The world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive underway in India has put Indian cold chain companies and the pharmaceutical sector under enormous pressure of producing, stocking and transporting the vaccines in bulk in order to meet the high demand. In a fragmented market like India, vaccine distribution calls for robust supply chain logistics and a temperature-controlled environment that supports the life of the vaccines effectively during transit to the remotest corners of the country. It has required expansion of India’s existing cold chain capacity in a rapid and spontaneous manner, especially across some of the more densely populated parts of the country, where such infrastructure is severely limited. At present, efforts are ongoing to address the gaps in India’s cold chain distribution network, which the government authorities and private sector have highlighted and are fully committed to resolve. Ritika Arora Bhola reports…
India’s vaccination drive will require minimum 100,000 fridges and 11,500 refrigerated trucks to meet the target, according to reports. To accomplish this daunting task, Indian cold chain companies as well as the logistics sector seems to be fully geared up to take on the challenges and deliver vaccines ‘just-in-time’.
“It was being predicted that the huge surge in demand for COVID-19 vaccines will put pressure on the Indian cold chain logistics industry. “Many said that the industry, in its current state, may crash under the pressure. But to everyone’s surprise the Indian cold chain industry effectively rose against the challenge,” says Tushar Jani, Group Chairman at Cargo Service Centre (CSC)—the world’s largest airport-based temperature-controlled facility situated in Mumbai Airport. “Having forecasted the demand for the vaccines, Indian cold chain logistics companies have already planned for the various scenarios and taking measures to increase their storage and transportation capacities.”
However, Jani points out two factors which played a vital role in this success.
While we are equipped to handle the requirement, the ball game changes when it comes to mass inoculation. The Indian cold chain industry simply needs to develop on the current infrastructure and capacity, enough to satisfy the demand each year.
CSC is ready to meet the requirements with doubling of storage capacity, says Jani. “We had improved infrastructure much before COVID-19 pandemic. This is our advantage.” Mumbai Airport cargo terminal has the largest airport-based export pharma facility. With storage capacity of three 747 Boeing cargo freighter ULDs which is equivalent to more than 300 tonnes at full capacity, the facility can process up to 25,000 tonnes of pharma cargo per month. The entire facility is temperature-mapped and monitored electronically through mobile app TURANT - CSC, providing real-time temperature information of shipments in the facility.”
“While I agree that the industry is facing short-term challenges due to COVID-19-led demands, I am hopeful that as industry we will work out new ways to overcome the prevailing challenges,” states Jani.
Blue Dart had also ramped up its cold chain logistics infrastructure much before the pandemic and ensuring the vaccine distribution drive runs seamlessly without any hurdles.
“Blue Dart has the operational experience and specialised infrastructure required for handling bio-medical shipments. This is further backed up by our fleet of six 757-200 Boeing freighters, extensive ground network, and highly skilled team members,” says Ketan Kulkarni, CMO & Head– Business Development at Blue Dart. “With our temperature-controlled logistics (TCL) solutions, we have the capability to deliver excellence to 9000 pin codes within 24 hours and 12000 pin codes within 72 hours. Our TCL solutions present a secure and validated supply chain for all temperature sensitive needs. This innovative solution ensures safe and compliant transport in frozen, chilled and ambient conditions. Using appropriate cooling mediums, the packaging performance delivers temperature for the range - 20°C, 2°C - 8°C and 15°C - 25°C for varying distribution times.”
“Additionally, as part of the DPDHL Group, we have access to a number of additional assets such as reefer vehicles, cold storage trucks as well as a global network spanning across 220 countries and territories worldwide,” Kulkarni informs.
Blue Dart also boasts Pharma Grade Conditioning Rooms at strategic locations—Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kolkata, Delhi and Bangalore. These rooms are at close proximity to Blue Dart Aviation Stations which reduces the turnaround time and aids in speedy delivery.
“This ensures quick and effective logistics solution for the delivery of essential products that require speedy administration, a quality that is prioritised for temperature sensitive shipments,” adds Kulkarni.
