The ongoing pandemic has made the global air cargo industry realise the importance of having effective contingency plans and efficient and reliable motives to combat any crisis which knocks on its doors. Notwithstanding the plethora of challenges, COVID-19 threw on the air cargo sector like shortage in workforce availability, a liquidity crunch and capacity shrinkage resulting in a sharp increase in airfreight rates, the crisis accelerated opportunities in “innovation” and “sustainability” as well. That said, we take a deep dive into what some of the global big airports considered as their go-to-disruption strategies.
Upamanyu Borah
Surprisingly, the entire aviation logistics industry emerged as a winner—from operating cargo-only PAX flight by converting passenger aircraft into ‘preighters’ to continue world trade and supply of pharmaceutical products, medical aid and equipment, and other essential commodities worldwide during the crisis while embracing hundred per cent digitalisation for business operations, increasing capacities and investing in cold chain infrastructure and now, conducting the world’s largest vaccination drive—the air cargo industry has over the time, proved its mettle.
COVID-19 has truly changed the role of airports and airlines in the ‘New Normal’ scenario. The need for building an efficient air cargo strategy, in order to survive has taken the priority. And the industry is truly working towards building it.
According to Glyn Hughes, the newly appointed Director General of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), there are opportunities to prepare for the future. “Although, the COVID-19 crisis has brought a spotlight on air cargo despite the global lockdown, the global pandemic has also highlighted the urgent need for air cargo to accelerate its digital and sustainable transformation, to develop collaborative business models and speak with a united voice to emerge from this unprecedented crisis more resiliently.”
From an economic standpoint, experts say that airports and airlines with cargo-diversified revenue streams beyond traditional passenger-related income have largely managed to avoid the worst of the pandemic’s ravages.
“The cargo industry has seen a tremendous shortage of capacity that has led to increased cargo rates. Indicators from freight forwarders are that the prices are beginning to go back to normal due to a combination of more passenger flights taking to the air on the wake of lifting up of lockdowns and dampened aggregate demand,” says Elliott Paige, Director- Air Service Development, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
“Much depends on how countries that are linked through trade, in both goods and services like tourism boost consumer confidence by managing the coronavirus contagion. Countries that have done the right things and come closest to eradicating the virus, with 100 per cent testing of the population, are moving back to dynamic economies. Those that have not managed the pandemic well enough will likely suffer from consumer confidence.”
“The challenge is every country is dealing with this differently. Therefore, we may not see pre-COVID numbers until 2023 for cargo. The driver will be the speed of carrying out total eradication of the virus in as many countries possible, including measures to prevent its resurgence,” Paige adds.
“With the mandatory lockdowns, the aviation industry, since the beginning of 2020, is seeing no or very less commercial passenger aircraft operations and as a result, the industry is witnessing a substantial drop in revenues,” says Ramanathan Rajamani, Director and CEO atAir India SATS Airport Services (AISATS). “However, the cargo business has been the only activity that has helped the airlines and the cargo ecosystem sustain globally. The pandemic has in many ways emphasised the importance of building the right strategies which play a critical role in the global aviation value chain.”
Data from airline regulatory body International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicates that global passenger demand and capacity had fallen 70.3 per cent and 58.6 per cent, respectively over 2020-2021. Now that makes it is easy to understand why air cargo’s fortune remained favourable and now holds a top spot even as the pandemic is half way through the second year.
“Cargo has been a life-saver for many airlines, and is likely to continue as a higher proportion of total airline revenue. That said, aircraft choices of the future are likely to favour types that carry a larger proportion of cargo, or that can be quickly and easily converted to freighters to meet sudden, unexpected demand,” Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl).
“2021 should see economies emerge from recession, fueling growth in consumer spending on the big-ticket items that make up so much airfreight. E-commerce will continue to grow, but must be supported by IT investment made our industry. Digitalisation is the only way we can deliver the seamless information flows and facilitate the data sharing and visibility that modern consumers demand.”
Meanwhile, IATA’s latest report says that COVID-19 vaccines distribution round the world has buoyed industry practitioners both above and below deck. Cargo carriers with climate-controlled facilities have a business opportunity in the worldwide distribution of billions of doses of vaccines, while passenger airlines believe that the vaccines will help to slow the spread of the virus and ultimately remove the current restraints on travel.
Preparedness and operational resilience
For instance, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) continues to enhance its capability to handle temperature-controlled airfreight, including pharmaceuticals, perishables and live animals, at globally assured standards. HKIA is one of the few airports in the world recognised as an IATA CEIV Pharma partner airport and it is also the first airport community in the world to receive IATA’s CEIV Fresh certification in 2019. Additionally, the two cargo terminal operators at HKIA— Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal (CPCT) and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) have become the world’s first ground handling agents to have attained the full suite of IATA CEIV certifications. The third operator— Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) is also IATA CEIV Pharma certified.
