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ECS Group’s Pathfinder now available as a separate software service; Corsair first airline to implement the solution

ECS Group now offers the innovative web-based track and trace system – Pathfinder, as an individual digital ability. Irrespective of whether airline customers already have an ECS Group GSSA contract, the software is now available for them as an individual service module.

Developed by ECS Group’s Cargo Digital Factory experts in 2019, Pathfinder provides shipment status in real-time, thus supporting airline customers in limiting process inefficiencies and increasing customer satisfaction.

“Pathfinder will celebrate its fifth anniversary in August of this year. Our mission, is to provide the air cargo industry with the ultimate real-time shipment tracking solution, offering full shipment information at a single glance. We have grown our Pathfinder customer base and continuously enhanced the product to include features such as in-flight geolocation (map view) and notifications to customers. As a result, our solution is currently one of the best on the market,” says Dimitri Arnaudin, Director– Digital and Innovation at ECS Group.

“With this tool, our airline customers, can now offer a best-in-class service to forwarders. Any airline looking for advanced shipment tracking should reach out to us for more information.”

Reportedly, Corsair has become the first airline to subscribe to this digital solution. The carrier has reported improved customer satisfaction and confidence, as well as more resource and cost-efficient internal processes.

“The need for complete shipment journey visibility has skyrocketed in importance in recent years. Our customers want to know where their shipments are at any given time and expect us to deliver at least the same standard of information that they are used to when privately ordering goods online,” says Adrien Chauvière, Cargo Manager at Corsair.

“The situation in the air cargo industry is still very fragmented, and until we switched to Pathfinder, much of our tracking process was carried out by phone or email. The process was largely manual, time-consuming, and far from seamless, let alone capable of providing real-time information. Of all the possible alternatives on the market, Pathfinder stood out as the best option with the best design. It lives up to the excellent software quality we are used to from ECS Group’s Cargo Digital Factory solution suite. All Corsair destinations – including our trucking-only locations – are uploaded in the system. Pathfinder has proven to be an additional element of confidence for our customers and has greatly increased customer satisfaction.”

Jean Ceccaldi, Managing Director of AeroCargo by ECS Group says, “This is the first time we are implementing Pathfinder as an add-on option to our GSSA contract, and not only as part of the TCM package. We are proud that one of our oldest, and certainly among the most consistent customers can now enjoy the full benefit of our best-in-class tracking solution. We have been the exclusive GSSA for Corsair since 1986, and that is an exceptional record within ECS Group. Long may it continue.”

Allcargo rolls out LCL services in Gujarat

Allcargo Logistics has launched its Less Than Container Load (LCL) consolidation services at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Ankleshwar, South Gujarat in collaboration with India’s largest network of ICDs/ CFSs Container Corporation of India (CONCOR).

The introduction of the first-ever LCL consolidation services at ICD Ankleshwar marks a significant milestone in Allcargo Logistics’ mission to provide comprehensive logistics solutions to its customers in South West Gujarat.

With this strategic expansion, customers can now benefit from cost-effective and efficient consolidation of their smaller shipments into full container loads, facilitating seamless international trade. By offering LCL consolidation services at ICD Ankleshwar, Allcargo aims to enhance international supply chain efficiency by reducing transit time thereby optimising logistics costs.

The launch of the LCL services is in line with the growth and extensive reach of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), supported by Allcargo Logistics’ vision to drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction through continuous innovation and expansion of its service offerings.

Leveraging its expertise in freight forwarding and multimodal transportation, Allcargo Logistics aims to streamline cargo movements for MSME, SMB businesses in GIDC spread in around South Gujarat Ankleshwar, Panoli, Jaghadia, Vilayat, Karjan, Dahej, Jambusar and Surat.

Venkatesh Rajalu, Terminal Manager at CONCOR facilitated the association with Allcargo Logistics. “Allcargo’s long-standing relation with CONCOR is truly valued. As a pioneer with 30 years of experience in the Logistics industry, we trust their expertise to facilitate this services,” said Venkatesh.

Commenting on the launch, Natarajan Iyer, Vice President, Allcargo Logistics said, “The introduction of LCL consolidation services at ICD Ankleshwar underscores our commitment to delivering innovative logistics solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. This expansion not only strengthens our presence in the region but also reinforces our position as a leading provider of end-to-end logistics services.”

