in boosting potential investor confidence and facilitating efficient trade flows. Nevertheless, it is crucial to strike a balance between speed and security, ensuring compliance to uphold economic stability while encouraging smooth trade in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.”

C K Govil, CMD, ActivAir Airfreight says, “The drive towards faster and more efficient customs processes is crucial for improving the Ease of Doing Business (EODB), especially in sectors like logistics and trade. Streamlining customs procedures reduces delays, lowers costs, and increases transparency—critical elements for fostering trade competitiveness. By leveraging technology, automation, and data-sharing platforms, customs can move towards paperless operations, enabling real-time tracking and reducing manual interventions. Additionally, harmonising standards across borders through collaboration with international bodies and regional agreements enhances efficiency and reduces redundancies. For businesses, quicker clearance processes translate to faster market entry, reduced warehousing costs, and improved supply chain predictability. This push ultimately benefits the entire economy by attracting foreign investment, stimulating local industries, and promoting seamless trade flows. The logistics and trade sectors play a vital role in advocating for and implementing these changes, fostering an environment where ease and speed become cornerstones of cross-border commerce.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers says, “I believe streamlining customs processes is key to enhancing Ease of Doing Business. Bottlenecks like complex documentation, inconsistent regulations, inspection delays, X-ray scanning backlogs, and manpower shortages hinder efficiency. Solutions include increasing the number of scanning machines, expanding workforce capacity, and fostering digitization and coordination to expedite clearances, boosting India’s competitiveness in global trade.”

Cargojet, which was announced as the launch customer for Aerios’ Carrier App, has reported a 40% reduction in quote-processing time post extensive trials. This strategic collaboration will ensure a much improved and faster response time to the request of the users. On the other hand, the use of Carrier App will help the Cargojet team to operate through a single platform, resulting in highly optimized operational efficiency. The App will also assist in boosting the CRM capability of Cargojet helping in identifying new business opportunities, and business development. “I am proud to announce Cargojet as our first partner. Cargojet’s early adoption and feedback have been valuable in the shaping the Aerios Carrier App. Cargojet is the first of a long line of carriers to go live with the Carrier App, and I look forward to announcing new partnerships in the future,” Simon Watson, Founder, Aerios said.

WestJet Cargo has selected the Total Cargo Expertise (TCE) solution to streamline the customs management process in its cargo operations. By managing data corrections, liaising directly with customs authorities, and handling any cargo holds at initial ports of entry, TCE will help WestJet Cargo reduce the risk of delays and errors, enabling a smoother, more efficient process. By leveraging advanced technology and automation, the solution will oversee WestJet Cargo’s customs operations and related activities including planning, day-to-day management, documentation, and regulatory adherence. “TCE brings a wealth of experience in customs reporting and management, which will be invaluable in optimizing our customs processes. This partnership will help us ensure our customs procedures are handled with accuracy and efficiency, allowing us to focus on delivering top-tier cargo services to our customers,” Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President, WestJet Cargo said.

Debajyoti Bagchi, Vice President- Business Development, TT Group says, “Customs inspections and clearance processes can significantly prolong shipment times, particularly when customs server is down or under maintenance or takes longer response time than usual mainly during a day prior to customs holidays. Delays on the other hand can result in increased storage fees at ACCs or fines for late deliveries at destination. Certain shipments, particularly those that are high-value, ODC, perishable, or hazardous in nature, may undergo rigorous inspections checks by customs and sometimes cargo needs to be opened which resulted extra safety measures to repack and time. Customs bottlenecks occurs during busy seasons or global events, resulting in extended delays due to heightened cargo volumes versus less resources to clear the registered files from the system.”