“All three cargo terminals at HKIA have dedicated cold rooms with a combined area of about 5,000 sq mt to cater to the specific needs of different temperature sensitive cargoes. These cargo terminals are also World Health Organisation (WHO) Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certified for distributing pharmaceutical products,” says Cissy Chan, Executive Director- Commercial, HKIA.
“Besides service standards, the seamless cold-chain facilities at HKIA is also world class, including a fleet of about 30 cool dollies—the largest among all airports in Asia—and two pioneering apron shelters that protect shipments from prolonged exposure to weather elements when transporting on apron.”
“Agility and collaboration amongst airport communities is essential for maintaining efficient and reliable operations during the current challenging environment,” says Chan. “Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has been working closely with the air cargo community and relevant government departments to add freighter capacity to compensate the reduction of passenger aircraft belly capacity. Airlines have added freighter flights and refitted passenger aircraft into ‘preighters’ to carry cargo to compensate the drop in belly capacity supply. And our cargo terminals have taken stringent measures to ensure the health and safety of cargo staff to continue and sustain efficiency in operations.”
Amid the volatile operating environment, Chan says, there is an increasing need to leverage technology to facilitate more responsive, efficient, transparent and secured cargo flow. “HKIA is developing an industry-wide data platform for Hong Kong’s air cargo stakeholders to drive operations through process digitalisation and community collaboration.”
“In addition, the entire Three-runway System (3RS) expected to be commissioned in 2024 will help maximise HKIA’s operational efficiency and enhance air traffic capacity for future growth,” Chan adds.
Despite the catastrophic cutbacks in bellyhold capacity in 2020, which would have seen Hactl cargo volumes drastically reduced, the resurgence of freighter operations to replace the lost capacity, including the deployment of aircraft as diverse as Boeing’s Dreamlifter and military Hercules C-130s saw the cargo player replacing much of the lost business, and breaking its previous freighter handling records.
“The year presented many challenges—such as unprecedented numbers of freighters all requiring urgent turnarounds with PPE and medical supplies, the removal of hundreds of redundant passenger aircraft cargo ULDs off-airport to free up our facilities—and our admin workforce all working from home. Despite this, not a single customer was let down, and not a single employee was made redundant,” says Kwong. “Our success relies on the total dedication, hard work and determination of our frontline workforce, of whom I am immensely proud.”
Even 23 years after its opening, Hactl’s Super Terminal 1 remains probably the most sophisticated general air cargo terminal in the world. It has an automated container handling system with 3500 storage bays, a loose cargo handling system with 10,000 stillages, and facilities for everything from hazardous cargo through valuables to pharma, fresh produce, aero engines and live animals.
“Hactl was among the first in the world to achieve WHO GDP, and then all three CEIV accreditations: pharma, live animals and fresh. Upgrading of our systems in the process of accreditation included the establishment of a ‘Golden Route’ fast-tracked through our giant facility, designed to preserve constant temperatures and release goods as quickly as possible to waiting customers,” says Kwong.
At AISATS, flexibility and adaptability have always been the key foundational pillars. “We have adopted various strategies and robust risk management policies that have been developed keeping the dynamic nature of our operations at the forefront. This spans across multiple situations and scenarios. However, COVID-19 is unique, and all our planning and risk management processes clearly required an immediate on-ground reassessment,” Rajamani says.
Talking about pandemic readiness of AISATS’ cargo terminal in Bengaluru Airport, Rajamani adds, “We implemented a COVID-19 specific SOP to handle operational risks at the workplace, specifically towards managing employee and visitor entry into the terminal and the monitoring of people movement within the terminal while ensuring physical distance. With the introduction of touchless sanitising units and measuring guns to carefully executed fumigation and sanitisation at regular intervals, our cargo terminals are made secure for operations.”
“As a comprehensive cargo and aviation ground handler, we have also formed a highly competent and well-trained ops task force within the cargo, cargo security and ramp services team to ensure stringent compliances to service delivery for a seamless and unbroken cold chain.”
Briefing on the capacities, Rajamani says, we are ready to be the hub of vaccine transportation for the Southern Region. “Our COOLPORT has 17 dedicated cold rooms with temperature capabilities ranging from -25°C to +8°C, which also includes refrigerated queue lane for storage of built-up ULD units. Recently, we partnered with Envirotainer—the global market leader in secure cold chain solutions for air transport of pharmaceuticals. Envirotainer will potentially play a key role in the transportation of COVID-19 vaccine shipments globally. We’ve also obtained bonded trucking approval from Indian Customs allowing us to eventually offer trucking services in/out of Bangalore to other catchment ports/ICDs. In addition to these, we're working with key pharma companies/airlines on specific cold chain solutions for last-mile delivery.”