FLYJAC – LOGISTEED opens Rs 300 cr state-of-the-art multi-purpose logistics centre in Mumbai

Marking a significant milestone in its three-decades-long journey, FLYJAC Logistics (a subsidiary of Japanese logistics company Hitachi Transport System Group — now renamed LOGISTEED) recently announced the inauguration and operationalisation of a Multi-Purpose Logistics Centre (MPLC) at a vantage location in India’s financial capital, Mumbai.

This latest state-of-the-art facility in Taloja, Navi Mumbai, set-up at an investment of Rs 300 cr, is spread across 5 lakh sq ft on 22 acres of land area. This is the company’s second MPLC, after the maiden facility in Oragadam, near Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

The momentous occasion of the MPLC inauguration was graced by Kaneko Toshihiro, Chief Consul, Consulate General of Japan, Mumbai; Kazuhiko Zaiki, General Manager- Business Development HQ, LOGISTEED, Japan; Bharat Kaushal, MD, Hitachi India; A V Ravikumar, CEO and MD, FLYJAC Logistics; founding members of Flyjac and high-level representatives from Flyjac’s esteemed customers.

Speaking at the inaugural event, A V Ravikumar acknowledged the immense faith and contributions of the customers, that has propelled FLYJAC thus far, from it’s humble beginnings. Sharing his enthusiasm and optimism regarding the growth opportunities that lay ahead, he re-affirmed that FLYJAC would continue to uphold their founding values of ‘Customer Delight, Self-development and Social Welfare.’ Towards accomplishing the same, he humbly solicited the continued support and trust of customers.

The new MPLC facility is equipped with automation technologies, including automatic battery-operated pallet trolleys and auto truck unloading, which will enhance overall efficiency of logistics operations. Additionally, the complete functioning of the warehouse and related business processes can be monitored and controlled through an AI-based control tower that ensures speedy and efficient execution. The infrastructure at the MPLC has been setup in a manner that can be scaled up for future requirements in warehousing, as well as trucking and technology.

As a leading integrated logistics solution provider in India, FLYJAC serves more than 300 corporate customers. Employing 3,500 personnel, FLYJAC operates out of 30 offices across the country and abroad, and runs more than 100 warehouses with cumulative space spanning more 70 lakh sq ft. In line with the strategy of transforming itself from a “light asset organisation to a right asset organisation”, FLYJAC is working on setting up MPLC in all Indian metros at a cost of more than Rs 700 crores. These MPLCs are aimed at offering improved efficiency and sustainability in serving FLYJAC’s esteemed customers to meet their Integrated Logistics needs in the coming times.

Following the MPLC inaugural, a customer meet was hosted at Hotel Leela, Mumbai. The programme was presided over by Dr Yasukata Fukahori, Consul General, Consulate General, Japan, Mumbai.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Fukahori conveyed his hearty congratulations to FLYJAC – LOGISTEED, for this monumental achievement that depicts the ever-growing Indo-Japan cooperation. He also touched upon the historical ties between India and Japan, and how both countries share common spiritual roots and values that date back more than 1,500 years.

Adding a philosophical touch to the evening, spiritual leader, and Management Guru Swami Sukhabodhananda delivered a special address on ‘Total Quality Individual’. His deep insights about human nature and the pursuit of excellence, ignited the minds of the audience and offered a unique experience.

Speaking on the occasion, Kazuhiko Zaiki shared his thoughts on the bullish and vibrant Indian market, and how it had prompted a sea-change in LOGISTEED Japan’s India investment strategy – “switching from a light-asset model to a right-asset model”. “In keeping with this, the organisation would be setting up MPLCs at Delhi and Bengaluru, while expanding the existing MPLC at Chennai,” he stated.

Delivering the keynote address, Bharat Kaushal, MD, Hitachi India, highlighted the assured quality of Japanese products and technologies, which have captured the imagination of, and met the expectations of customers worldwide.

March 08 Special: DTDC launches all-women branch in Mumbai to mark International Women’s Day

DTDC Express, India’s leading express logistics company, unveiled its 1st all-women operated branch in Mumbai, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Through this initiative, the company aims to encourage opportunities for women in the logistics sector and inspire inclusion.