In India, currently, small volumes of vaccines are being moved and dispatched through air. In general, refrigerated vehicles are being used to move bulk volumes. “As a nation, we are well-equipped to manage this mammoth of a task,” says G Gopi, Regional Business Manager- South, Snowman Logistics. “Today, India is exporting vaccines to most countries. Task forces such as National Expert Group of Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) are spearheading the distribution process while supply chain tracking is enabled through the Co-WIN platform,” he adds.
Apparently, world-class cold chain infrastructure, availability of reefer trucks and trained workforce are major subjects of concern for logistics service providers at the moment.
Kool-ex with a fleet of over 350 reefer trucks is leading the drive for distribution of vaccines across India—from manufacturers to government depots, PSUs, hospitals and corporates. Addressing the availability of reefer trucks, Rahul Agarwal, Director, Kool-ex Cold Chain says, “With a fleet of vehicles of varying sizes– 10FT, 14FT, 24FT and 32FT and a set-up of 10 pharma compliant cold rooms across India, we are managing the distribution of vaccines pan-India.”
Currently, Agarwal says, Kool-ex is delivering in up to 40 hospitals in one day and not facing any challenges whatsoever from any agency, or even when trucks are en-route. “In fact, people give us priority and right-of-way when they see vaccine trucks and this definitely helps speed up the distribution process.”
“Kool-ex also has a very seasoned and experienced team. Every team member is motivated by the fact that this is a service to humanity and they are putting in efforts to ensure trouble free smooth operations,” Agarwal adds.
Carrier Transicold refrigeration solutions is also doubling down on its efforts to maintain a seamless cold chain—from vaccine production centres to distribution points in tier II and III cities and towns with a complete line of equipment and services for refrigerated storage and transport. Pankaj Mehta, Managing Director, Carrier Transicold India and South Asia, asserts that the company’s refrigeration transport solutions have aided interstate and local vaccine distribution across India.
“In India, the number of vehicles available for pharmaceutical vaccine delivery is close to 11,000. The industry lacks the number of vehicles required to effectively create a network that would reach every corner of India,” points Swarup Bose, Founder and CEO, Celcius— which he says is effectively training a network of tier II and III city transporters that have lesser vehicles and also lack IoT-powered devices and the infrastructure required for the ongoing vaccine delivery drive. “We have also on-boarded many cold storage facilities that were not pharma compatible earlier. However, after going through the GDP guidelines, the number of touch points for the cold storage facilities are increasing.”
With all that said, the challenge that still looms large is shipments not reaching remote towns and villages in the desired conditions. “Investment and creation of an immovable infrastructure cannot be done keeping a very specific application in mind. We need to think 10 years ahead about our requirements and challenges against new viruses and bio-threats to create a robust and sustainable infrastructure,” says Sanjay Sharma, Vice President, Coldman Logistics. “Time and again, I had been raising the point that up to -200C existing infrastructure needs no upgradation at the manufacturing location or primary distribution centres in metros and large cities. Our biggest challenge today is to reach remote towns and villages where there is a huge gap leading to high wastages.”
“Pharma handling in not just about infrastructure alone, specialised skill set to handle the complex inventory management is required to ensure integrity of the temperature until administration. We are fortunate that the technology required to meet compliance until last-mile is available within our system and can be scaled up fast.”
Gubba Cold Storage has an estimated 10,000 cold facilities, but less than 5 per cent of them serve the organised sector. Of this, less than 0.1 per cent, which means less than 100 cold storages can be used to preserve vaccines. “Each vaccine storage facility needs to acquire a WHO-GDP certificate, 21 CFR data loggers, utmost cleanliness and an isolated chamber. Transportation is just one aspect of the chain and another crucial part of the vaccine journey is storing it. One cannot afford the slightest tampering in any stage. That said, manufacturing, storing, transporting and delivering are equally important and something that we take utmost care of,” says Gubba Kiran, CEO and Director, Gubba Cold Storage.
