Category Archives: International

  Challenge Group is now IATA CEIV Lithium Battery certified, in addition to its existing IATA CEIV Pharma and IATA CEIV Live accreditations previously awarded to Challenge Airlines and Challenge Handling in Liège. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), around 1.3 million shipments of lithium batteries are transported by air annually. They also estimate that about 5% of air cargo shipments include lithium batteries, in addition to other electronics and mail parcels. And those are just the shipments officially declared as containing these batteries. “At Challenge Group, we are very concerned with detecting mis-declared or undeclared Lithium Battery shipments and therefore make certain that our people are trained in what to look out for,” Yossi Shoukroun, Chief Executive Officer of Challenge Group, says. “We are proud that our efforts have been officially recognised and that we may now carry the IATA CEIV Lithium Battery seal of approval as a visible demonstration to customers that their DGR shipments are in the best of hands, including the ones under UN3090 and UN3480. Thank you to the IATA CEIV Lithium Battery auditors for their commendations and feedback as we continue to ensure the highest level in handling standards.” “As the numbers of lithium batteries being shipped globally continues to increase, it’s essential these vital items are transported safely and efficiently. IATA’s CEIV Lithium Batteries was established to raise standards, spread best practice, and ensure regulatory compliance across the supply chain. We commend Challenge Group for achieving CEIV lithium battery certification. This gives customers total confidence in Challenge Group’s world-class performance and quality credentials for lithium battery shipments,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA Global Head of Cargo. Safety in the workplace is ensured …

CSafe, a provider of a range of thermal shipping solutions for the pharmaceutical cold chain, has launched a new model of its Silverpod pallet shipper that is designed to help users save on disposal costs and improve environmental sustainability. The Silverpod MAX RE, based on CSafe’s single-use Silverpod MAX passive pallet shipper, is made of reusable components. Its maker claims the product offers more than 120 hours of thermal protection. It is made from durable exterior panels with extended edge and corner cap protection so that it can be used many times. The shipper is supplied via a rental model in which CSafe fully manages the life cycle and return of the product. The pallet shipper is supplied flat-packed for delivery, storage and assembly.

Preliminary June 2024 traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) show that there was strong demand for international air cargo capacity in the region in June. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines recorded a 16.4% year-on-year increase in international air cargo demand – as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) flown – in the month. After accounting for a 12.6% growth in offered freight capacity, the average international freight load factor climbed by 2 percentage points to an average of 62.8% for the month. AAPA pointed to a pick-up in manufacturing activity across the Asian economies, including those of China and India, as being in good part responsible for the healthy year-on-year improvement in demand. Rising e-commerce trade and security concerns in the Red Sea also spurred the need for airfreight capacity.

Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA said, “Some TIACA members have expressed surprise at the answer given by IATA as to why they are refusing to accept certificates of DG training without an accompanying letter from the training school that issued them. Firstly, IATA states that over the years it has received fraudulent DG training certificates across the world, considering the serious ramifications of such fraudulent submissions, has this issue been brought up with FIATA through the IFCC?  Also, as Agents who submit fraudulent certificates are breaking national laws and pose a serious safety risk to the industry, has IATA reported these to the national authorities so legal action could be taken?  Have they terminated their IATA agency status?  We checked with several authorities and industry contacts and cannot identify such terminations.  Perhaps IATA can confirm how many fraudulent certificates and in which jurisdictions and what action was taken. Secondly, if an organization has shown no respect for the rules or laws by submitting fraudulent certificates, then why would IATA not think that they would also produce a fraudulent letter from the named training school. And thirdly, IATA refers to changed accreditation rules applicable from July 1, 2024.  Have the rules been changed for every country or just India? Does this mean IATA has changed the applicable Agency Resolutions, which are the rules which govern the accreditation criteria and process?  Or is it an IATA process that has changed?  Surely if IATA is concerned about the validity of certificates provided to them, and they want to tackle the safety risk most effectively, then they should establish a checking mechanism which doesn’t involve the party submitting the certificate. They could check with the …

Indian multinational tyre manufacturing company MRF Tyres has secured a substantial warehousing space covering 3.85 lakh sq ft in the village of Sudvadi, located in Pune’s Mawal area through a long-term lease agreement extending over a total period of 10 years. The Chennai-headquartered company has entered into this lease arrangement with NDR Warehouse and according to the terms of the lease, MRF will be paying an initial monthly rental of nearly Rs 1.05 crore. The lease agreement is structured to include an annual rental escalation clause of 4.5%.