Subhashish Chakraborty, Founder and Chairman and Managing Director along with Abhishek Chakraborty, Executive Director and Arpita C Mittra, Director, Customer Experience, inaugurated the branch through a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new branch at DTDC’s Sakinaka, Mumbai will be entirely operated by women. This location is expected to manage nearly 1,20,000+ consignments per month comprising 57,000+ deliveries and 63,000+ bookings. These dedicated employees will oversee various aspects of logistics operations, including order placements, tracking, delivery, and returns, among others.

Abhishek Chakraborty, Executive Director of DTDC Express, expressing his confidence in the initiative, said, “We envision a future where diversity is not merely a subject but a way of life. This all-women operated branch is a start to embracing inclusivity in the logistics sector. We recognize the invaluable contributions that women bring to our organization and are dedicated to providing them with equal opportunities for growth and success.”

Arpita C Mittra, Director– Customer Experience at DTDC Express, emphasising the significance of the initiative, stated, “DTDC Express is actively taking steps to embrace diversity across all levels of the organization. With four women on our board, including myself, we are committed to leading by example. We believe in fostering a culture of inclusion, and our all-women-operated branch is a step in this direction.”

Gender inequality persists across various sectors globally, with logistics being no exception. According to the World Bank as of 2022, women constitute only 40% of the global workforce, facing numerous challenges in accessing opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles. In India, this disparity is even more pronounced, with women accounting for just 26% of the workforce.

Recognising this gap, DTDC Express has started the journey towards becoming an equal-opportunity employer. The launch of the all-women-operated branch in Mumbai represents the first step in this journey towards gender diversity and inclusion.

DTDC intend to extend this initiative to additional locations, aiming to establish such branches in every major metropolitan area. With the inauguration of the all-women operated branch in Mumbai and future expansions planned for other significant cities, DTDC Express reiterates its dedication to fostering a more equitable and inclusive atmosphere within the logistics sector.

TVS SCS expands multi-client warehouse footprint in Hosur with addition of 650k sq ft space

TVS Supply Chain Solutions, one of the largest and fastest-growing integrated supply chain solutions providers in India, today announced the expansion of its warehousing capacity with the addition of 650,000 sq ft of multi-client warehouse space in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.

The advanced facility was inaugurated by Ravi Viswanathan, Managing Director, TVS Supply Chain Solutions and K N Radhakrishnan, Director and CEO, TVS Motor Company. With this addition, the organisation’s total warehouse capacity has increased from 21.2 to 21.85 million sq ft.

The facility offers value-added solutions like automation and data analytics to improve client productivity, and has created 1200 new jobs and is in line with customers’ growth requirements.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new warehouse equipped with cutting-edge automation and IT systems. This marks a pivotal step in our commitment to efficiency, innovation and delivering unparalleled service to our customers,” said Ravi Viswanathan, Managing Director, TVS Supply Chain Solutions while inaugurating the new facility.

K N Radhakrishnan, Director and CEO, TVS Motor Company said, “This new facility by TVS SCS demonstrates their ongoing efforts to enhance service capabilities and meet customers’ evolving needs. We have strategically positioned our global parts distribution centre in this new facility, which will serve as a hub for our global market. I am confident that TVS SCS through their process excellence, business know-how and technical expertise will provide services par excellence.”

TVS SCS’ warehousing solutions are backed by industry-leading technology systems and material handling equipment. The new expansion includes a wide range of warehouse storage options such as contract warehousing, cross-docking, open yard management, rework and refurbish management, multi-user facilities, palletised and racked, and temperature controlled.

TVS SCS firmly believes in three key aspects; customer centricity, process excellence and standardisation, and work culture and diversity in its operations, and these are well represented in the new warehouse facility. The new warehouse facility will have around 300 women employees in various roles like kitting, binning, etc.

Globally, TVS Supply Chain Solutions operates around 300 strategically located warehouses across five continents, covering over 27 million sq ft of warehousing space.

EFL’s 3PL subsidiary opens flagship warehouse in Bhiwandi

EFL Global’s Founder/President, Hanif Yusoof (Right) and Global CEO, Senthilnathan Shanmugam (Left) unveiling the plaque

EFL 3PL, subsidiary of EFL Global, has launched a cutting-edge Grade A warehousing facility, spanning 175,000 sq ft in Mumbai. This expansion in the hub region of Bhiwandi underscores EFL 3PL’s commitment towards bolstering its presence in India’s logistics sector.

