The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) released the National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2024 report which aims to present a quantitative measure of cargo release time. It has noted that here has been 6% reduction in release time in case of Airport Cargo Complex (ACC) and 50% reduction in case of Integrated check posts (ICPs) compared to the corresponding period in 2023. On export end, the study underlined that the time of the arrival of the cargo at the customs station/port to its regulatory clearance, marked by grant of Let Export order (LEO) has reduced for ICDs and ACCs in 2024 vis a vis 2023. In absolute terms, the average release time taken in the export Customs clearance regulatory process, in 2024, stood at 22:49 hours for seaports, 30:20 hours for ICDs, 3:50 hours for ACCs and 5:28 hours for ICPs. Whereas, for imports, the study indicated that, out of the 15 ports covered under the purview of the study, 9 ports have witnessed a reduction in the average release time in 2024 vis-a-vis previous year.

  Milton De La Paz, Vice President – Airline Relations and Cargo Business Development at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has agreed to join the Advisory Board for Cold Chain Unbroken (CCUB) 2024, said an official LinkedIn Post.  “His expertise will undoubtedly elevate the event to new heights,” the post added. The announcement was made when Dhiren Sanurag Lakkaraju,  Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer met De La Paz recently not only to talk about business but also to acknowledging the invaluable support DFW has provided to CCUB since its inception. “As a long-standing partner, DFW has been instrumental in our journey towards an unbroken cold chain. We look forward to having DFW as an esteemed partner once again this year. Together, we’re not just discussing the future of cold chain logistics—we’re shaping it! Stay tuned for more updates on CCUB 2024, coming to Hyderabad on September 19-20, 2024. It’s going to be our biggest and most impactful event yet,” the post added.

DHL Group and Envision Group, a global green technology company have signed a strategic partnership agreement to foster a comprehensive cooperation in logistics solutions and mutually accelerate the progress of sustainability targets. The partnership covers four main areas like logistics solutions, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), green energy, and the joint development of a ‘Net Zero Industrial & Logistic Park.’ The partnership will combine DHL Group’s extensive logistics expertise with Envision’s knowledge of renewable energy solutions, aiming to accelerate the advancement of environmental energy initiatives. Both companies are committed to sustainability with targets to reach net-zero emissions, said a statement.

DP World and Turkish Evyap Group completed a strategic merger that will combine two major ports on the Marmara Sea and create a new international logistics hub. The port merger will enhance Türkiye’s critical role in global trade, the two companies said in a joint statement after receiving regulatory approval from the Turkish Competition Authority (RK). The newly formed entity, DP World Evyap, sees DP World assuming a 58% stake in Evyapport, while Evyap Group secures a 42% share of DP World Yarımca. The rebranding will introduce “DP World Evyap Yarımca” and “DP World Evyap Körfez” as the new names for these key maritime gateways. “DP World Evyap will help meet the increasing demand for sophisticated logistics in the region, boost Türkiye’s export and import volumes, open up the growth of new sectors and strengthen the country’s growing status as a major hub in international supply chains,” the statement read. The combined entity will offer 2,088 meters (6,850 feet) of berthing space, accommodating more than one ultra-large container vessel at each terminal simultaneously. The total annual container handling capacity will exceed 2 million TEUs. The integrated operation will also handle project and heavy-lift cargo services. DP World Evyap will benefit from advanced road and rail connections and expedited turnaround times, supported by over 900 logistics experts dedicated to optimizing cargo movements.

