DHL celebrated the close of the 2021 Formula 1® season yesterday with the annual presentation of its two DHL “Fastest Awards”. This year’s DHL Fastest Lap Award champ is repeat-winner Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who tied Max Verstappen (Red Bull) with a total of six fastest laps but took the 2021 title based on the number of #2 finishes in the Fastest Lap category.
“It’s a great achievement to receive the Fastest Lap Award again. This year the battle has been so close that the bonus points have been very important,” said Lewis Hamilton. “Thank you to everyone in the team, both back in the factory and here at track, whose hard work has put us in a position to set those times.”
Earning his sixth DHL Fastest Lap trophy since 2014, Hamilton solidified his position atop the all- time Fastest Lap rankings. To present the Fastest Lap Award to Hamilton was Amna Al Qubaisi, the first Emirati female racing driver. Al Qubaisi, who has broken new ground and new records as an Arab female in motorsport, placed 19 th overall in the 2021 F3 Asia Championship standings as a member of Team Abu Dhabi Racing by PREMA.
“As an aspiring driver, it is of course an honor and thrill for me to present this highly coveted DHL Award to one of the world’s top racers,” said Al Qubaisi prior to the award ceremony. “It is also a tremendous honour to be here representing not only female drivers, but also the millions of female race fans and countless women working behind the scenes to make Formula championship racing happen. I want to thank DHL for acknowledging and celebrating this.”
Taking the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award for 2021 was Red Bull Racing Honda with a winning time of 1.88 seconds – the team’s fourth consecutive Pit Stop title. During the unprecedented 22-race 2021 calendar, the Red Bull Racing Honda pit crew achieved the fastest pit stop 13 times, including three consecutive wins in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi to close out the season.
In 2021, Max Verstappen benefitted from the fastest pit stop eleven times, with teammate Sergio Perez enjoying the fastest stop two times. Team Red Bull was also the only team to post pit-stop times under two seconds, which it accomplished a total of five times this year.
“Another model for speed, precision and clockwork reliability, Team Red Bull has now earned this distinction four years in a row,” said DHL Express CEO John Pearson. “Since introducing the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award in 2015, we remain tremendously proud of what it celebrates: the unsung heroes behind the scenes and all the hard work, dedication and planning that goes into making those incredibly fast pit stops possible.”
“I’m delighted that the pit stop crew have won the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award, they have been performing at the top of their game all year,” said Red Bull Racing Honda’s CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner.
For this year’s DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award, Pearson presented Team Red Bull with a unique trophy made from upcycled scrap metal as a symbol of DHL’s commitment to sustainability.
“Deutsche Post DHL Group will be investing 7 billion euros in clean operations and climate-neutral logistics through 2030, which includes major investments in sustainable fuels. In the case of Formula 1, our longtime commitment to providing the fastest, most efficient, and innovative motorsports logistics is now helping the championship to reduce its ecological footprint,” said Pearson. “We see ourselves as the sustainable choice in logistics and want this DHL sprit of sustainability to shine through in everything we do.”
For Arjan Sissing, Head of Global Brand Marketing at Deutsche Post DHL Group, the presentation of the much-celebrated DHL Fastest awards is an opportunity to underscore DHL’s increased focus on sustainability.
“At DHL we have taken the lead in the logistics industry on sustainability – breaking ground with our environmental targets, including zero-emissions logistics by 2050, but also setting new standards in the area of social responsibility, including equal opportunity and diversity across our global workforce,” says Sissing. “Our work supporting Formula 1 is mostly behind the scenes. The Fastest Lap and Fastest Pit Stop awards are that moment when we step into the spotlight, and we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to highlight our ever-growing commitment to environmental and social responsibility.”
With nearly 40 years of experience managing logistics for Formula 1®, DHL is focused today on helping Formula 1® reduce its carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. To this end, DHL is fitting its entire fleet of F1®-dedicated trucks with a GPS to monitor fuel consumption, select the most sustainable routes, and lower CO2 emissions. Other measures include the use of DHL’s new, fuel-efficient Boeing 777 aircraft, which reduce carbon emissions by 18% compared to traditional aircraft, and leveraging multi-modal transport solutions, including overland and ocean freight. At the Monaco Grand Prix in May of this year, DHL also joined Formula 1® in signing a sustainability pledge to reduce the use of single-use plastics at the track.
As Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1®, DHL transports up to 1,400 tons of highly sensitive freight – including cars, engines, fuel, broadcasting equipment, as well as marketing and hospitality materials – to over 20 races on five continents over the course of a nine-month season. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes an unprecedented 22-race 2021 calendar, which included four double-headers (races on two consecutive weekends) and two triple-headers. Adding to the challenge were the ongoing restrictions and safety requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help ensure the safety of DHL staff, F1® racing teams and fans during the ongoing pandemic, DHL developed stringent protocols for COVID testing and disinfecting the freight zone during each delivery. Brexit also brought significant logistics complications since most of the teams are UK-based. Here, the experts at DHL Motorsports stepped in to handle the new ATA Carnet requirements, which allowed teams to move equipment in and out of the EU without paying taxes and duties.
DHL and Formula 1® look forward to another exciting race calendar in 2022, featuring a record- breaking 23 races and the first-ever Grand Prix in Miami.
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.
