CargoAi has added a new tool to its booking portal that allows forwarders to create real-time quotations for customers, says release. The Shipper Quotation Module will “significantly” reduce “the back-and-forth routine between procurement and sales teams” the software firm claimed. It works by enabling forwarders to generate quotes in retail time in response to customer enquiries through the CargoMART booking portal. The quotations can be managed independently without needing to rely on intermediaries. “The Shipper Quotation Module offers the flexibility to modify and cancel quotations directly from the CargoMART account,” CargoAi said. “Users can adjust their quotes to reflect changing market conditions and customer requirements, ensuring that they remain competitive and responsive to their clients’ needs.”

Chennai-based Kaushalya Logistics announced the launch of a new vertical in freight forwarding under full truck-load services besides boosting logistics with a new depot in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, said reports. The launch of the new cement depot on August 1 enhances the company’s logistics services for Adani cement, including rake point operations, depot management and secondary transportation, the statement Kaushalya Logistics said. The new depot is designed to handle approximately 120,000 metric tons of cement annually, supporting ACC and Ambuja Cement brands, thereby significantly broadening KLL’s service capabilities, it said. It also said that this depot facility will oversee the complete logistics chain, from rail movement to depot operations and transportation to secondary distribution points adding that this all-encompassing approach is set to streamline the supply chain and boost efficiency.

TVS Supply Chain Solutions has secured a new business contract from JCB in India for managing their in-plant warehousing and logistics operations at their facility in Vadodara, Gujarat for three years. JCB has been TVS SCS’ one of the first few clients for more than two decades, with TVS SCS offering aftermarket warehouse services in Bhaproda, Haryana for Parts distribution. K. Sukumar, CEO, TVS Supply Chain Solutions India said, “JCB has been a pivotal partner in our growth journey, and we are thrilled to continue this collaboration. Securing this contract underscores our commitment to delivering process excellence and innovative, value-driven solutions. With this new deal, we are excited to offer an extensive suite of in-plant warehousing services along with cutting edge technology solutions to further drive business transformation for JCB in India.”

Cargo traffic at 12 major ports in the country grew 5.92% to 70.08 million tonnes (MT) in July from 66.17 MT handled in the year-ago period, according to the data released by major ports’ apex body Indian Ports Association. The data also showed that 10 of these major ports logged positive growth in cargo traffic handling, while the remaining two saw a negative growth, as per the IPA. The 12 major ports are Deendayal (Kandla), Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore (Kamarajar), Tuticorin (VO Chidambaranar), Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

The political crisis in Bangladesh has posed significant concerns for the Indian exporters and importers, and especially for those who were operating or had their factories in the neighbouring country. As per experts, the ongoing disruption will have great impact on the global supply chains and will affect production schedules and delivery timelines of the Indian firms. Commenting on the crisis, C K Govil, President Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) and CMD, Activair Airfreight says, “The ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh has significantly disrupted Indian export cargo transshipments. This turmoil is causing delays and increasing logistical costs particularly affecting sectors like agriculture and textiles. Internet disruption and security concerns at borders are further complicating trade operations.”  

Modern Logistics is all set to start the first phase of its international expansion strategy later this month and has further plans to expand its fleet, said release. “The initial phase of the expansion strategy will begin on August 15 and expand Modern’s service to Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. The second phase will target Mexico and the US within six to twelve months. Cristiano Koga, Chief executive said, “We will start with at least two weekly frequencies [for each route]. We are still defining the days of the week. In terms of capacity, it is 20 to 22 tons per leg. These expansion plans are being supported by Modern Logistics’ acquisition of two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs).”

IndiGo CarGo has commenced freighter flights between Kolkata in India and Ezhou in China as it continues to expand its network. The freighter flights between Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) and Ezhou Huahu Airport (EHU) in central China’s Hubei Province will operate three times a week, said Mark Sutch, chief commercial officer cargo, said reports. “A great pleasure to officiate at the opening of IndiGo CarGo’s latest phase of its international freighter strategy,” stated Mark Sutch, CCO-Cargo, IndiGo in a LinkedIn post. “This week we opened a new 3 times weekly freighter service between Kolkata in India and Ezhou in China’s Hubei Province. For our customers the airport’s central China location offer very extensive reach via road feed service to multiple China metros,” he added.  

ESR Group has leased 48,800 sq. ft. of prime industrial real estate to UPM’s business unit UPM Raflatac, a sustainable labelling solutions provider. UPM will use this space in ESR Taloja Industrial & Logistics Park (“ESR Taloja”) to serve its growing customer base in India and achieve higher efficiency in their operations. UPM Raflatac, headquartered in Helsinki, offers a wide range of pressure-sensitive label materials for various applications, from food and beverage packaging to pharmaceuticals and industrial labelling. The new space will provide them with a modern and efficient facility to streamline their operations, including warehousing and distribution. This collaboration amplifies Navi Mumbai’s rising eminence as a preferred industrial destination for international enterprises. Reflecting on this collaboration, Abhijit Malkani, CEO of ESR India, said, “We take immense pride in extending a warm welcome to UPM. Our commitment to providing best-in-class space solutions aligns with UPM’s focus on growth and sustainability. The park’s Grade A+ sustainable infrastructure, pre-certified Gold by IGBC, synergises strongly with UPM’s eco-friendly solutions. This collaboration goes above and beyond operational efficiency – it empowers UPM to operate a sustainable supply chain operation, supported by ESR’s extensive New Economy development and asset management expertise.”

  The Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai in partnership with The Company of Master Mariners of India, has started a two-year executive MBA programme in maritime, logistics and SCM that seeks to fill the gap in nurturing next generation business leaders for an industry estimated worth $450 billion. “Till now, there was no executive MBA programme in India which combines logistics and SCM with maritime management,” Captain M P Bhasin, Master (Chairman), The Company of Master Mariners of India, said in a statement adding . That this MBA programme signifies a pivotal step in our quest to enhance maritime education and management standards in India.