Delhi Cargo Service Center (DCSC) records a significant uptick in cargo handling, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and throughput since the beginning of 2024. According to Avinash Razdan, Group CEO, Cargo Service Center, DCSC has witnessed a substantial increase in both export and import cargo volumes. Till Mar 24, DCSC was handling an average of around 700 tonnes of export and import cargo in a day. “Since 15 June, we have been consistently handling an average volume of 850-950 tonnes of cargo a day, and even crossed 1100 tonnes on the 12 July,” said Razdan. This was only made possible by the single-minded determination of our people to facilitate the increasing cargo to fulfil the dream of Govt of India and the industry of processing 10 MMT of air cargo by 2030. We are proud of our team and especially of the executives working on floor who have displayed highest levels of commitment beyond the call of duty. The surge in cargo shipment handling reflects DCSC’s commitment to providing seamless operations, reliability, and heightened efficiency in the dynamic field of cargo services. The success story of Delhi Cargo Service Center serves as a testament to the resilience and capabilities of the team, positioning the organization as a leading player in the cargo handling industry. As the company continues to reach new heights, industry observers are keenly watching for the strategies and practices that have contributed to this remarkable performance.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) and IndiGo CarGo announced the signing of an extensive Interline Agreement connecting their expansive networks. This marks the first step in their collaborative efforts to further develop a robust cargo partnership. This Special Prorate Agreement will be effective as of 16 July 2024. The agreement was signed during a meeting at IndiGo’s headquarters. In addition to the signing, the two parties discussed steps to strengthen their collaboration and to explore ways in which they can extend their cooperation in the coming years. Mark Sutch, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo CarGo said, “We are consistently expanding IndiGo CarGo’s network and capabilities. The strategic focus on growing international presence is greatly complemented by our partnership with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo. This collaboration not only broadens our service offerings but also allows us to leverage their extensive global reach, thereby providing our customers with a wider array of options across diverse geographies.” GertJan Roelands, Senior Vice President Commercial, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo: “India is a strategic growth market for AFKLMP Cargo. Having a strong partner in India is a great building block in our network strategy. The cooperation between IndiGo CarGo and AFKLMP Cargo will give our customers even more choice and solutions.” Both companies look forward to better serving the global cargo market, leveraging their complementary networks to provide enhanced services and explore new opportunities in airfreight transportation.  

CMA CGM has signed a global partnership agreement with Google to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across its operations.  “This collaboration aligns with our digital roadmap and investments. Together with Google, we will lead the digital revolution in shipping, logistics and media, optimise our processes, and enhance our competitive edge,” said Rudolph Saade, CMA CGM’s chairman in an official statement.  This comprehensive collaboration aims to revolutionize shipping by enhancing efficiency, responsiveness, and adaptability to market fluctuations and disruptions, resulting in faster and more responsive customer service. As part of the partnership, CMA CGM will actively seek to optimize vessel routes, container handling, and inventory management to ensure efficient and timely delivery of goods while minimizing costs and carbon footprints.

Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad Int’l Airport says, “GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC) has brought in operational excellence in the temperature-controlled facility by investing and developing the infrastructure to maintain the requisite temperature from Truck Dock to Aircraft Loading on the Tarmac. Unloading Area, X-ray Area, Racking Area, ULD/Pallet Built-up and ULD/Pallet storage area are temperature controlled with varied temperature zones. Transportation of ULDs/Pallets from terminal exit to the Aircraft is being done using the Cool Dolly to avoid any temperature excursions on Airside. GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC) distinguishes itself through investments in expanding infrastructure, notably the ‘Pharma Zone,’ positioning itself as a premier global hub for pharmaceutical logistics. The terminal, already equipped with a vast fleet of modern temperature-controlled containers, is poised to augment its temperature control area through expansion. GHAC is actively exploring advanced technologies such as robotic arms, conveyor systems, and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) to bolster efficiency and mitigate labour costs over the next five years. The terminal also has a unique integrated ‘Cargo Village’, on-site regulators, warehousing and cargo trade offices backed by a very strong Road Feeder Service across South-Central India. It is also one of the preferred gateways for pharmaceutical logistics across India and abroad. A major highlight of the Hyderabad Airport Cargo facility is the unique ‘Pharma Zone’, a large multi-ULD Cool Dolly, which makes it one of India’s largest centres for the handling of temperature- sensitive cargo up to -20 degree C. The terminal also offers one of India’s largest fleets of modern temp-controlled Cool Containers viz. Cool Dolly, Envirotainer, VaQtec to name a few. Notably, GHAC holds certifications from the World Health Organization for Good Distribution Practices …

Arnab Bhattacharya, Country Manager, India for UPS Healthcare shares, “Implementing advanced temperature monitoring and tracking systems which provide continuous oversight and allow for immediate action if any deviations occur, helping to maintain the required temperature range, and reduce wastage. Investment is another key area of focus – specifically in modern cold storage facilities and reliable transportation networks. Public-private partnerships could be an effective way to bridge infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural areas. Regulatory compliance is also crucial. To simplify compliance issues, establishing harmonized regulatory standards across regions with consistent enforcement is necessary. We shouldn’t overlook packaging solutions either – improved methods can protect products from contamination and damage during transit. Efficiency is another important factor that can be enhanced by developing integrated logistics platforms for seamless communication among stakeholders. Operational costs are always a concern but these can be reduced by adopting energy-efficient technologies and optimizing routes. Training programs for personnel involved in cold chain logistics are essential as they improve operational efficiency and reduce errors. Now, let’s consider technology – the rise of data demand along with IoT technologies present their own set of challenges but also offer opportunities for better control over operations.”