The new mega facility draws an invest of US$5 mn in the entirety of its development. It is equipped with modern amenities and advanced logistics technology and automation, thereby enhancing EFL’s ability to provide comprehensive end-to-end services to clients across various industries.

Commenting on the occasion, Rooso Ramachandran, CEO of EFL India said, “We are delighted to inaugurate our flagship warehouse in Mumbai. This investment underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional service to our clients and meeting the evolving needs of the Indian market.”

“With the launch of this state-of-the-art facility, we are not only expanding our operational footprint but also reaffirming our commitment to providing innovative and reliable logistics solutions. This warehouse represents the culmination of extensive planning and investment. We are confident that it will play a pivotal role in driving efficiency and value for our customers while assuring a one- stop-shop solution to all their logistics needs. We look forward to further strengthening our presence in India and contributing to the growth and success of our clients.”

Driver Logistics appoints former DHL India Head of Service Quality Naveen Kolathur

Driver Logistics today announced appointing Naveen Kolathur as its Chief Operating Officer who will steer growth mandates of the fast growing logistics company. His appointment comes at a time when the company is undergoing a transformative phase in terms of expansion and development.

Kolathur has over 28 years of leadership experience in the logistics and supply chain industries of which over 22 years have been with DHL in senior roles in the US, Singapore and India. His last assignment at DHL was as VP and Head of Service Quality. Kolathur has immense experience in building the 4PL/LLP businesses for DHL across Asia.

On Kolathur’s appointment, Aqil Ashique, CEO, Driver Logistics expressed, “We are happy to have Naveen Kolathur on board. His customer-centric approach incorporating technology and his experience in building 4PL operations will greatly help Driver Logistics. Kolathur’s years of experience in Singapore will also be invaluable as we expand operations to South East Asia, beginning with Thailand.”

“I am truly excited to join a young and dynamic company like Driver Logistics. The Company’s spectacular growth over the last 4 years points to a strong leadership and perfectly aligned business plans. India’s logistics sector is at the cusp of a high growth phase and Driver Logistics is sure to play a big part in it,” said Kolathur.

Kolathur has obtained an MBA degree from Baldwin Wallace University, USA and is a graduate of the PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore.

NEO and Blue Water turn up the heat on urgent shipment for freezing Icelanders

NEO Air Charter and its customer Blue Water Shipping pulled out all the stops to deliver urgent heat pipes needed to repair Iceland’s critically important geothermal community heating infrastructure.

20,000 households on the Reykjanes Pensinsula endured -150 temperatures without heating, after repeated earthquakes caused eruptions of the Fagradalsfjall volcano, leading to lava flows that damaged the local underground heating pipe network which serves 10% of the country’s homes.

Blue Water Shipping of Billund, Denmark and NEO staff worked throughout a Sunday to locate and book a suitable aircraft – a Bluebird Airlines B737F – to operate the emergency flight from Cologne to Keflavik.

Staff also arranged ground transport for the 90-minute journey from the pipe manufacturer to the departure airport, and the trucks were on-site and ready to load early the next day.

Despite cargo handler and customs staff shortages caused by the local Rose Monday public holiday, and an error in the declared size of the packages, NEO succeeded in having the pallets broken down, the 1000 boxes of pipes individually X-ray scanned and re-packed onto 41 pallets, and then the shipment loaded onto the waiting freighter.

NEO staff were on hand in Cologne to oversee the whole ground handling and loading process. In the end, the flight took off just two hours later than originally scheduled, and less than 24 hours after the initial (Sunday) booking. The goods arrived in Keflavik the same evening.

“This was one of those jobs where we hit one obstacle after another, but – through perseverance and close collaboration with all parties – it all worked out fine in the end,” says NEO’s General Manager Brian Davis. “We’d like to particularly thank both dnata for putting an extra team on the job at extremely short notice, and customs in Cologne for giving the complex procedures for this critically urgent, high-value shipment their top priority.”

Nicolai Nørgaard, Head of Air Charter for Blue Water Shipping adds, “We were very pleased to be asked to assist the effort to restore heating to Icelandic homes in such cold weather, and the partnership between Blue Water and NEO certainly delivered.”

Neo Air Charter is a member of the NEO Air Group GmbH, which also provides onboard courier and ad hoc air cargo solutions, for a strictly trade-only clientele.