According to Gopi, as part of their partnership with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories for the distribution of Sputnik V vaccine, we will be managing delivery of the shipments through five of our high-capacity temperature-controlled warehouses in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru. “Snowman is offering storage, order processing, shipper packing, and secondary transportation from these locations. The warehouses are strategically located to take care of not just the state distribution, but the whole of the regional requirements. IOT based temperature monitoring system is followed and the temperature, throughout, will be maintained between -20 to -250C,” Gopi informs.
Whopping increase in investments
In order to accomplish the daunting task of vaccinating billions, the Indian government has earmarked over Rs 35,000 crore towards the cause. Cold chain logistics players say the investment will give a significant impetus to the sector. In the last few years, the Indian cold chain sector has witnessed growth by 17 per cent, mainly due to increase in demand for cold storage solutions from pharmaceutical and various other segments. The industry has also invested a lot in converting ambient temperature warehouses to temperature-controlled ones while standard fleets of trucks have been converted into temperature-controlled reefer trucks. A considerable portion of the investment has also been dedicated to logistics-related research specifically.
“The Rs 35,000 crore budget has been earmarked for the state governments so that they can secure vaccines from private players. This accounts for transport and distribution of the vaccines too. The benefit lies in the fact that with a higher budget, leveraging technology and reducing any chance of discrepancies, improved services can be made available to the Indian population thereby increasing the efficiency of the entire vaccine distribution drive,” says Kulkarni.
“Cold chain logistics is said to grow at a CAGR of 17 per cent -18 per cent in 2021-22. The growth spurt is further propelled by the initiatives the government has introduced on the logistics side wherein dedicated freight corridors and improving the infrastructure to ensure a streamlined and unfragmented industry will lead to exceptional deliveries that can be achieved in a short period of time. Blue Dart is keen on seeing the effects of these initiatives on our business worldwide,” he goes on.
Gubba doesn't take into account government’s decision of granting such a huge amount for vaccine distribution. “This has been an inordinate move by the Indian government. We have to read between the lines so as to see what’s exactly available in fulfiling the cold chain industry with that budget. The entrepreneurs should also be made aware of such investments so that it rightly goes into enhancing the factor of last-mile delivery.”
Sharma agrees. “The cold chain sector does not need this big an allocation to get moving especially for vaccines. Even if we have to create a far reaching and sustainable infrastructure for storage and distribution of vaccines, a few thousand crores on infrastructure shall go well. Though I do not have a detailed bifurcation of this budget but I am sure a large amount would be required for R&D and towards massive production of vaccines rather than their distribution.”
Jani says no differently. “These changes will stand the test of time and provide for a benchmark. The growth is here to stay and companies need to provide solutions for the far future. Our industry cannot afford this short sightedness and needs to invest wisely. At CSC India, we have planned to adapt ourselves for long term solutions instead of simply satisfying the sudden surge.”
Despite the shortcomings, sector players commend government initiatives and say that it has bolstered growth. For instance, Bose says “Approvals are happening at a much faster pace than before and cold chain entities are getting priority over other sectors. Subsidies have also helped a lot during this stage of growth. Transporters that underwent loss during lockdown last year are coming onboard with renewed vigour as they look forward to being part of the largest vaccination drive in the world.”
“The cold chain logistics industry has been transporting vaccines for rabies, hepatitis, and other medicines that need a temperature-controlled environment for years. The COVID-19 vaccine is just an addition. However, given the volume of the order, the impact of this has a positive effect on the cold chain industry,” feels Gopi. “Industry players are working on infrastructure upgrades like—fixed cold warehousing, portable cold storage, and reefer trucks to ensure the seamless movement of medicines across India without any temperature excursions. Cold chain companies have started investing on upgrading their quality standards, GDP compliances and fulfiling statutory requirements like drug licenses.”
“Altogether, this will give the Indian market significant growth. There will be strong demand for organised pharma cold chain facilities in India in the coming years,” Gopi says.
The major hurdles and emerging opportunities
India began the world’s largest vaccination drive on January 16. Conducting it efficiently and smoothly is definitely not an easy task—considering the country’s economic situation, huge population and complex market scenarios. Reaching out to the population in the remotest areas and villages is a herculean task and involves assessing the situation, considering alternatives and taking action. Addressing the operational and supply chain challenges should be a priority right now. Other major causes of concern or gaps include lack of ownership or accountability due to fragmentation of the industry and inconsistent operating standard.
