Innovation in Logistics Services

For someone as passionate as I am about logistics, every day is an opportunity to discuss, ideate and innovate for the economy’s future, and I am delighted that National Logistics Day presents an opportune moment to reflect and on how logistics is powering the India growth story.    It is an exciting time for India, with the logistics sector undergoing a historic transformation – one that will play a defining role in shaping the nation’s economic future and global competitiveness. The government’s strategic interventions are driving this momentum. Initiatives like Gati Shakti, bringing together 16 ministries on a unified platform, and the Logistics Efficiency Enhancement Program (LEEP) aim to create an integrated, multimodal logistics ecosystem. The National Rail Plan – 2030 envisions increasing rail freight capacity by 45% , while successive budgets in recent yearshave made bold allocations towards national highways, ports, and Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs)—all geared towards reducing transit times and improving last-mile connectivity. Digitalisation is equally transformative. The recently introduced Bharat Trade Net (BTN) promises to streamline international trade with a unified digital platform for documentation, financing, and regulatory approvals—aligning India with global best practices. Platforms like the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) and the E-Way Bill system are already enhancing real-time cargo tracking, route optimization, and supply chain visibility. Equally commendable are the strides towards green logistics. From policies encouraging EV freight movement and zero-emission truck corridors to the Harit Nauka initiative that introduced India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel , sustainability is now at the core of India’s logistics agenda. As a proud member of this industry, I believe we are entering an era where logistics will not just support India’s growth, it will propel it. The journey ahead demands collaboration, innovation, and responsible leadership as we build a future-ready, resilient, and sustainable supply chain for India and the world.

Over the past couple of months, I have had the privilege of conducting an in-depth case study at the University of Houston titled "Pioneering Innovation in EPC and Industrial Logistics: Unveiling Larsen & Toubro’s Digital Transformation." Through this research, I have explored L&T’s digital journey and firmly believe it serves as a benchmark for the industry. This is arguably the largest, most complex, and most successful digital transformation in the industrial and project logistics space, setting a new industry standard. Digital transformation is a multi-faceted endeavor, and Monday we explored L&T’s experience in detail at Breakbulk Middle East (Breakbulk Events & Media). We had three key stakeholders that were involved in this project on the panel that I moderated: Dharmendra Gangrade, Spearheaded this transformation at L&T, shared insights into how they navigated this journey. Adolph Colaco, CEO of e2log, discussed broader industry challenges and opportunities for digitalization in EPC and industrial logistics. Mark Scott, CTO of e2log, provided insights into the technical implementation and execution. Through this discussion, we provided a practical roadmap for companies embarking on their own digital transformation journeys. Key takeaways for a successful digital transformation demand a strategic, phased, and business-centric approach built on the following pillars: >Align Early with Leadership & Operations—Drive a unified vision by positioning logistics as a strategic enabler. > Prioritize Process Improvement Over Technology—Redesign processes first to ensure technology enhances, not automates, inefficiencies. >Select the Right Technology Partner—Choose a logistics-specific platform that brings transformation expertise. >Establish Strong Data Governance from the Start—Ensure data accuracy and standardization early on. >Accelerate Change Management-Begin change initiatives before rollout and foster internal champions-Phase Implementation. >Start with small, impactful areas and scale based on results. >Integrate AI When Ready—After solid data and digital foundations are established. Extract from my case study: "Huawei and Oxford Economics analyzed technology investments across 100 countries. Their findings reveal that the economic impact extends far beyond direct investor gains, largely due to digital spillover. On average, every US $1 invested in digital technologies has contributed US $20 to GDP." The discussion made it clear that digital transformation is no longer an abstract concept—it is an urgent necessity. L&T’s journey serves as a real-world example of how leadership, technology, and execution come together to drive meaningful change. The lessons shared should serve as a call to action for companies still hesitant to take the first step. The future of industrial and project logistics will be defined by those who embrace innovation and act decisively! #innovation #digitization #epc #ai #capitalprojects #automation

Logistics Industry Shake-Up. Collaboration is the New Innovation Who would’ve imagined competitors teaming up to deliver your packages? In today’s logistics world, change is the only constant. Case in point: Amazon just expanded its fulfillment service to handle orders from Walmart, Shopify, and even Shein. Yes, the e-commerce giant is now helping its rivals deliver goods. Why? Because customer demand for speed and convenience is forcing everyone to think outside the box. We’re seeing innovation everywhere in supply chain. FedEx, for example, is launching a specialized air cargo route just for healthcare shipments to shave off a full day in transit. Major railroads are considering mergers to simplify freight routes. Tech startups and 3PLs are experimenting with flexible warehousing and AI-powered planning. The line between “partner” and “competitor” is blurring if it means a more resilient, efficient supply chain. After 20+ years in this industry, I’ve never been more excited. At ATA, we embraced a digital-first approach early on, and now the whole sector is catching up. The logistics leaders of tomorrow will be those who adapt fast and collaborate boldly. It’s an adventurous time - the old playbooks don’t apply. What trend in logistics has surprised you recently? The rise of unlikely partnerships, new tech, or something else? I’d love to hear what you’re seeing on the ground. 

