After navigating through the extraordinary challenges and unprecedented circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the global air logistics industry and is all set to move forward utilising technology as a ‘Survival Kit’. For those still depending on the conventional ways of operating and manual functions may still find it difficult to exist in this current challenging environment, but companies who have embraced 100 per cent digitalisation are all set to welcome rapid growth and build on agility and resiliency over time. Technology has truly become a means to reinforce business competitiveness and performance in the New Normal scenario and it has truly been playing a pivotal role in defining the success of the supply chains, by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the logistics system, writes Ritika Arora Bhola…
Logistics Operational Efficiency
With the onset of COVID-19 crisis, the global logistics industry witnessed a boom in adoption of Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics and the cloud, robotics and automation, chatbots, and new age technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Blockchain, that is helping enhance logistics efficiency and maintain operational consistency.
The last few years saw emergence of several young global tech startups like CargoAi, Cargoflash, WebCargo, etc. offering highly efficient and innovative tech solutions to the logistics and related sectors, for boosting speed and cutting down on paperwork and other rigourous manual operations. With digital technology and cloud data becoming increasingly available from multiple sources, now cargo handlers and customers are beginning to see the potential benefits of greater visibility and ability to improve and analyse efficiency of business operations.
“The new, evolving technologies are generating strategic opportunities to make competitive advantages in various functional areas including logistics and supply chain management. Within the logistics sector, automation technology has substantially increased the speed of identification, data collection, processing, analysis and transmission, with a high level of accuracy and reliability,” says Jasraj Chug, Director and Co-founder, Cargo Flash Infotech.“Technology has become a means to reinforce business competitiveness and performance. However, the degree of success depends on the choice of the technology, availability of proper organisational infrastructure, culture and management policies.”
With the newest technologies being utilised in logistics and supply chain management, including automatic identification, real-time communication and information, apart from supply chain and logistics software SaaS companies that helps firms globally optimise their supply chain and logistics operations, digitisation is making the Indian logistics arena more advanced, connected, and lucrative. Amongst risk mitigation, cost optimisation, and increased customer satisfaction, technology and automation has become the foundation for increased efficiency within the domestic logistics sector.
“Thanks to the liberalisation of the Indian economy, the competitive pressure is built up and therefore the only choice to face the competition is to qualify certain technology-enabled operations,” says Chug.
“Data and technology can be very powerful tools to create new business opportunities with better efficiency and lower transaction costs when compared to traditional methods,” says Aashish Agrawal, Managing Director at Freightos India.
“For the overall logistics space, technology enriches the user experience at all levels by standardising and streamlining how freight moves. This is especially impactful in India, as it is one of the major countries for air cargo, with multiple airlines and freight forwarders who are part of the ecosystem,” according to Agrawal.
“For freight forwarders, technology provides both faster operations and customer service. Conveniently, these are also two main factors considered by customers when choosing freight forwarders to work with. Our platform WebCargo connects forwarders to airlines by providing them access to instant, bookable rates and capacity, through our API connectivity with airlines, which otherwise wouldn’t be available in a live environment.”
“The efficiencies created for air cargo booking transactions benefit both forwarder and airline, and airlines further benefit from selling cargo directly to their customers on a self-service model with transparency and accuracy. One could easily draw parallels between what WebCargo is doing on the freight side and what the Indian online travel company MakeMyTrip is doing on the either side. This type of digitisation adds value to an industry by providing much faster and standardised transactions at faster speeds compared to what is available otherwise,” adds Agrawal.
“Technology and especially APIs enable a complete reconciliation of all records of a shipment to ensure the best service for the end customer,” agrees Matthieu Petot, CEO, CargoAi. “Technology-based airfreight distribution ensures visibility over the best price, the best route, and the best carbon footprint for the customer to choose from. Final invoices match quotes and bookings. Operational efficiency opportunities are thus everywhere.”
Cédric Millet, ECS Group Chief Strategy and Digital Officer says no differently. “Data has been there in a way or another. The most important thing is not to have data. The most important thing is to know how to make use of it, and to share it factually, without interpretation, to the various stakeholders. Technology plays an essential role in how quick it extract, transforms and loads (ETL) data into big databases. Technology also ensures to make that data available everywhere, at all times and in a secured manner. The role of Data Engineers, Data Analysts and “BI Labs” became essential in order to do that. They deliver all the ingredients necessary to give visibility and facts. On the quality side, this plays a major role in identifying the root cause of structural problems, so that corrective actions can be implemented. On the operational side, this prevents documents to be lost when the information is transmitted electronically. It also speeds up the delivery when customs clearance can be anticipated. Exchanging information also means that you can trigger alerts when things do not go as planned. This helps speeding up the recovery.”
“There is still a long way to go before having a clean, streamlined, standardised way of handling data across all stakeholders of the air cargo industry,” says Nathanaël De Tarade, Chief Commercial Officer at Wiremind. “That isn’t to say that there is not a trend. On the contrary, things are moving in the right direction, the right level of priority is often given to data-related topics. In short, we have taken off, but the flight is not over. Talking about the role of technology and operational efficiency, I think this is very clear to everyone when we look at concrete examples. Take the efficiency of a customer service agent: if one has to send 12 emails to ask for a quote, make 5 phone calls to ask for a follow up, it’s quite obvious than efficiency is raised by cutting this process to just a few clicks. Thanks to the utility of integrated solutions, platforms, etc. that speak to each other.”
Technological Progress and Potential Benefits
There are numerous benefits of tech adoption in terms of efficiency gains, quality, communication and costs reduction, to name the most primary.
Digitisation of the air sector’s supply chains has been one of the most significant factors, which already resulted in noticeable improvements in terms of resiliency and agility in worldwide operations. Airline and logistics management firms are now reconsidering all the processes to be digitalised at a breakneck speed. Air cargo is going to be a critical zone of durability for airlines and airports within the conceivable future, considering the management make it a strategic priority to introduce simple, end-to-end technology solutions to automate whole of the management process and operations.
A large number of service providers in the sector are deploying modern technologies to reinforce flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability.
Recent years witnessed the emergence of cargo bookings on one platform allowing a convergence of multiple airlines and freight forwarders on a singular interface. Integrating a technology solution will augment operations and improvise transit operations. This protects the agency time and money. Also, the ‘last-mile delivery’ conundrum is making on-demand shipping affordable and achievable, making an organisation stand out from the crowd.
Witnessing such an advantageous opportunity, Cargo Flash Infotech is thinking ahead of the curve and designing future-ready systems to collaborate between the key stakeholders of the air cargo domain. “Technology must be embraced to extend efficiency, show real-time performance resulting in an eco-sustainable operation, which successively will result in better decisions and increased revenue,” Chug says.
CargoAi’s customer offering starts with transparent information at their fingertips, which translates into immediate efficiency gains. “Better information means better procurement decisions, in terms of costs but also sustainability for sure. Our mission at CargoAi remains to really help our customers ‘future-proof’ their airfreight procurement activity,” adds Petot.
Agrawal says, “While the entire freight logistics industry benefits from advanced technology, the air cargo sector in particular has an advantage as the passenger side of air travel has already been digitised across many platforms for decades. Customers benefit from the immersive experience, better optionality, and standardised pricing and booking access. Airlines improve overall load factors, and provide a better customer experience.”
Millet highlights, “Technology has a role to play in all processes of the air cargo sector. In the commercial domain, making use of an advanced ‘business intelligence and reporting system’ allows you to implement a data-driven sales approach where your sales teams can identify performance gaps, and find the right leverages to improve revenue optimisation. On the reservation side, digitising the quotation process and the booking process for simple shipments can free up time so that your teams can focus on more complicated added-value shipments, on flight optimisation or on a better interaction with GHAs.”
“General cargo shipments below 500 kgs represent 40 to 50 per cent of the business in terms of the number of AWBs issued, and there is no good reason to still have these shipments booked via emails or phone calls, requiring human interaction. On the customer service side, technology allows you to have a real-time track and trace of all shipments, with even on-flight geolocation, and advanced notification functionalities. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) coupled with Machine Learning allows the teams to stop making manual entries, and sometimes double or triple entries. There is a long list of other examples of the benefits that advanced technology can bring to the air cargo sector,” he adds.
Industry's Bottlenecks
Amidst the pandemic, freight forwarders, end-users and air cargo operators, etc. are embracing technology whole-heartedly as the only way possible to survive in these trying times. Experts say there have been many positive tech developments in the last few years and many tech-based start-ups have emerged providing excellent services to the logistics industry/air cargo sector, making operations smoother and fast and with zero human intervention. However, the adoption process is still relatively slow in developing markets like India. High costs, greater dependence, less awareness, manual operations are considered to be some of the reasons.
“In the global logistics market, many new technologies are being utilised whilst in India, the adoption process is relatively slow. The supply chain is predicted to play a key role in increasing customer satisfaction, effectively predicting product demand and making better use of the resources in hand. As a result, the demand for accurate higher cognitive processes and forecasting is on the increase. An increasing number of logistics professionals are now keen to interpret data trends to not only anticipate stocks but also to optimise capacity and asset utilisation. However, the very pace of embracing automated operations isn't sufficient to date. The Indian logistics sector is more enthusiastic about normal modes of operations, by choice, and is vehemently hesitant about up-skilling their technological skills and awareness,” briefs Chug.
“Even as the industry understands and supports many of the advantages of today’s technologies, some questions remain the same, on how they're going to acquire it and who will help implement the improvements,” he adds.
Cargo Flash aims to join such implicit dots through its integrated and intuitive systems and supply end-to-end software solutions together with the flexibility of handpicking the system, supporting the need of the industry.