Experts say the healthcare industry has been suddenly pushed to become flexible and extremely adaptive in nature. And at present, it is all about efficiently supplying vaccines and medicines across geographies. Therefore, logistics companies need to quickly pull up the socks and deliver efficiently on what is expected. Investing in robust infrastructure and latest technology and efforts to make supply chain leaner is the only answer to these challenges.
“Major cold chain logistics companies have tied up with hyperlocal service providers and this has improved connectivity for the former, while local partners get a taste of the technology and systems at play in the industry. This situation is a win-win for everyone,” says Jani. “The role of the temperature-controlled supply chain is to ensure effective vaccine and medicine storage, handling and stock management. If the logistics operations are managed well, it will help save on costs and ensure a well-balanced output of efficient and quality service.”
According to Sharma, the major gap is the industry’s inability to reach the last-mile while ensuring temperature integrity. “The thrust should be more on passive cold chain solutions and creating storage capacities at the district level to hold all temperature ranges from -70 to +200C, and then service through passive boxes,” he says.
Addressing the same, Bose says that the bottleneck has always been about tracking shipments and making sure that the temperature is maintained across the supply chain network. “With advancements in the Blockchain technology, there have been significant improvements in tracking of consignments right up to their point of use. Phase Change Material (PCM) based technologies have increased last-mile deliveries and reduced wastage at the site of administering vaccines. At Celcius, we ensure that in-transit monitoring systems are installed in every vehicle and the condition of these systems is reported live on our app and website.”
Snowman has been consistent in its efforts to enable seamless last-mile delivery. The company is expanding capabilities of its existing facilities such as the ones located in Mumbai and Krishnapatnam due to high demand and their latest projects at Siliguri and Coimbatore are almost ready. “We are continuously working on improving our services and growing our capabilities to meet the growing demand from the pharma industry. Snowman Logistics has the capability to readily store 650 million doses at any given time, which can be increased to 1.05 billion doses at short notice for pan-India distribution. We have the ability to store at up to -800C and provide real-time temperature monitoring to ensure the correct conditions for vaccine distribution during the entire supply chain,” Gopi says.
In addition to that, Gopi says, Snowman has a CAPEX plan of around Rs 425 crores for capacity expansion with a focus on pharma and e-commerce sectors where the company has seen huge demand since the onset of the pandemic, especially as there is a dearth of capacities in the organised sector.
“There is much focus towards R&D of vaccines; equal emphasis should be given to maintaining their efficacy under precise cold chain conditions until vaccine administration,” Mehta notes. “As vaccines are being rolled out from various production facilities, those are also required to be stored and distributed to various cold chain points across the country in the most efficient manner to ramp up the vaccination drive. Vaccine supply chains involve multiple exchanges of hands at various cold chain storage and distribution nodes, creating multiple potential cold chain breaches. With high ambient temperatures common across India, precise temperature control is paramount to maintain cold chain integrity especially for sensitive and valuable cargoes like vaccines and pharmaceuticals.”
Coincidentally, Carrier Transicold’s broad service network is strategically positioned on major national highways and in specific transit locations to ensure prompt service support.
Building a resilient cold chain in turbulent times
To combat the major bottlenecks existing in the current supply chain network, cold chain logistics companies need to be flexible, agile and highly efficient. In a world of heightened uncertainty, resilience and agility have never been more important. Each and every life matters and the current task is to vaccinate each and every individual. Emerging technologies and methods will underpin the new era of resiliency.
“A lot of Indian pharmaceutical companies have got orders from other countries for manufacturing vaccines; hence a strong and long-term growth is visible. Alongside, ancillary products growth will also boom. Pharma companies are looking for end-to-end solutions for their business in India. They expect to have the best infrastructure with innovative technology, providing them cost-effective logistics solutions for the smooth functioning of their operations/business in India,” expresses Gopi.