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 Innovative Projects From Major Last-Mile Players Revealed. As the e-commerce boom continues to reshape consumer expectations and environmental challenges mount, Last Mile Experts (LME) has released the 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, a comprehensive overview of the technologies and trends redefining parcel logistics in Europe. The 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣-page report, available free of charge, showcases a wide range of forward-thinking projects and strategies that are transforming the last mile into a smarter, greener, and more customer-centric delivery ecosystem. Developed in partnership with SwipBox and Nova Post Europe and supported by media partners Parcel and Postal Technology International and Last Mile Prophets, the report draws on expert analysis, first-hand interviews, and submissions from logistics innovators in 1️⃣1️⃣ countries across Europe. Key Insights from the Report Include: 🟩9️⃣1️⃣% potential CO₂ emission reductions in last-mile delivery through smarter logistics and OOH solutions 🟩The emergence of “Meaningfully Different Experiences” (MDX) as a new CX benchmark, replacing outdated metrics like NPS 🟩Nova Post’s transformative work in Ukraine, integrating 2️⃣5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣+ parcel lockers, AI-powered apps, and resilient infrastructure The expansion of agnostic parcel locker networks by players like SwipBox, enabling multiple carriers to share infrastructure and reduce redundant trips 🟩The rise of AI and orchestration platforms like EPG/Greenplan and GEL Proximity, helping carriers cut operational costs and failed deliveries 🟩Regulatory and market trends shaping the future of electric fleets, crowdsourced delivery, and platform labour models in the EU With its focus on practical last-mile delivery innovations, the report serves as both a roadmap and a call to action for carriers, retailers, policymakers, and technology providers. The full list of companies that submitted projects is as follows: ▫️SwipBox International A/S – Denmark ▫️Stuart – France ▫️EPG Ehrhardt Partner Group – Germany ▫️GEL Proximity s.r.l. – Italy ▫️CiPiO – The Netherlands ▫️Prepair – The Netherlands ▫️Alsendo – Poland ▫️Emapa S.A. – Poland ▫️Software Mind – Poland ▫️Łukasiewicz – Poznański Instytut Technologiczny Research Network - Poznań Institute of Technology – Poland ▫️Bloq.it – Portugal ▫️ARKA Smart Parcel Lockers – Romania ▫️Sameday Romania – Romania ▫️Scandit AG – Switzerland ▫️Nova Post Europe – Ukraine ▫️Evri (Hermes Parcelnet) – United Kingdom The 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 is available now and can be downloaded for free on our report page: https://lnkd.in/de-7X3ru #lastmile #innovation #report

Logistics is evolving at lightning speed. It’s evolving into a tech powerhouse. Here are 3 trends reshaping the industry: → Hyper-automation is taking over. From AI-driven demand forecasting to autonomous warehouses, companies are doubling down on tech to cut costs and boost efficiency. It’s no longer about replacing people. It’s about scaling what humans can’t do alone. → Sustainability is now non-negotiable. Carbon-neutral fleets and eco-friendly packaging are moving from "nice-to-have" to "must-have." Consumers and regulators are demanding accountability, and the pressure is only increasing. → Resilience is the new priority. Disruptions like pandemics and geopolitical tensions proved one thing: agility beats efficiency. Companies are rethinking supply chains to be faster, more flexible, and less dependent on single regions. Logistics is no longer a back-office function. It’s the backbone of global commerce, and these trends are shaping the future. Are you keeping up?

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁—𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽? In the last few years, logistics in India has gone from being a back-end support function to a boardroom discussion. 📈 From the rollout of Gati Shakti to multimodal infrastructure investments, 📦 From digital freight matching platforms to AI-based supply chain visibility tools, India is reshaping how cargo moves—and how professionals must think. Here’s what I’m seeing on the ground 👇 ✅ 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗘𝗧𝗔𝘀 The days of "we’ll check and revert" are fading. Visibility is the new currency. ✅ 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 Reliability, service, speed, and tech-savviness matter more than ever—especially in project cargo and time-sensitive freight. ✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰 With rising customs digitization and GST reforms, even paperwork now needs precision and speed. ✅ 𝗕𝗗 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 It’s not just about how many boxes you move. It’s about how deeply you understand your customer’s business, their risks, and their trade lanes. The Indian logistics industry is transforming from traditional to tech-enabled, from transactional to value-driven. The question is: 🧠 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘁—𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘂𝘀? #IndianLogistics #FreightForwarding #SupplyChainIndia #LogisticsInnovation #LogisticsBD #CustomerExpectations #ProjectCargo #LogisticsTrends #SeashellLogistics #DigitalFreight #LogisticsLeadership #LogisticsInIndia #BDGrowth #FutureOfLogistics #BDManager