Changi Airport Group (CAG) has also succeeded in responding promptly to the COVID-19 pandemic by stepping up measures to safeguard and protect the health of airport workers, passengers and visitors—all essential for the future of travel. “This includes the use of technology to transform the passenger and cargo journey, with new contactless and cleaning innovations for a safer yet seamless airport experience,” informs Lim ChingKiat, Managing Director- Air Hub Development at CAG.
“Through close collaborations with other governments in the region, the Singaporean government along with CAG and other partners facilitated the continued supply of essential food supplies into Singapore through additional ad-hoc services. For example, as part of strategies, the governments of Singapore and New Zealand launched a trade initiative in 2020 to ensure supply chain connectivity and the removal of blockages to trade in a list of essential products that includes medicines, medical and surgical equipment.”
“In parallel, we worked with our partners to ensure uninterrupted air cargo operations at the airport. Our cargo handling agents— dnata and SATS have been working tirelessly round-the-clock on flexible shifts to manage the extra cargo flights and the shorter lead time for certain charter flights. In coping with the increased workload, dnata was quick to redeploy staff from other departments like customer and ramp services to support air cargo, reinforcing the operational capacity and efficiency. All of these we enabled while maintaining the well-being and health of the air cargo community. Additionally, we have implemented a series of measures to safeguard the community, such as more frequent cleaning of high contact areas, enhanced SOPs to facilitate contactless security access checks and additional safe distancing measures,” Lim continues.
Over the years, pharmaceuticals have been a key driver for Changi’s air cargo hub and the airport has continuously invested in the improvement of its air pharma handling standards and capabilities through various initiatives, including the establishment of the largest CEIV Pharma certified community in Asia Pacific, as well as the Pharma@Changi initiative to jointly pursue the highest standards in pharmaceuticals handling.
Today, the airport’s cargo handlers— dnata and SATS have a combined annual handling capacity of more than 375,000 tonnes of temperature sensitive cargo through their certified and secured temperature-controlled facilities, alongside a comprehensive suite of airside temperature protection equipment and solutions such as cool dollies, supported by a pool of qualified and experienced cool chain specialists.
Earlier this year, CAG introduced a community data-sharing platform—the Changi Air Cargo Community System (ACCS). The Changi ACCS is an open ecosystem of collaborative and community-based applications underpinned by an information-sharing platform that aggregates data from all parties involved in the cargo handling process, to optimise operational efficiencies and enable end-to-end digitisation of the air cargo supply chain. The initiative, Lim says, is aligned with the country’s ambition to develop Singapore as a global leading logistics hub, as well as to create a vibrant, smart and quality air hub, supported by operations excellence and innovation.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL), in collaboration with the private sector, has already implemented plan of actions for its staff to stay secure and protected and also for clients such as truck drivers to practice safety procedures. Touch points are cleaned between shifts, while times between shifts are delayed ensuring there is minimal interaction between departing and arriving shifts of staff.
Cargo players at the airport are using electro-static cleaning tools, while others have dedicated staff solely for compliance with COVID-19 protection procedures. The aim has been to continue operations as safely as possible, given the absolute necessity that air cargo stays in services as it’s an essential sector for the fight against coronavirus.
“Atlanta Airport needs to stay the course in its long-term plans,” says Paige. “We have always been working on improving space and efficiency in ground operations. We are always examining our internal processes to develop innovative ways to make decisions. Meanwhile, we regularly communicate with all our stakeholders to have a constant feedback mechanism in place—how we are doing and if their needs are met. This ongoing strategy will take us forward to success.”
There are various innovations and initiatives which ATL is currently working on and all are meant to improve efficiency and make it a hub for cargo. Also, new Greenfield cargo warehouse facilities that will be third-party developed are within the airport’s master plan. At present, ATL is planning to add a new cargo facility in its South Cargo Area. ATL has approximately 1.5 million sq ft of space dedicated to air cargo which includes space for cooling and temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipments. It also has space for expansion of cool facilities and recently bid out 100,000 sq ft of cargo warehouse space with airside access to the world’s largest air cargo handler, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS).
Additionally, Delta Airlines which has its hub at Atlanta operates a 40,000 sq ft cold chain facility at the airport, certified to handle temperature and time-sensitive pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, DHL Express moved from a smaller space on Toffie Terrace near Hartsfield-Jackson to ATL’s new Cargo Building C, and is adding the needed infrastructure for its operations there to create a ‘gateway to the Southeast’. Located in the airport’s South Cargo Area, the newly-constructed Cargo Building C combines a 100,000 sq ft warehouse and 20,000 sq ft of office space and incorporates freighter ramp handling facilities and a container bypass handling system.
“WFS will open in a few months while DHL will as soon as they build-out their automation system. For our longer-term capacity increase, we have an RFP to attract third-party developers for a modern air cargo facility. We also launched ACS— our cargo community system with Kale Logistics, an Indian company headquartered in Mumbai,” Paige informs.