“I believe that being tech-driven is the only way to keep up with the industry’s progress. But we need to keep in mind that the whole industry relies on efficient and cost-effective operating methods as a success measure. This industry needs to learn from the best across the world and adapt it to the Indian conditions. Deeper network, robust infrastructure and of course, latest technology will ensure smooth, efficient and resilient supply chain operations for cold chain products,” says Jani.
“Quality infrastructure and transparency has always been the driving principle at Coldman. Our infrastructure is at par with global standards that provide real-time access to products. We have been focussing a lot on training and development to ensure that we have long-term technically skilled resources which can benefit the industry as a whole,” Sharma complements Jani’s opinion.
“Traceability, accountability, responsibility and a wide network which can provide backup when needed is the need of the hour. We need to connect the supply chain network with the cold chain network to ensure utilisation of all the assets available, as India has a shortage of such assets,” says Bose. “When shippers, transporters and cold storage entities connect with each other seamlessly and entire offline operations convert to an online model, only then we can ensure that the supply chain is running efficiently. Celcius platform aims at accomplishing this and has been developing software solutions for the same.”
Carrier Transicold has also launched several India-specific products and solutions in the segment. The Supra® and Oasis® offerings for large trucks are designed to provide strong, reliable performance in hot, dusty ambient conditions and offer superior pull down and cooling efficiency.
For last-mile distribution using refrigerated small vans, Carrier Transicold introduced several models of the Citimax™ series for chilled and frozen applications. The streamlined design has very few serviceable parts helping to reduce repair and maintenance, resulting in low overall operating costs.
“Our carrier equipment offers superior technology and automated solutions—advanced control, remote monitoring, and safety devices. The various cooling, heating and defrost cycles are controlled through an advanced microprocessor-based controller with other features such as sleek design, self-diagnosis, error alarms, and high customisation managed through an easy-to-handle truck dashboard called ‘Cab Command’ which also checks the health of the machine and signals any alarms, notifying the driver. The same controller enables the driver to run a pre-trip inspection of the refrigeration system to ensure readiness and avoid breakdowns while en-route,” explains Mehta.
Additionally, Mehta says, their Lynx™ Fleet solutions also empower customers to remotely monitor and control refrigeration units and help track their consignments with a strict watch over temperature integrity.
Carrier Transicold’s Lynx Fleet digital solution, developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) applies advanced IoT, ML and analytics technology to connect the cold chain in the cloud, automate key processes and deliver real-time visibility and insights throughout the cargo’s journey.
In order to aggregate refrigerated transport fleets across the country and offer end-to-end solutions to its customers, Snowman has launched a technology platform called 'Snowlink'. “With this, we intend to help small truck operators to be part of our organised end-to-end offering. Additionally, last year, we designed solutions catering to small volume locations where there are no cold storages (small towns, taluks, villages) by using refrigerated containers, reach-in freezers, etc. for effective temperature-controlled deliveries,” Gopi informs.
Effective health systems for improved pandemic preparedness
The pandemic has certainly brought healthcare into focus. The crisis has also provided much required recognition to cold chain logistics involving delivery and distribution of pharmaceuticals and perishables. Experts already predict high growth in healthcare cargo volumes in 2021. Due to increased demand for healthcare logistics, they believe cold chain industry will experience a massive boost in the coming years.
Well-managed logistics will become the backbone of the industry. The future of cold chain logistics in healthcare lies in designing services that cater specifically to the healthcare sector. A robust cold chain is imperative to reduce losses and maintain the product quality especially in the life sciences segment. The pandemic has in a way revolutionised the Indian cold chain logistics sector and opened plethora of opportunities to invest and explore.
On the bright side, logistics service providers need to keep revisiting their current practices and reinvent ways of doing business. They should keep abreast with the latest technology. These two fundamental tasks will ensure that the future of the industry is clear and bright. Technology has to be integrated with every link in the supply chain to cement trust and speed transactions between business partners as well as consumers who increasingly demand full traceability of the products.
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.
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.