Satish Lakkaraju, CEO, Garudavega, Nexgen Logistics said, “The Current Budget has focussed on the states like Andhra Pradesh which have the largest coast line and the potential to bring the overall logistics cost down. The Budget has touched important aspect of Infrastructure and allocating Rs.11.11 lakhs crore for capital expenditure which will boost development and participation from the state government as well . Bihar will receive a substantial Rs.26,000 crores as well and that will help in the development of key infrastructure projects along with the Visakhapatnam – Chennai Industrial corridor. The coast line of Andhra Pradesh and the development of the Industrial corridor will boost the logistics industry and clearly as well.”

The much awaited India Warehousing Show (IWS) begins today at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. The three day show, open till 13 July is one of the premier events in the warehousing, logistics, and supply chain industry, IWS continues to provide a comprehensive platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, fostering industry connections, and driving business growth. Organized by RX India, IWS continues to be a cornerstone event for warehousing, material handling, logistics, automation, and supply chain professionals bringing the entire industry together under one roof. The 13th edition of IWS shall feature  a special address by Shri Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary Logistics & Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, who will share his insights on the evolving logistics landscape in India. His address will highlight the government’s initiatives to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the sector, aligning with the theme “Streamlining Tomorrow: Transforming Supply Chains through Automation. Speaking about the event Mr. Umang Gupta , Country General Manager, RX India said “With the warehousing & logistics sector becoming increasingly critical to national economy, the industry needs to collaborate across the economic value chain and focus on technological advancements for business growth. Over the decade, India Warehousing Show has become the flagship event that brings together policy makers, technology companies & infrastructure customers, all under one roof. The 13th edition of IWS is focused towards the rapidly evolving policy & technology landscape and aims to connect all stakeholders vital to the next stage of warehousing & logistics.” With over 250 exhibitors, IWS aims to offer an immersive experience and platform where participants can witness the latest technological advancements and live product demonstrations from the biggest national and international companies providing …

“India’s high logistics costs, 14-18% of GDP compared to 8% for other global leaders, inflate domestic product prices,” says Sandeep Chadha, Founder and CEO, Warehouster. He adds, “These costs also hinder Indian exports and national logistics policy can streamline operations and reduce expenses, making Indian products more competitive internationally. A well-developed logistics network, stemming from a policy framework, can minimise the spoilage of agricultural products, a crucial mainstay of our supply-side economy, by ensuring quicker movement from farms to consumers, benefiting both farmers and consumers. The e-commerce boom, which thrives on fast deliveries, necessitates improved infrastructure for efficient warehousing and last-mile delivery. The success of e-commerce, with an estimated market size of US$57-60 billion in 2023 and projected to grow to US$300 billion by 2030, a CAGR of 20-22%, hinges on efficient logistics. Last-mile delivery, a crucial aspect here, benefits from the National Logistics Policy and advancements in coordination, offering faster deliveries, improved tracking, and greater reach, especially in remote areas.”

Integrated fund and development management platform Welspun One has raised a second fund worth Rs 2,275 crore, inclusive of co-investment commitments, to strengthen logistics infrastructure in the country. The funds were raised from a diverse pool of approximately 800 Limited Partners (LPs), including high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporates, and domestic institutions. Combined with ‘Fund 1’, Welspun One’s investor base now comprises approximately 1,000 unique investors, a company statement said. Welspun One had raised Rs 500 crore as part of its first fund in early 2021.  “Our commitment to advancing critical logistics infrastructure is in perfect alignment with India’s strategic objective of reducing logistics costs from 14 per cent to 8 per cent, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of our industries,” said Chairman in a statement.

Mangaluru International Airport has commenced international cargo operations from its integrated cargo terminal with flight IX 815 ferrying 2,522 kg of fruits and vegetables to Abu Dhabi. The inauguration was done in the presence of the AAHL Cargo team, the leadership team of MIA, and representatives from Customs, Airline – IndiGo and Air India Express – and Airport Security Group of CISF, said reports. The airport officials said in a statement that international cargo operations will enable exporters from coastal Karnataka and Kerala and the hinterland to export perishables items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, food, tropical fish, frozen and dry fish, etc. in the form of belly cargo. IndiGo and Air India Express, with their connectivity, will enable exporters to send cargo to Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain.