Warehouse automation is expected to become an increasingly desirable option to the manual alternative over the next few years. That directly indicates a high likelihood of investment in these technologies. So, broad-based investment activity is expected. Latest findings indicate that changes in the operating environment; such as labor costs, labor shortages, and increased throughput requirements; are the primary influential factors. Meanwhile, industry experts also indicate that advancements in automation, such as lower costs and scalability improvements, are supporting factors.
Upamanyu Borah
The automation of activities can enable productivity growth and other benefits at both the level of individual process and businesses, as well as at the level of entire economies, where productivity acceleration is sorely needed, especially as the share of the working age population declines in many countries. At a microeconomic level, businesses everywhere will have an opportunity to capture benefits and achieve competitive advantage from automation technologies, not just from labour cost reductions, but also from performance benefits such as increased throughput, higher quality, and decreased downtime. At a macroeconomic level, automation could raise productivity growth on a global basis by as much as 0.8 to 1.4 per cent annually.
For warehouse operators and logistics companies, distribution, manufacturing and supply chain processes are about to change very quickly.
According to Adobe’s Digital Intelligence Briefing, only about 15% of businesses have adopted AI today, however, over the next 12 months, this number is expected to rise to 31%. Judging by this expected increase in the application of AI, automation is here to stay. In the world of warehouse management software, this means considering the benefits of automated warehouse systems and warehouse automation.
Automated warehouse systems has the potential to eliminate about 75 per cent of the time wasted by walking around a facility, picking up tools and parts, and improved sensors and analytics could raise the proportion of predictive maintenance, which is less costly than reactive maintenance. Automation could enable managers to monitor all maintenance from a command centre, which would reduce variability, and ensure better data collection.
“Walking time is one of the major issues in warehouses, which impacts the efficiency of workers and has proven to be ergonomically inefficient. In addition to the opportunity cost, the bigger challenge posed by walking time is scalability. Customers are unable to meet the need of increased throughput and tighter delivery time (same day, etc.), as adding more people for picking is limited due to space constraints,” says K Nandakumar, General Manager, Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions–India.
Increasing Speed, Decreasing Cost
Warehouses struggle with a number of costly issues that can hold them back from achieving their true potential. One of the biggest pain points warehousing operations face is the need to improve productivity and efficiency.
Firstly, by automating picking and product transportation processes, human employees can be utilised to solve issues robots cannot tackle like planning and management. Robotics can be scaled up and down as time progresses. If your operation needs to increase speed and accuracy to meet your requirements, integrated robotics and automation can handle the extra workload without creating an unsafe workplace.
“With human picking, there is also a challenge of increasing load density beyond a certain point,” points out Nandakumar. “With more SKUs getting added every day, companies are keeping multiple SKUs in the same bin which in turn adds an extra step in the picking process, thereby reducing overall efficiency. The combination of automation with human skill can improve speed and efficiency to enhance overall customer experience.”
Another valuable benefit of warehouse automation technology is cost-cutting across the board. It is true that integrating automation systems isn’t cheap, but they quickly start to pay for themselves. Although the upfront cost of adopting and implementing automation systems isn’t cheap, it pays for itself in the long run. Paying manual labor quickly eclipses the costs of using automation technology. In fact, a recent experiment comparing manual labour to automation has shown that over two years manual labour carried a cost of US$900,000 while automation was significantly lower at US$540,000. That’s the ROI for a fully automated operation!
This is especially true for retailers who have to deal with overtime during the busy holiday seasons. When it gets close to the biggest order days of the year, overtime usage can spike as employees log additional hours to help keep up with the busy season. With warehouse automation in place, however, you can keep your machines running for a long time without incurring an extra cost. After all, machines don’t have to worry about holiday spending money.
Today, the need for efficient warehouse operations has only grown with the rise of e-commerce. Warehouses play an important role in the relationship between companies and their customers, and inefficient operations can negatively impact customer satisfaction.
Companies are turning to warehouse automation in response. The right level of automation and autonomy enables faster, safer and more efficient day-to-day operations. It cuts costs and improves delivery times for a faster, leaner, and more scalable and sustainable operation. The 24x7 digital economy we operate in, the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains, and the increasing consumer demand for instant, sustainable commerce are forcing companies towards a greater strategic shift. Companies must have the foresight to visualize the true, long-term potential of the right technology investments.
“The e-commerce sector is a significant employer,” says Nandakumar. “Robotics technology has advanced in a manner that it can complement humans in the e-commerce industry. Goods-to-person robotic technology creates an optimum blend between robots and humans to make the order picking workflow scalable. The machines are also monitored by IoT sensors, which results in early prediction of issues and removes unnecessary downtime. Improved productivity and performance often result in higher job satisfaction—an important component of talent retention.”
“The rapid emergence of e-commerce as a mainline business vertical in the recent years has expedited the process of embracing automation at a large scale,” agrees Asim Behera, Senior Director- Automation at Coupang—one of the largest e-commerce companies in Asia.
“E-commerce, and specifically, grocery delivery is changing the logistics landscape. E-commerce is all about tremendous speed of delivery and to add to it the millions of SKUs that it offers as choice to customers. To achieve the committed Service Level Agreement (SLA) to customers, each of the processes, which begins when a customer clicks ‘buy now’ need to be done in the quickest way possible,” says Behera.
“So, in the warehouse, there is a lot of need for order picking, sorting, packing technologies. In the ‘other’ category, the need for truck routing software, last-mile delivery where various sophisticated technologies such as drones, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are getting popular as an idea,” he adds.
“It’s a paradox that wage rates and operational costs are increasing while the customers are demanding price reductions from the logistics companies year-on-year,” observes Mudit Gupta, Co-founder, PackSo Technology—a B2B platform for buying of pallets and other packaging products which bridges the gap between buyers and seller.
Gupta says, “The only solution to match the two is by going for automation. Automation can be vide investment in technology, in handling of products or through use of robotics in all aspects of operations. Benefits of automation completely outweighs the investment.”
“The answer to this lies in the end-to-end automation capabilities, substantiated by the unprecedented rise of robotics in the logistics space,” puts across Nanadakumar.
“Inventory management, material handling, resource allocation, and retail strategy have been optimised to a large extent, with self-regulatory mechanisms now addressing operational shortcomings. Technologies like Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) help resolve the growing need for load density by vertically utilising warehouse space and increasing the picking workflow productivity by 6X to 10X from our baseline today.”
“Honeywell has a robust portfolio of AS/RS. We have Shuttle and Crane AS/RS which can help solve for both tote and pallet level loads.”
Honeywell Crane AS/RS are capable of transporting loads of up to 1,500 kg with capability to storage at 25m height.
Honeywell AS/RS Shuttle System is used in inventory storage, buffer, and fulfilment applications. These are highly flexible systems that provide quick access to cartons, totes and trays for a reduced warehouse footprint.
The changing fulfilment paradigm for 3PLs
Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) excel at warehouse operations. They do it fast. They do it right. They are the experts. This is the service that their customers pay for. But, does part of a 3PLs’ ability to quickly fulfil orders fall on their customer’s shoulders? Yes. The speed at which a 3PL can pick, pack and ship orders is often dependent on the lead time with accurate order data that they have. Without it, even the very best 3PL is at the mercy of their customer’s poor data practices. Today, as consumer expectations for rapid fulfilment increase, a 3PL’s speed further increases. 3PLs are doing everything they can to pick, pack and ship more orders faster than ever. Automation makes this possible. From WMS to EDI to robotics, warehouses of today are continually advancing to speed 3PL fulfilment.
“Third-party logistics entities and warehouse operators needn’t dramatically change their processes to take advantage of robots and automation. However, they do have to “think outside the cart”, with the ever-so-popular motorided plant vehicles now turning obsolete,” insights Nandakumar.
“At Honeywell, we provide highly intelligent AMRs that can sizably augment workers’ productivity, thereby adding a new dimension altogether to the process flow.”
Recently, Honeywell announced its latest innovation in robotic technology designed to help warehouses and distribution centres automate the manual process of unloading pallets, reducing the operational risks of potential injuries and labor shortages.
Driven by sophisticated machine learning and advances in perception and gripping technologies, Honeywell’s Smart Flexible Depalletiser minimises the need for manual labour to break down pallet loads – roles that carry risk of injury to labour, experience high turnover and are currently difficult to staff.
The depalletiser’s articulated robotic arm is guided by advanced vision and perception technologies, which allow cases to be picked from a single- or mixed-SKU pallet on a fixed or mobile location. The latest computer vision technology identifies the exact location of every case on the pallet, while perception software automatically recognises a wide variety of packaging. This technology allows for seamless handling of a continuous flow of pallets in any sequence without requiring any pre-programming or operator intervention.
The advanced machine learning and motion planning optimises the movements of the robotic arm to ensure maximum picking speed and efficiency. The control logic also senses the weight of each item as the robot lifts it and automatically updates its gripping response to transfer each product securely and effectively. The more the solution picks, the more it learns and continues to improve in quickly and efficiently unloading pallets.
The robot can work in conjunction with pallet conveyance autonomous mobile robots, enabling continuous operation of the system while providing the flexibility to stage pallets and empty stacks virtually anywhere the robot is capable of traveling.
Nandakumar informs that Honeywell is enabling functions like true omnichannel fulfilment which is in increasing demand, and difficult or impossible to accomplish with other approaches. The solutions, he says, delivers compelling, hard economic benefits to warehouse operators today.
“As we shift to a more connected and streamlined industry, we are seeing more warehouses adopt this new standard for productivity, economic success, and competitive differentiation,” Nandakumar adds.
“Shortage of manpower, increase in demand for throughput within the same space, increased efficiency, demand for reduction in prices, centralised distribution with advent of GST, growth of e-commerce with the need to manage small parcels are some of the factors which have already created the need and propelled the growth of automation in logistics, distribution and warehousing space,” explains Gupta.
“Migration of labour in the COVID era was also a wake-up call for the manufacturers and 3PL companies forcing them to rethink on their plans. Major players are rushing in to meet the requirements of their own or their customers in order to provide world class experience without increase in the costs.”
Therefore, for companies that want to scale, venture into new markets, and create positive customer experiences, partnering with 3PLs offers some desirable perks. For example, these external partners provide logistical expertise and an extensive network of supply chain resources.
To successfully partner with 3PLs, companies/retailers also need to also connect disparate systems and applications together. Integration bridges any gaps to automate business processes.
First and foremost is to address the most important business processes and identify which areas need to be in sync. Here’s a potential integration roadmap for some inspiration:
Final Thoughts
The pandemic has led to a surge in several warehouse automation trends. Warehouse operators/3PLs are now open to introducing robotics and automation to remain competitive. Typically, flexible robotics solutions offer a wide array of benefits across diverse work streams.
Speaking of Honeywell’s AMRs, the key operational advantages that Nandakumar highlights are:
The good news is that for those committed to building automated warehouse systems, there are plenty of options. The downside is that much of the technology on the hardware side is still fairly expensive to install and integrate. While, it’s certainly true that things like drones and robotics can save a company sizable amounts of cash, companies have got to be willing to invest heavily first.
Smaller companies and those on a budget are advised to start with cloud systems if they haven’t already. There are many cloud-based systems out there that can help harness the power of automation while providing helpful advantages like better network security and scalability.
“Initial investment required for automation remains the key challenge for majority of companies, with capital becoming scarce and dipping profits in the COVID era it is a larger challenge. Another factor is the risk taking ability and conviction of an organisation, any oversight during implementation of warehouse automation can have catastrophic supply chain disruptions. Implementation is a continuous and step by step process which has to be project managed with focus from the C-level executives of the organisation,” explains Gupta.
For Behera, the biggest issue will be getting everyone in the value chain to embrace the automation as an enabler rather than as a threat. Also, as different automation projects are taken up, a holistic master-plan has to be first created.”
For example, Behera says, the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) has to be in sync with Order Management System (OMS) and the Warehouse Management System (WMS). “The various automation sub-systems need to seamlessly integrate with the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). The network that keeps them connected should have various fail safe redundancies built in.”
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.
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
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.
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.
