Sharing his expectations from the upcoming Union Budget, Madhusudan G, CMD, Sumadhura Group said, “The Indian warehousing & logistics industry is experiencing rapid expansion, as the demand for warehousing space is projected to reach 1.2 billion sq. ft by 2027. This growth will not only focus on quantity but also on the quality of warehouses, with Grade A facilities expected to increase from 290 million sq. ft in 2023 to 400 million sq. ft by 2027. The surge in demand is primarily driven by the rise of e-commerce and entrepreneurial ventures, with automation playing a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency. The government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, as reflected in the allocation of ₹11.11 lakh crore for economic growth and ₹26,000 crore for road connectivity in the previous year’s budget, will provide significant support for this transformation. Furthermore, the government’s commitment to promoting manufacturing, skill development, and improving the supply chain between cities will further benefit the warehousing sector, leading to increased competitiveness and employment opportunities. In addition to these initiatives, the reduction in customs duties and incentives for logistics parks will pave the way for innovative and cost-effective solutions, attracting more investments in warehousing infrastructure. As we look forward to the upcoming Union Budget, we hope that the government will continue to prioritize and support the development of the warehousing sector,” he added.      

Riege Software has launched its integration with CargoAi’s innovative Quote & Book API. This collaboration empowers Scope users to instantly search for rates and book air cargo shipments with over 117 airlines directly within the TMS, significantly streamlining operations for users. This partnership equips freight forwarders with a competitive edge, offering instant rate times, improved operational efficiency, and better service to their users. This strategic integration represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of airfreight, combining Riege’s robust TMS with CargoAi’s cutting-edge digital solutions. “Riege’s Scope is one of the most trusted TMS platforms in the industry, and we are excited to collaborate with them. Our Quote & Book API integration brings unmatched global airline access directly to Scope users, making their workflows smoother and more efficient,” Matt Petot, CEO, CargoAi, said.    

NDR InvIT Trust has completed the acquisition of Grade-A industrial and warehousing portfolio spread across the markets of Surat, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune. This strategic acquisition adds 2.01 million square feet of fully operational, high-quality assets to NDR InvIT’s growing portfolio, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to creating a scalable infrastructure footprint. The acquisition, valued at INR 706.1 Cr, is expected to deliver robust returns and includes properties with 100% occupancy, marquee tenants, and a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 15.4 years. The acquired warehousing portfolio, spreading across 2.01 MSF, include facilities in Surat (0.90 MSF), Hyderabad (0.40 MSF), Bengaluru (0.33 MSF), and Pune (0.39 MSF). “This acquisition marks a significant step in strengthening our portfolio. These strategic investments reaffirm our commitment to advancing the warehousing and industrial sectors while delivering long-term stable returns to our stakeholders. By expanding into key markets such as Surat and Hyderabad, we are well-positioned to address the rising demand for world-class industrial and logistics infrastructure,” Amrutesh Reddy, Director, NDR InvIT Managers, said.

FM Logistic has partnered with Adrenalin Max to elevate its workforce operations through the advanced Human Resource Management System (HRMS). The management system would help in streamlining processes and drive strategic initiatives. This strategic partnership is aimed to address critical challenges in managing vast, dispersed, and predominantly blue-collar workforce of FM Logistic. The HRMS system would significantly boost workforce management of FM Logistic by managing data and retrieving information about their shifts, time and attendance etc. “Our operations are fueled by a diverse workforce operating under demanding conditions. Adrenalin Max has been instrumental in transforming our HR processes, bridging gaps, and streamlining workforce management. By enhancing the overall People Experience, it has empowered our teams, enabling us to focus on what truly matters—delivering exceptional service to our customers,” Ajit Jangle, Managing Director, FM Logistic India, said.

The airfreight spot rates for the week ending on 12th January 2025, stood at US$ 2.76 per kg, which was 22 per cent ahead from the corresponding period in 2024. Despite the seasonal dip during the Christmas period, the airfreight pricing remained stable in early part of January, mainly due to demand in Asia Pacific and the Middle East/South Asia (MESA) regions. The report from WorldACD suggested that the demand in Asia Pacific and USA remained surprisingly firm despite the seasonal slowdown. The average spot rates decline by 5 per cent (in comparison to the week ending on 5th January) but eventually it remained 27 per cent ahead from the corresponding period in 2024. “Asia Pacific to Europe spot rates have, correspondingly, declined from their levels of more than $5 per kilo in mid-December, dipping to around $4.30 in week 52 and week one, but they surged to $4.59 (by week ending on 12th January 2025),” the WorldACD report stated.