“All of these efforts, alongside smaller initiatives to improve labour supply and speed up the badging process— are geared towards helping us grow including taking advantage of post-COVID opportunities.”
Frankfurt Airport’s intensive commitment to building up a resilient cargo community has paid off. Joint solutions such as extra parking spaces, more staff, and intercompany and assistance underscored the importance of Frankfurt Airport as a strategic global cargo hub. “All parties involved have communicated more effectively and information has flown more quickly. Experts as well as supply chain partners worked together to be perfectly prepared for any option. Together, we continue to ensure air cargo as vital and indispensable for delivering essential supplies to the people,” says Max Philipp Conrady, Head of Cargo Infrastructure and Development at Fraport AG.
“Innovative platforms play an important role at Frankfurt Airport. They make processes more transparent and are important to allow a certain level of predictability. In fact, the ongoing development of our platforms is part of our daily business.”
“The latest technology we put into practice is the automatic license plate detection at Frankfurt Airport’s CargoCity South. At Gates 31 and 32, an innovative camera system now reads the license plates of arriving visitors and crosschecks them against stored datasets. If they match, the system automatically propels opening the gate. Before arriving, guests need to register online and send notification of their planned visit to CargoCity South, following which it only takes a few seconds for them to get in after arriving on the premises of the site,” Conrady informs.
“On top of that, we will put into practice the innovative data exchange platform “FRA-OS” in summer. This new digital platform will standardise, simplify and speed up customs and import processes,” he continues.
“Scenario planning became even more important with regard to the corona vaccine transport,” says Conrady. “We started preparing for vaccine shipments in spring 2020 itself. There are task forces comprising of pharma experts of different companies based in Frankfurt and beyond. They reviewed the existing infrastructure, equipment and processes and as part of that, we expanded our fleet of temperature-controlled transporters to 20.”
Currently, at Frankfurt Airport, around 14,000 sq mt of temperature-controlled handling capacity are available. These areas meet international and European standards. For instance, Fraport has been meeting the requirements of the CEIV Pharma certificate of the airline association IATA since 2018. In addition, there are several cargo handling agents and forwarders who meet the GDP and CEIV Pharma Certification. This means that more than 75 per cent of the transport routes at the airport are certified.
With the Perishable Center Frankfurt (PCF), the airport also offers a common use special handling service, ensuring product quality with a continuous cold chain and minimising transit times. “It is Europe’s largest air freight center for temperature-controlled products. With the necessary authorities already located at the PCF, it is a perfect point of first entry into the European market,” says Conrady.
Ecom Express Limited, India’s sole pure-play B2C e-commerce logistics provider as of the Financial Year 2024, has introduced a new brand identity, underscoring its commitment to customer-centricity. This rebranding reflects a focus on addressing specific customer needs, prioritising customer-facing metrics, and integrating innovative technology across its nationwide express logistics network. The goal is to enhance speed, agility, and network reach, ensuring a customer-focused approach. The rebranding includes a dynamic logo and a refreshed visual identity, symbolising Ecom Express’s pursuit of excellence. The new logo features a forward-moving arrow within a square, representing the company’s dedication to delivery. The letter "E" in the logo stands for Expression, Innovation, and Progress, while the bold magenta colour signifies bravery, self-expression, and strength. This vibrant magenta reintroduction reflects Ecom Express's renewed commitment to customers, partners, and team members, as the company aims to simplify and democratise logistics for all. Ajay Chitkara, CEO and MD of Ecom Express, elaborated on the transformation, stating, “Our refreshed brand identity reaffirms our customer-first approach as we continue to integrate technology and innovation to provide reliable, high-speed services with the widest network reach. This transformation also underscores our commitment to our employees and delivery partners, who are essential to our business.” The new logo embodies Ecom Express’s dedication to its core values, focusing on customer welfare and fostering a diverse, inclusive environment. This rebranding signifies a promise to redefine logistics through advanced technology, making life easier for all types of customers.