TIACA launches Air Cargo Training Library to promote holistic development of the sector

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The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has launched a platform – Air Cargo Training Library, aimed at finding available training solutions throughout the industry.

The Air Cargo Training Library provides a convenient global repository for training courses from many different training providers. The listings will be submitted by members and partner educational institutions that offer training on technology, sustainability, safety and security, management, logistics, live animals, industry knowledge, global trade, dangerous goods and air cargo.

The platform is open access and available to all industry stakeholders that want to view the training courses available. Members have the opportunity to list several training courses free of charge; while non-members will pay a small fee to list their courses.

“We are very excited to launch this platform as we see that it links directly with our Sustainability Roadmap and continues to drive forward a sustainable future. The platform promotes quality education and decent work that in turn is tied to economic growth. We look forward to watching this library expand,” said Steven Polmans, Chairman, TIACA.

“Today’s air cargo industry is complex with ever changing customer expectations, regulatory requirements and evolving industry standards. High quality training is a key enabler to keep staff engaged, empowered and motivated to build a great career within the industry. The problem is where to find the training and that is where the Air Cargo Training Library comes in. It is a convenient search tool that lists training for the industry. We invite members and training partners to submit their courses to the portal,” noted Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA.

By fostering an environment of continuous learning and development, TIACA is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient air cargo industry. The platform’s easy-to-use search tool further underscores TIACA’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that individuals at every level of the industry have the opportunity to advance their careers and contribute to the sector’s overall growth. As the TIACA platform continues to evolve and expand, it promises to play a crucial role in shaping the future of air cargo, empowering professionals around the globe with the capability, tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

As the air cargo industry continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the Air Cargo Training Library stands as a testament to TIACA’s dedication to advancing the air cargo industry through education and collaboration. Such initiatives are only poised to bolster the industry’s ongoing sustainability efforts and support holistic development, thus contributing to economic growth within the sector .

Etihad Cargo inks pact with WFS for ground handling services across 12 major global air hubs

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Etihad Cargo has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) for cargo handling services at 12 major international airports in Europe, Scandinavia, North America, India, and Asia Pacific.

The global award is for a three-year period and will see the SATS Group member handling over 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually for the Abu Dhabi-headquartered airline. In the EMEA region, the airports covered by the agreement are Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Bengaluru, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid, and Paris CDG. In North America, it includes WFS’ existing handling operations for Etihad in New York JFK and Washington Dulles, and the new award of Boston and Chicago.

Thomas Schürmann, Head of Cargo Operations and Delivery at Etihad Cargo said, “Etihad Cargo’s long-standing partnership with WFS and addition of new stations are a direct reflection of a shared commitment to consistently delivering high-quality air cargo solutions globally. The combination of Etihad Cargo’s expertise in transporting general and specialised cargo and the capabilities of WFS give partners and customers the confidence that their air cargo needs are in the best hands, regardless of where they are in the world.”

“We thank Etihad Cargo for their trust in WFS, and for this latest extension of our growing strategic partnership. As well as renewing existing contracts with WFS, this new agreement adds more key airport stations to the important work we do for the airline, including Amsterdam, Bengaluru, Barcelona, Boston, Copenhagen and Chicago. We value Etihad cargo’s partnership approach and their confidence in our ability to consistently deliver the high levels of service the airline’s award-winning reputation is founded on. Being awarded responsibility for providing cargo handling services at so many major cargo airports highlights WFS’s ability to provide global network solutions to our strategic customers,” said Mohammed Esa, Global Head– Gateway Services Key Accounts and Strategy, SATS Group.

Etihad has been a fast-growing cargo handling customer of WFS since the two organisations signed their first cargo handling agreement in Frankfurt in 2005.

Strategically located at the centre of the world’s busiest trade lanes, Etihad Cargo provides an integral link to Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East via the airline’s hub in Abu Dhabi, connecting prime cargo markets across the globe. It offers cargo capacity on passenger and freighter aircraft as well as an extensive trucking network.

Since its establishment in 2004, Etihad Cargo – the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways – has grown rapidly to become one of the leading air cargo carriers in the world, offering customers a range of cargo products and services to five major continents. In addition to general cargo, Etihad Cargo offers a wide range of specialty products including live animals, dangerous goods, valuables and vulnerable cargoes, personal effects, as well as cold chain products for pharmaceuticals and perishables cargoes.