FIATA and Wisetech Global renew their partnership to to enhance and improve the digital realm for the forwarder, providing the necessary support for the switch from paper to paperless trade. The partnership is to continue for the second year in a row as the digital transformation of the global logistics supply chain breaks new barriers. As FIATA continues to enable digital commerce for its members through its Digital FBL, the necessity for strong and dependable partners on the global logistics supply chain’s digitization path is more vital than ever. As a result, FIATA is renewing its cooperation with WiseTech Global, making the eFBL available to its clients through the industry-leading CargoWise platform. The two parties share a vast global audience and have a joint goal to enable the seamless digitalisation of the logistics industry, in which collaboration with international partners is paramount.

FedEx Corp. and Floship, announced a partnership designed to provide enhanced fulfillment and logistics services to e-tailers worldwide. Through investment by the FedEx Innovation Lab (FIL), the partnership will create an end-to-end digitalized fulfillment and return solution, enhancing operational efficiency through optimal inventory management and best-in-class delivery using FedEx services. This partnership will give FedEx’s e-commerce customers access to Floship’s global network of warehouses and powerful logistics platform’s capabilities to streamline their e-commerce fulfillment operations. At the same time, Floship’s customers will be able to leverage FedEx global networks as well as a full range of FedEx extensive transportation options to optimize their operations. FedEx’s and Floship’s cross-border e-commerce customers in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Europe, and North America will gain access to enhanced fulfillment, last-mile delivery, as well as hassle-free returns. Speaking on the collaboration, Joshua Tsui, Floship’s CEO shared, “As more consumers around the world embrace e-commerce, businesses must come together to provide customers with innovative solutions that redefine the traditional linear supply chain. By bringing this collaboration to market, our mutual goal is to provide e-commerce brands and retailers with a one-stop, all-inclusive two-way supply chain solution that enables brands to grow at an exponential rate whilst simultaneously delivering a superior customer experience.”

Falcon Autotech has announced the launch of “NEO – An ASRS to revolutionize the warehousing landscape by offering businesses unparalleled efficiency, enhanced productivity, and streamlined inventory management for order fulfilment and piece-picking operations. A game-changer in the warehousing industry, NEO is leveraging robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensors to automate goods’ storage and retrieval processes. Comprising five key components NEObots, NEOgrid, NEObins, NEOit and NEOstations, the ASRS system enables storing and retrieving goods in an overlaid grid within the four walls of the warehouse without complex engineering. It is adaptive and can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively compared to traditional material handling systems. NEO’s standout features include 3D movement wherein the bots can move freely in all three X, Y, and Z dimensions to reach their targeted bins eliminating the need for any lifts or conveyor system. NEO’s modular structure also provides the freedom to grow as your company grows. Based on the requirement, companies can add more robots or bins to cater to growing demands. In its decoupled system, any bot can enter any aisle, access any bin, and reach any workstation, making NEO the most flexible goods-to-person system. It also sets new standards for efficiency in warehousing operations by automating tasks such as retrieval and sorting, leading to faster order fulfilment and increasing picker productivity by 4-5X.

Geodis has secured International Air Transport Association (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries (CEIV Li-batt) certification in Hong Kong, as part of its continuous efforts to provide safety, security and compliance to customers and positions itself well to serve the growing demand of lithium batteries, which are increasingly being used in a wide variety of consumer goods, ranging from laptops, mobile phones to watches, vehicles and other devices. With its strategic location, Hong Kong is a critical hub for GEODIS and serves as a key gateway into Asia Pacific and Mainland China. Hong Kong’s proximity and ease of cross border transportation makes it an ideal hub enabling the logistics provider to meet its clients’ requirement for flexibility, convenience, and speed for their global shipments in or out of China.

Cargolux has brought Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to Luxembourg Airport (lux-Airport) for the first time as the cargo airline works towards decarbonising its operations. In partnership with World Fuel Services, Neste, and Luxembourg Airport, Cargolux worked to achieve delivery of the bio-based fuel to Luxembourg Airport’s fuel farm via NATO’s Central European Pipeline System (CEPS). The SAF is from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, in compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) Directive.Using this SAF, Cargolux will operate a carbon neutral flight from Luxembourg to Zhengzhou, its biggest hub in mainland China. The 747-8F will land in Zhengzhou on time for a ceremony marking the 10th year since Cargolux first started operating services to Zhengzhou in 2014.