Nikhil Agarwal, President, CJ Darcl Logistics said, “The upcoming Union Budget has the potential to boost India’s economic growth by addressing key areas focusing on the logistics infrastructure. To further strengthen the industrial base, we hope for implementation of imperative policies aimed at advancing the manufacturing, technology and logistics sector.” “CJ Darcl envisions this budget to be a turning point for the logistics sector. We believe that continued allocation in multimodal transport systems and the development of inland waterways is vital for establishing resilient and efficient supply chains. As sustainability takes the center stage, we expect the implementation of advanced policies that endorse green technologies and promote the integration of electric vehicles within the commercial fleet, utilisation of alternative fuel sources & renewable energy infrastructures enhancements, and subsidies/incentives for adopting sustainable operational methodologies. These measures can accelerate India’s journey to become a global manufacturing hub,” he added.

FedEx has launched FedEx Surround in India, designed to redefine supply chain management processes. This monitoring and intervention solution is built on near-real-time visibility, AI-powered predictive analytics, and advanced handling capabilities, which will assist businesses with improved shipment visibility, control, and reliability. FedEx Surround monitoring and intervention suite offers three service levels—Select, Preferred, and Premium—to cater wide range of industries including healthcare, aerospace, high-tech products, providing critical updates and interventions that ensures timely delivery of sensitive shipments. “At FedEx, innovation means solving real-world challenges with bold solutions. Leveraging AI, machine learning, and data, we’re transforming how businesses navigate their supply chains, making them seamless, efficient, and resilient. FedEx Surround® empowers businesses to proactively address potential disruptions, enhance decision-making, and ensure peace of mind every step of the way,” Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President, Marketing and Air Network, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA), FedEx, said.

Rajen Bhatia, Director, Tulsidas Khimji, India, Chairman, Western Region, The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) said, “The implementation of 18 per cent GST on air freight has had several impacts on the freight forwarding process in Mumbai. While the introduction of GST was intended to streamline India’s indirect tax structure and create a more unified tax environment, its impact on freight forwarding operations has been mixed, especially in high-traffic regions like Mumbai. It has directly increased the cost of moving goods by air, especially for international shipments. Freight forwarding companies now have to bear the additional tax burden, which they often pass on to customers. This has led to an increase in the overall cost of air cargo services, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on-air freight for time-sensitive shipments. Freight forwarding companies need to pay the GST upfront on services rendered, which can lead to cash flow issues, especially for small-to-medium-sized businesses. While they can claim input tax credits (ITC) later, the upfront cost of 18 per cent GST impacts the working capital of logistics providers. Freight forwarders in Mumbai and across India have been forced to enhance their understanding of GST compliance, both for the services they provide (e.g., air freight) and for the broader logistics chain (customs, warehousing, etc).”

Apeksha Gupta, Head of Skilling at VCJ Foundation said, “In today’s logistics industry, freshers should focus on developing skills in data analytics, supply chain management, and technology proficiency, particularly in warehouse management systems. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities are essential, along with adaptability to fast-paced environments. Also, a basic understanding of regulatory compliance and sustainability practices can enhance employability in this dynamic field.”

As per Boeing’s orders and deliveries report 2024, the aircraft manufacturer has registered a total of 35 777 freighter, and 8 767-300 freighter orders by the end of 2024. Boeing delivered 23 freighters in 2024 including six Boeing 767Fs to FedEx and four of them to UPS. The aircraft manufacturer also delivered Boeing 777Fs to the likes of Air China Cargo, Maersk Air Cargo, CMA CGM Air Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, Lufthansa Cargo, and Qatar Airways Cargo. Among the 43 freighter orders of Boeing in 2024, the orders of Boeing 777Fs are placed by Emirates SkyCargo, Turkish cargo, Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) Customer Finance, and additional orders which remain unidentified.