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) held its 6th EC Meeting for the term 2021-23 on May 27 and 28 in Bengaluru. The meeting was attended by the Office Bearers and 28 Member Association representative of FFFAI from across the country, there were many issues discussed and updates provided concerning customs, CBLR, EDI, Service Tax/GST, logistics, air cargo, sea cargo, skill development,importance of social media which FFFAI has expanded recently, technology developments, etc. The special focus of the 6th EC meeting was the updates on forthcoming 24th Biennial Convention of FFFAI to be held from August 12 to 14, 2022 in Chennai with the theme LOGISTICS RESHAPE, EMBRACE AND SURGE IN THE DIGITAL ERA. At this EC meeting, FFFAI also implemented Digital Learning platform for members and next generation for e-learning. It has been decided that FFFAI would initiate FIATA eFBL here in India to benefit the trade, which empowers customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers. In addition, updates on the recently held FIATA HQ Meet was also provided by the concerned members of FFFAI. FFFAI members present at this EC meeting stressed upon enhancing productivity on ICEGATE for trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business. The FFFAI members also urged for creating a dedicated portal for LSP integration. As regard to skill development initiatives, IIFF’s (training arm of FFFAI) past and forthcoming training programmes (both online and classroom/physical) for the entire logistics industry were presented at the EC meeting. In addition, FFFAI’s various initiatives on capacity building through technology/IT also discussed withadequate importance. Recent activities of FFFAI Women’s Wing including organising interactive meetings with Government of India officials and industry experts were highlighted at this meeting which drew huge appreciation from the members. The members committed to expand the activities of the Women’s Wing in all the 28 member association locations to empower/encourage the women logistics practitioners. At this EC meeting FFFAI has signed an MoU with the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) with an objective of skilling the aspiring candidates looking for opportunities in the logistics sector. Notably, a special session was organised at this 6th EC Meeting where N Sivasailam, former Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India was present to address the FFFAI members and highlight the recent initiatives of the government in strengthening the logistics infrastructure, thereby leading in increase of international trade through multimodal connectivity and faster cargo clearance. He projected the ambitious growth potential of the logistics industry in India with a strong collaboration between government and industry people. Also speaking on the occasion was Bani Bhattacharya, IRS, who interacted with members of FFFAI on various initiatives of CBIC for the trade facilitation without human intervention. FFFAI Chairman Shankar Shinde thanked all the 28 associations for their support and appreciated the contribution of CBIC/DG systems trade facilitation measures. FFFAI Member Associations are: 1. Ahmedabad Custom Brokers' Association2. Aurangabad Customs House Agents Association3. Association of Custom House Agents Thiruvanthapuram4. Bangalore Custom House Agents Association5. Brihnamumbai Custom Brokers Association6. Calcutta Customs House Agents Association7. Chennai Customs House Agents Association8. Cochin Customs Brokers' Association9. Coimbatore Customs House and Steamer Agents Association10. Custom Brokers Association Hyderabad11. Delhi Customs Brokers Association12. Goa Custom Brokers Association13.Indore Customs House Agents Association14. The Kakinada Customs Brokers Association15. Kandla Custom Brokers Association16. Kanpur Customs Brokers Association17. Ludhiana Customs House Agents Association18. Mangalore Customs House Agents Association19. Mundra Customs Brokers Association20. Nagpur Customs House Agents Association21. Nashik Customs House Agents Association22. Nadia Custom Brokers Association23. Pipavav Custom Brokers Association24. Pune Customs House Agents Association25. Rajasthan Customs House Agents Association26.Tuticorin Custom Brokers Association27.Visakhapatnam Cusotms Brokers' Association28.West Bengal Custom House Agents Society FFFAI welcomes Women in Logistics/Youth in Logistics to participate on FFFAI forums and also invites membership application form logistics service providers in industry as this is a big national and international forum to network.
Building a visionary company requires one percent vision and 99 percent alignment. This analogy resonates deeply when we compare the process of building a company to conducting a symphony orchestra. Just as a conductor leads musicians to create a harmonious masterpiece, a successful business and its management fosters alignment among team members to achieve extraordinary success. In the business world, this vision translates into a clear understanding of where the company wants to go and what it aspires to achieve. The one percent of vision acts as the guiding force that sets the stage for greatness. However, a conductor alone cannot create a symphony. The true magic lies in the collective effort of the musicians, each playing their part to perfection. Similarly, in a visionary company, alignment becomes paramount. Every team member needs to be facing in the right direction, equipped with the right skills, and focused on delivering the right results at the right time. By fostering alignment, harnessing the diverse talents within the team, and continuously fine-tuning performance, savvy teams and visionary leaders carry the potential to transform their companies into harmonious and successful organisations that resonate with greatness. Embracing the power of alignment, inspiring teams with a clear vision, and actively cultivating an environment where every member can contribute their unique talents, RE Rogers India has over the years formed an indispensable pillar of business triumph. Most recently, the company orchestrated a symphony of success handling over 300 events in the fiscal year 2023. Four of these were mammoth events taking place in four different cities at around the same time frame. And these were not merely gatherings, they were milestones. The four gigantic events (CPHI and PMEC 2023 – 28 to 30 November at India Expo