Delmos Aviation has transported the second lot of 300 units of oxygen concentrators from Russia to New Delhi for the Rajasthan state government. The consignment was airborne on an Aeroflot A333 aircraft (SU 232) and reached at 10:10 AM in New Delhi. The shipments were shipped by road and sent back to Swasthya Bhawan, Jaipur, Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL). RMSCL obtained oxygen concentrators from Russian companies together with Delmos Aviation. Delmos Aviation is procuring, transporting and supplying COVID-relied materials to the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation with the mandate signed with the Rajasthan Government. There will shortly be two consignments with the remaining 800 oxygen concentrators. "We are ready to assist governments in the provision and delivery of any type of essential medical supplies, oxygen concentration and equipment as quickly as possible," said Dr Naveen Rao, Director, Delmos Aviation. "At this juncture, time-based deliveries are paramount. We can handle the airlift and deliver the shipment to the last point." In four lots, 100, 300, 450 and 400 units, a total of 1250 oxygen concentrations are ordered and continue to reach New Delhi in batches of shipments. On 14 and 16 May 2021, the remaining lots will arrive. Oxygen concentrators of Single flowmeter (0.5-10LPM Adjustable) and double flowmeter (0-5LPM Adjustable) are included in the delivery. The models are JAY-10A & LFY-I-5A. "The government of Rajasthan is working hard in this raging second wave of the pandemic to provide basic medical equipment to head Minister Ashok Gehlot and Minister of Health, Raghu Sharma. The government plans to import 1250 oxygen concentrators from Moscow, Russia, in partnership with Delmos Aviation, as part of its efforts to enhance medical oxygen in the state," said a spokesperson.
Mahindra World City Jaipur (MWC Jaipur), a joint venture between Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd (MLDL) and Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) announced it concluded 26 new lease agreements between April 2021 and June 2022. The new signings included both new customers and expansion of facilities by existing clients, together leasing about 137 acres of land. In the same period, MWC Jaipur and its constituent units' aggregated investments crossed Rs 721 crores, and cumulative exports by MWC Jaipur exceeded Rs 15,930 crores, of which Rs 3,321 crores were in the last 15 months. Over these fifteen months, a total of 69 companies have completed their facility buildout at MWC Jaipur and become operational. The new entrants to MWC Jaipur represent a variety of sectors, like Logistics and Warehousing, IT & ITeS, Engineering, Furniture Manufacturing, Solar Energy, Gems and Jewelry manufacturing. The newly added roster of clients at MWC Jaipur includes Wipro Hydraulics, Shakti Hormann, Renew Photovoltaics, Kerakoll India, Normet, Gulmohar Lane Lifestyle, Manor & Mews, J Atelier Pink City, Kamal Coach Works, Maxop Engineering, amongst others. Rajaram Pai, Chief Business Officer – Industrial, Mahindra Lifespaces said, “MWC Jaipur today is home to prestigious domestic and international manufacturing companies from across the world, who have established a manufacturing base in India for the first time. Enabling business acceleration for customers has always been our focus. We continue to deliver the highest urbanisation standards by leveraging innovation, thoughtful design, and a deep commitment to sustainability. MWC Jaipur contributes towards generating incremental employment and income for the state while creating world-class infrastructure which would serve the nation for many years to come. We are glad to be the enablers of Make-in-India and Make-for-India.” Becoming a preferred destination of choice for over 121 global and domestic companies, MWC Jaipur is enabling business growth for customers by crafting a conducive environment, with robust infrastructure and facilities that propagate ease of doing business. Mahindra World City Jaipur is the first project in Asia to receive Climate Positive Development Stage 2 Certification from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), a global network of large cities taking action to address climate change. With a focus on climate-positive development, MWC Jaipur is continuing its efforts on integrating sustainability within the city. Green, integrated developments is continuously being upgraded to mitigate the impact of business operations on the environment. As of March 31, 2022, a total of 59,955 trees have been planted in government-approved forest areas and rural areas under the Mahindra Group’s flagship program – Hariyali. Around 11,100 trees have been planted within the industrial park.
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.
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.