The current challenge faced in cargo movement at 11 Indian airports due to non-compliance with BCAS RA-3 regulations is a significant roadblock for the logistics and transportation industry. While the intention behind the regulations is commendable, the halt in cargo movement highlights the existing bottlenecks and roadblocks in the system, says Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers. “Coordination and collaboration between different entities in the logistics chain also pose challenges. Effective communication and establishing robust channels and standardized procedures along with information sharing are essential to ensure smooth cargo movement which can help mitigate the bottlenecks caused by the lack of coordination. The current roadblock in cargo movement at 11 Indian airports due to non-compliance with BCAS RA3 regulations highlights the need for increased awareness, improved infrastructure and enhanced coordination. Addressing these bottlenecks will be crucial to ensure the smooth functioning of cargo operations, maintain safety and security standards, and support the growth of the logistics industry in India,” he adds.

MOVIN adds Electric Vehicles (EV) to its fleet for first and last-mile deliveries. With the objective to reduce carbon emissions, aligning with its long-term sustainability goals, the deployment of the EVs begins with Delhi-NCR and will subsequently be covering Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Pune by end of 2023. The EVs were flagged off by JB Singh, Director MOVIN Express and Gregory Goba-Ble, Vice President for UPS in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Africa and Director for MOVIN Express from the Bilaspur Hub in Gurugram. JB Singh, Director, MOVIN Express said, “As a new age climate-conscious brand launched in 2022, we are excited to announce the introduction of commercial EVs as our first and last mile fleet in the five metros by December 2023. As a company, we deeply focus on our customers’ needs and our environmental impact, we recognize the immense potential of EVs in revolutionizing the way we approach transportation by road. By embracing this transition towards adopting an electric fleet from ICEs, we not only contribute to a cleaner and greener future but also enhance the efficiency and reliability of our logistics operations. This strategic initiative aligns perfectly with our core values, showcasing our unwavering dedication to delivering sustainable solutions. With every mile driven by our EVs, we reaffirm our commitment towards building a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future.”

V-Trans launched new-age tech-driven solution, “Complexity Simplified with Solution Design” designed to streamline and optimize supply chain operations. This is launched to provide unprecedented control, efficiency, and real-time visibility to clients. Commenting on this, Jay Shah, Head – Solution Design said, “V-Trans’ relentless focus on innovation and technology has propelled the company to stay ahead of the competition. This latest offering reaffirms their commitment to providing best-in-class solutions that empower clients in an ever-evolving business landscape. By investing in the logistics sector and continuously driving advancements, V-Trans aims to deliver even more transformative solutions in the years to come”.

Air Menzies International (AMI) will move to a new warehouse facility in Johannesburg as it looks to cater for ongoing demand growth in the country. The new facility is based less than 1 km from OR Tambo International Airport and will replace AMI’s existing facility on Aviation Park, Pomona. The move is scheduled for September 2023 and will “increase capacity, improve efficiency and support long-term growth in the region”, the company said. The building includes a 47,500 sq ft warehouse. “The introduction of a new, off-airport airfreight de-group warehouse for import customers will add to the wider range of freight services already on offer to the southern African market,” AMI said in a press release. “From the opening date, the new facility will be fully compliant with the relevant regulations from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, including Part 108, requiring all screening to be done on site.” The building will have solar panels installed on the roof to produce up to 80% of the facility’s electricity demand, as well as electric forklifts and 24/7 security and CCTV.

The rising trend of Grade A development continued to gain momentum in FY 2023 with developers increasingly focusing on higher grade park development compliant to contemporary norms and the higher throughput requirements of businesses today, said Knight Frank’s latest India Warehousing and Market Report 2023. In addition to the emerging focus on sustainable development, there is an increasing need for improving the aesthetics of these warehousing parks and enabling a better working environment. 59% of the supply coming online in FY 2023 across the eight primary markets was in Grade A properties compared to 55% in FY 2022. Six out of the eight markets have seen the share of grade A stock increase in FY 2023 compared to the previous year.