Centre, Noida; ENGIMACH 2023 – 6 to 10 December at Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat; EXCON 2023 – 12 to 16 December at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru; PLASTIVISION 2023 – 7 to 11 December at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai) entailed approximately 650 on-ground manpower, 4300 packages, 370 equipment display, and 3600 vehicles. The symphony of greatness bubbled up in RE Rogers India's operational procedures and functions, and the teams and management leadership soared to create a masterpiece of lasting success as always. "To our heroes who faced the challenges head-on in handling their jobs with total finesse, and to our valuable customers who trusted us blindly during our busiest period pan-India: A HUGE THANK YOU!," the RE Rogers India team was quoted expressing in a LinkedIn post. As the demand for large-scale events and exhibitions continues to rise, the need for comprehensive and reliable exhibition logistics services has never been more critical. In India, where the exhibition industry thrives, one name stands out among the rest — RE Rogers India — who have been delivering unparalleled logistical solutions tailored to the unique demands of the exhibition sector. RE Rogers India have years of first-hand, specialist experience in handling every aspect of exhibitions, ranging from freight forwarding, transportation, customs formalities, secure handling of materials, on-time delivery and site assistance and supervision. Remember that logistics is not just about getting your materials from point A to point B; it’s about ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for everyone involved in your exhibition, from exhibitors to attendees. So, if you partner with RE Rogers India, you’re not just hiring a logistics company; you’re bringing a dedicated and reliable team on board to ensure your exhibition materials reach their destination in perfect condition and on time. Having served a variety of clients from both the domestic and international arena, the company has developed deep understanding of the unique challenges of delivering time-critical goods in the face of huge crowds, open day pressure, and complex logistical requirements. RE Rogers India fully understands the value of complete exhibition sets in terms of the clients’ reputation and market standing, ranging from trade show booths, exhibits, and other equipment, which include wooden panels, steel frames, prefabricated designs, bunk houses, E-houses, printed material, lights, electronic items and other display resources. The company therefore takes utmost care to pay close attention to critical things like packing, loading, storing, lifting, etc. so as to eliminate any chance of damage. Due diligence is also exercised in choosing optimum and fastest mode of transport to enable the materials to reach the venue well in time, so as to facilitate timely set-up by the clients team at the venue. Post-exhibition, pick-up and delivery back to the shipper is also handled. With RE Rogers India as your esteemed logistics partner, you can focus on wowing your audience and making the most of your exhibition experience. Under the astute leadership of Ravinder Sethi, RE Rogers India is not just reaching new heights; it is setting successive benchmarks. With the innate ability to see through the intricacies and a commitment to perfection down to the minutest detail, Sethi has steered the company towards a trajectory of unparalleled success. His visionary approach complemented by the team's meticulous attention to excellence have become the driving force behind RE Rogers' ascent in the events and exhibition logistics sector. The collective efforts of Sethi and his entire team continue to sculpt a legacy of precision and excellence in the world of logistics that remains exciting, challenging and rewarding.
A significant milestone has been achieved in the Indo-Bangla railway project with the inauguration of the inaugural freight train connecting Bangladesh's Gangasagar to Tripura's Nischintanpur. This momentous event marks a significant step forward in strengthening the rail connectivity between the two neighboring countries. The new railway connection is set to enhance trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh, providing a more efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation for goods. It will not only boost bilateral trade but also promote economic development in the region by opening up new opportunities for businesses and industries. The Indo-Bangla railway project is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity and foster closer ties between the two nations. It is expected to play a vital role in facilitating the movement of goods and passengers, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of both countries.
The past decade has been a transformative period for the Indian logistics sector, characterised by a blend of challenges and growth opportunities. Key milestones such as the formal recognition of logistics as infrastructure, the implementation of GST, and disruptions from COVID-19 have reshaped the industry landscape. During this time, technology adoption surged, sustainability became a focal point, and the sector prioritised agility and resilience. As a result, new business models emerged, and the sector registered a growth rate of 8%-9%. Throughout this period of growth, logistics companies have created significant value for their customers by offering innovative solutions, improving efficiency, and providing exceptional service experiences. However, the process of capturing and capitalising on this value is complex, requiring long-term investment and strategic focus. Companies typically follow one of two paths: competitive pricing or superior customer value. Yet, only a few have successfully extracted profits and solidified their competitive position, while others have faced decline. On a broader scale, while the logistics sector has made substantial progress in innovation, infrastructure, and technology, its financial returns and profitability have often fallen short of expectations. The challenge lies in the varied performance of subsegments such as express delivery, e-commerce logistics, and contract logistics. Each of these subsegments faces distinct challenges, influenced by factors such as market demand, regulatory policies, technological integration, and investment levels, leading to diverse outcomes across the