“CargoAi.co operates as a Saas marketplace,” Matt says, and therefore, they strive to gain user adoption, which depends on a variety of factors that include the adoption and use of tech solutions in the B2C environment, the cost of manpower, the overall appetite for technology. “In India, specifically, we certainly see many of these factors at play. Overall we are quite pleased with our development in India.”
“Tech companies with simplified flows, immersive user experience, cost-effective implementations, and far reaching outcomes provide a competitive advantage,” Agrawal puts across.
“Looking at the context surrounding Indian logistics, there are a lot of positive developments and attitudes towards technology adoption, with many startups and established companies, including WebCargo that have made a positive start in India,” states Agrawal.
“A lot of logistics organisations are still working from home and while this helps speed up adoption with certain technologies, rolling out any large-scale transformation in logistics is always a challenge! However, the biggest challenges can also be seen as opportunities. Technology that is transparent and responsive, such as WebCargo, can address these issues by providing simple-to-use tools providing visibility into carrier capacity and pricing in real-time.”
Millet use of technology hinges on knowing how to manage technology efficiently and overcoming barriers that come with integrating it:
Tarade agrees. “One of the constraints I see is integration between systems; it is often seen as a big hurdle. While having a simple MVP-type of integration is something that can generally be done quickly without large investments. And it’s the best way to see whether something would work in real life or not. Another issue lies with the data; it does not make money in itself. Having a modern data warehouse and clean data is essential, but it does not always get the same attention as the rest. If you go to your board, it’s always easier to ask “I need to invest X$, because I will get a return of 3 times X$” than to say ‘If we don’t change our database and invest in core systems, we will not make money immediately but we will lose XXX$ in the future’.”
“Lastly, I think that there is a constraint that has to do with complexity. There are many stakeholders, many systems, and many things to optimise in air cargo. And we tend to neglect the fact that while there might be a solution offered by technology, ultimately it all comes down to execution, which requires a great deal of human interaction.”
Reimagining Future Supply Chains
From transportation to shipment tracking and last-mile delivery, supply chains, with the evolution of technology, end-to-end visibility, resiliency and transparency of a shipment from placement to delivery has been improved and customers worldwide are acknowledging and appreciating the benefits and opportunities being generated. With the increased usage of technology, the supply chains of the future are believed to be truly more tech-friendly, resilient and efficient.
“Digitisation has the ability to connect an industry fragmented across various modes of transport and between many major logistics players, so that every step across the supply chain maintains a seamless flow of information, documentation, and of course, the physical flow of goods,” notes Agrawal. “The ideal way to make that happen is through technology that let customers, logistics service providers and carriers plug into a system which connects them all and creates a standard which can be adopted across the globe. This will help create more reliable processes, enabling better planning and execution of freight and shipments while allowing flexibility for unpredictable situations such as the COVID pandemic that we’ve been experiencing from the last couple of years.”
Chugh understands how digital transformation of supply chains enables resilience through prompt management. “Increased visibility and transparency of operations allows decision-makers to determine real-time judgment that affect the result and help prevent disruption. Predictive analytics, along with AI, are often very effective for recommending optimised inventory levels, restocking inventory, and growing operational efficiency alongside warehouse optimisation. Similarly, the key benefits of incorporating technology within the air cargo domain are broadly classified into the aspects of speediness, seamlessness, smartness (predictive) and transparency.”
“The supply chain is now seeking a single-system solution that encompasses all the operational and administrative facets, and which become more beneficial when executed via technology.”
Here, Cargo Flash comes into the image, Chugh says, by providing integrated, intuitive and seamless software solutions that incorporate all the possible operational and administrative solutions for the air cargo domain. “Our single-platform solutions allow the aviation stakeholders to access real-time information, which is poised to become the forerunner for proactive data analysis, resulting in better air freight transport management,” adds Chug.
Future supply chains will have a new platform, IATA ONE Record which will provide one single source of truth for a shipment. Explaining the process, Petot shares, through the platform, information will seamlessly flow across the supply chain, including manufacturers, shippers, importers and any other players in-between. “Data will also seamlessly be available across multiple modes of transport and most importantly, its quality will have greatly improved. Thanks to secure interoperable systems.”
Millet says, “The supply chain of the future should see some of the processes completely digitised and paperless. What can be digitised should not remain manual, however not everything can be automated.”
“I see several focuses for the coming 5 to 10 years,” adds Tarade.
1. There are still many areas to optimise. At Wiremind, we see that Flight Planning, ULD buildup, Dynamic Pricing, etc. are things where we can bring a lot of value.
2. There are many challenges to face. Investments that are made now in technology will pay off. Right now, the market is peaking, but we all know cargo works in cycles - we have to build an industry that is more robust, and takes advantage of the peaks to ensure that when the market is low, we have solid foundations that can handle turbulence.
3. Sustainability is not a ‘priority’. For us, it’s just like safety. That means it is the condition with which we can operate in the long-term.
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.