Omnichannel lifestyle brand The Souled Store has partnered with third-party logistics firm Emiza to manage its primary warehouse operations in Mumbai. The collaboration positions Emiza’s Mumbai warehouse as a central hub, managing orders from The Souled Store’s website, marketplaces, and offline stores across India. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in The Souled Store’s journey, enabling the brand to streamline operations and refocus on growth by partnering with Emiza as a trusted 3PL provider,” the company said. The strategic collaboration goes beyond standard logistics, providing services such as inventory management and order processing. The Souled Store has reduced its order processing time from 24 hours to just 12 hours, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction, a key factor in the competitive D2C market. Ajay Rao, Founder of Emiza, highlighted the value of the partnership, stating, “Their trust in our services underscores the value we bring, not just in warehousing and fulfilment, but in enhancing overall customer satisfaction. As India’s fashion e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 112 billion by 2030, our role is to provide the infrastructure and fulfilment expertise necessary for brands to thrive.” Aditya Sharma, Co-founder of The Souled Store, noted the impact of the partnership: “Emiza stepped in, providing exceptional warehousing and fulfilment services aligned with our commitment to delivering quality products. Their focus on optimising our fulfilment process has allowed us to cut order processing time by half, ensuring that our customers receive their orders faster.” With 27 fulfilment centres across 14 cities, Emiza is well-positioned to support The Souled Store’s expansion beyond metro cities, tapping into the growing consumer base in Bharat, the company added.
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.
The Indian Railways has unveiled an innovative new look for the Vande Bharat goods carrier, designed to enhance efficiency in freight transport across the nation. This state-of-the-art freight train features advanced technology and modern design, aimed at reducing transit times and improving the overall supply chain network. Equipped with upgraded features, the Vande Bharat goods carrier can transport a wide variety of goods, ensuring a more reliable and faster delivery system. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise India's logistics infrastructure and promote the use of railways for cargo movement, which is essential for sustainable economic growth. This new freight carrier will not only help in decongesting road transport but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the government's commitment to environmental sustainability. With its introduction, Indian Railways aims to enhance cargo capacity and operational efficiency, providing a significant boost to the logistics sector. As the demand for efficient logistics solutions continues to rise, the Vande Bharat goods carrier is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of freight transportation in India.
The Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA) has recently announced the onboarding of 11 key organisations from the container port industry. Notable members include APM Terminals (APMT), CATL, DP World, Kempower, Patrick Terminals, Port of Aarhus, Port of Rotterdam, Rocsys, Sany, SSA Marine, and ZPMC. These members are united in their commitment to accelerate the adoption of Battery-Electric Container Handling Equipment (BE-CHE). ZEPA aims to significantly advance port decarbonisation efforts, making BE-CHE both affordable and accessible within the next decade. In recent months, ZEPA has conducted working sessions, initial analyses, and held its first formal Steering Committee during the TOC Europe conference on June 11. The Steering Committee, which met at TOC Europe in Rotterdam, emphasized the importance of their collective membership in reducing emissions and achieving Total Cost of Ownership parity for battery-electric equipment compared to diesel. Industry leaders underscored that rapid change is achievable through cross-value chain collaboration. ZEPA's initiatives are meticulously designed and implemented in compliance with anti-trust and competition laws, with oversight from external legal counsel to ensure transparency and legality. Sahar Rashidbeigi, Global Head of Decarbonisation at APMT, reflected on ZEPA’s progress: “Reflecting on our journey, it is incredible to see how far we have come since defining the problem at last year’s TOC Europe conference. From the ‘tipping point’ White Paper nine months ago to launching ZEPA with DP World in December during COP28, and now onboarding 11 key members across the value chain, our progress highlights that we are addressing a valuable problem that resonates across the industry, and it affirms our conviction that collaboration is essential to tackle it effectively.” ZEPA's collective effort marks a pivotal step in the pursuit of sustainable and zero-emission port operations, showcasing the power of industry-wide cooperation in combating climate change.
Ekart introduced a new ‘Refinish Service’ to tackle the challenges of returns management in the fashion and lifestyle sector. This innovative service enables retailers to refurbish over 90 percent of returned inventory, helping brands mitigate losses and maximise revenue potential. The Refinish Service is designed for direct-to-consumer (D2C), e-commerce, and retail players in the fashion and lifestyle segments. It also caters to other industries, including footwear, handbags, accessories, and home and decor products such as curtains, bed sheets, and blankets. With a combined processing capacity of 55,000 units daily, Ekart employs best-in-class machinery and energy-conserving technologies. The refinishing process at Ekart's facilities involves rigorous quality checks, stain removal, box replacement, ironing, stitching (if needed), and final quality control to ensure the finesse of refurbished products. Mani Bhushan, Chief Business Officer of Ekart, commented, “By harnessing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the refinishing service empowers brands to optimise their supply chains and drive positive change on a broader scale. The service sets a new standard for returns management, demonstrating our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.” Ekart operates Refinish centers across major demand clusters in India, including Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. These strategically located centers facilitate swift return processing and reduce transport costs for brands. The facilities are equipped with advanced machinery, including up-steam tables, steam vacuum tables, and industry-leading foam finishers, ensuring thorough and efficient processing of returned inventory. Ekart's Refinish Service marks a significant step forward in returns management, offering a sustainable and efficient solution that benefits both retailers and the environment.