sector. India's transportation sector is predominantly road-based, with nearly two-thirds of the market share. Among road logistics, Full Truck Load (FTL) remains highly fragmented, with a minimal presence of organised players. While the market has nearly doubled over the last decade, along with technology adoption in fleet and transport management, startups like Blackbuck have made attempts to drive the sector toward organisation, but no significant breakthroughs have emerged. As a result, FTL has struggled to create substantial value for customers, and profitability within the segment has remained stagnant. The second major segment in road logistics is Part Truck Load (PTL) services, where organised players have made gradual improvements. Companies like VRL and V-Trans India have established a national presence, supported by relevant infrastructure and technology. These organised players have delivered tangible value to customers, improving profitability alongside revenue growth through a cost-conscious approach. Rail logistics, on the other hand, has created significant value in specific subsegments, such as container train operators, private rail operators, and car carriers. While Indian Railways remains the primary infrastructure provider, private players like Adani, DP World, Gateway Distriparks, and Pristine have experienced profitable growth over the past decade. E-commerce logistics has been the most hyped segment in the last ten years. While e-commerce logistics started gaining traction in 2010, it exploded in 2014 with technological advancements and the emergence of new-age companies. This segment has grown into a US$6 billion market, creating immense value by reducing transit times, improving customer service, and offering tech-driven solutions. However, as these differentiators become industry standards, the rate of value creation has slowed. Despite significant investments to achieve profitability, most e-commerce companies are still either EBITDA-negative or marginally positive. While they have made strides in reducing losses, profitability remains below industry benchmarks. The express logistics segment, largely controlled by organised players, has also experienced incremental improvements in service offerings and customer service. Despite challenges such as declining document volumes, slow air cargo growth, and cost pressures, express logistics has achieved double-digit growth. However, the segment has failed to create significant new value, as many differentiators have now become standard offerings. This inability to create and capture value raises concerns for the future of express logistics. In contrast, the contract logistics segment has benefited from complex global supply chains and the post-GST momentum, providing significant opportunities for value creation through optimisation. Organised players, with their advanced solutions, technology, and automation, have been able to capture substantial value in this segment. Overall, while the logistics industry has created value across most of its segments, the ability to capture this value has been suboptimal. Factors such as technological advancements, sustainability trends, and evolving customer expectations will continue to influence value creation. However, value capture will hinge on effective pricing strategies, market positioning, and operational scalability. In the future, a balance between continuous innovation and profitability will be essential for long-term success in the logistics industry. Author: Vikash Khatri, Founder, Aviral Consulting
Trade shows are mission-critical, high-investment events where logistics execution directly influences marketing ROI. Exhibitors spend months preparing for a few days on the floor, since a single missed delivery window can jeopardise the entire programme. In this environment, Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) trade show logistics is no longer just transportation; it is an orchestration of timing, compliance, risk control, and venue-specific expertise. While standard LTL carriers can handle general freight, elite trade show shippers excel because they are built for the ecosystem — understanding drayage, marshalling yards, target windows, live-loading rules, equipment constraints, and the high-value nature of exhibits. This updated guide unpacks the differentiators that set the best providers apart, enhanced with additional dimensions such as KPIs, risk mitigation frameworks, technology adoption, sustainability practices, and a practical vendor-evaluation checklist. The Key Differentiators of Elite Trade Show Shippers When shipping general freight, a standard LTL carrier may be sufficient. However, event logistics demand a higher level of specialised service. The top trade show shippers possess four key differentiators that distinguish them from the rest. Proactive and Specialised Support Trade shows operate on rigid move-in schedules tied to booth size, dock flow, and decorator rules. The strongest providers deploy dedicated trade show teams who can interpret show manuals, coordinate with decorators, and time deliveries to avoid re-handling fees. Best-in-class partners also: Pre-audit documentation and labels to avoid show-site rejections Manage drayage coordination to reduce dwell and material-handling charges Offer pre-receiving and staging at regional facilities for smoother Day-1 move-ins This advisory-driven model transforms logistics from a cost center into a risk-mitigation service. Flexible Coordination and Network Access Because no two events are alike, trade show logistics demand configurable access to LTL, FTL, hot-shot, air, and international capacity. Top providers match service levels, route constraints, and budget requirements by tapping into broad asset and partner networks. A sophisticated network allows for: Expedited or guaranteed-capacity moves for high-stakes shows Cost-effective options for booth materials that can stage early Lane-specific equipment (air-ride, liftgate, climate-controlled) This flexibility becomes essential during peak show seasons when capacity is tight and timelines narrow. Guaranteed Performance and Asset Protection Event deadlines are immovable. Leading providers commit to guaranteed on-time service, narrow ETA bands, and contingency planning across linehaul and last-mile execution. They also emphasise exhibit protection through: Air-ride suspension fleets Strapping, padding, and vibration-control practices Secure transport protocols for prototypes and LED/AV assets With show participation costs rising, damage and delay prevention become competitive differentiators. End-to-End Visibility and Services Real-time visibility is no longer optional. Tocay, exhibitors rely on it to make staffing, booth-build, and drayage decisions. The best LTL partners deliver: Live tracking from pickup to booth delivery API connectivity with exhibitor dashboards Pre-emptive exception alerts and delay recovery paths For international events, leading providers integrate customs documentation, Carnet handling, temporary import permits, and venue-specific rules, ensuring frictionless handoffs across borders. What Are the Best LTL Logistics Companies for Trade Shows? Several providers exemplify these differentiators. The following firms are selected based on their demonstrated strength in specialised show support, performance-oriented service design, event fluency, flexible coordination and comprehensive offerings that cover pre-show to teardown. 1. Green River Logistics Solutions A brokerage-led model with deep carrier reach, making it ideal for exhibitors with varied lane structures. Key strengths: Highly personalised coordination and single-point-of-contact support Flexible equipment sourcing — LTL, flatbed, refrigerated, heavy haul Real-time updates and precise timing for fragile builds 2. XPO Logistics A multinational leader with a controlled linehaul network and a dedicated Trade Show Desk. Key strengths: Tight schedule integrity Venue-specific coordination and dock navigation Strong performance management systems. 3. TWI Group A global exhibition logistics specialist excelling in international customs and venue compliance. Key strengths: ATA Carnet expertise and cross-border support On-site liaisons at major venues High-touch service model for global exhibitors 4. Averitt A time-definite, reliability-driven carrier focused on window compliance. Key strengths: Guaranteed performance Expertise with marshaling yards and dock appointments Rapid recovery for last-minute constraints 5. TTI Logistics A specialist for fragile and custom builds requiring maximum protection. Key strengths: Air-ride fleets and vibration-controlled handling Precision timing for target-move-ins Advanced security protocols Comparing the Top LTL Logistics Providers for Trade Shows These providers excel in different areas. This table offers a quick comparison of their key service features to help you align their strengths with your specific needs. New Strategic Enhancements Added for a Modern Exhibitor’s Playbook Technology Advancements Worth Evaluating AI-assisted ETA predictions Digital drayage coordination tools IoT-enabled condition monitoring for AV and prototype freight Automated warehouse cut-off compliance checks Risk-Mitigation Practices That Matter Pre-show risk audits Contingency rerouting plans Venue-specific compliance checklists High-value cargo insurance design Sustainability Expectations from Today’s Exhibitors Low-emission or EV linehaul and last-mile options Carbon-neutral freight programs Reusable or recyclable crating solutions Emissions dashboards linked to booth shipments Performance Metrics That Define Best-in-Class Providers On-time delivery to target windows Damage-free shipment percentage Visibility uptime SLA Drayage handoff accuracy Exception-resolution response time How to Vet Your Trade Show Logistics Partner Applying the key differentiators includes asking potential partners the right questions. When your program includes international stops, ask about their documentation process, how they manage Carnets and how visibility will work across handoffs. The following can further validate fit and execution discipline: What is your detailed experience with my venue and decorator? Can you guarantee delivery within target-window constraints? What risk-mitigation plan is activated if my freight misses staging cutoff? What specialised equipment will you use for fragile or custom exhibits? How do you integrate with drayage contractors and marshaling yards? Which visibility tools and tracking integrations are available? Can you manage international customs documentation end-to-end? What sustainability options can be applied to my show calendar? Your Partner Is Your Most Critical Exhibit A logistics provider is more than a freight handler; they are the enabler of your presence on the show floor. The right LTL partner combines timing discipline, technical fluency, equipment strength, and venue intelligence to protect your brand and maximise your event ROI. Elite trade show shippers don’t just move freight; they orchestrate flawless show execution.
The expansion of Dammam Port in Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step towards strengthening trade relations between India and the Gulf region. The enhanced infrastructure and capacity of the port are set to benefit businesses and industries on both sides, facilitating smoother trade and commerce. The expansion of Dammam Port opens up new opportunities for Indian businesses to engage in import and export activities with the Gulf nations. It also serves as a strategic gateway for goods traveling to and from India, further improving the logistics and transportation landscape for businesses. The project showcases the commitment of both India and Saudi Arabia to enhance economic ties and boost bilateral trade. The increased port capacity will help meet the growing demand for trade between the two regions, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of both nations.
Air India is setting its sights on a promising future as the exclusive carrier for TATA's iPhone exports. This strategic partnership between the renowned Indian airline and the tech giant TATA promises to boost India's manufacturing and export capabilities. The collaboration will enable Air India to become the sole carrier for TATA's iPhone exports, facilitating the efficient transport of these popular devices to international markets. With a reputation for reliability and global reach, Air India is poised to play a crucial role in TATA's supply chain. The move not only strengthens the relationship between two major Indian companies but also underlines India's growing importance in the global technology and manufacturing sectors. Air India's role as the exclusive carrier for iPhone exports is expected to generate significant revenue for the airline and enhance India's position as a hub for high-tech exports.
