Collaborative solutions for express logistics

Collaborative solutions for express logistics

The express logistics industry has seen a dramatic rise in demand, particularly with the acceleration of e-commerce. As customer expectations for faster and more reliable deliveries grow, businesses are under pressure to innovate and optimise operations.

Satish Lakkaraju, Chief Executive Officer of Garudavega, A Brand of Nextgen Logistics, highlighted the transformative nature of this shift: “The express logistics sector has moved beyond just delivering parcels—it has become the backbone of modern commerce.

“Customers now expect same-day or next-day deliveries, which requires us to rethink traditional business models and invest in scalable, tech-driven solutions.”

Enabler of efficiency

Technology has emerged as a cornerstone for addressing the challenges of express logistics, particularly in terms of route optimisation, real-time tracking, and operational scalability. It is pointed out that automation in sorting centres and warehouses is reducing manual errors and improving turnaround times, making operations more agile and cost-effective.

Kabir Seth, Chief Executive Officer of Allied Express, emphasised that, “From AI-driven route optimisation to IoT-enabled tracking, technology is enabling us to deliver greater efficiency and visibility across the supply chain.

“These advancements are not just enhancing operational performance but also building trust and transparency with customers.”

Collaborative business models

The panel underscored the importance of collaboration between logistics providers, retailers, and technology partners in overcoming scalability challenges., highlighted the value of strategic partnerships. It is vital to shared infrastructure and resources, such as co-located warehouses and multimodal transport hubs, are critical for scaling operations without disproportionately increasing costs.

Abbas Panju, Managing Director – India at UPS mentioned that, “Collaboration is essential for creating integrated logistics networks that can handle the increasing volumes of express shipments.

“By partnering with local and regional players, we can expand our reach while maintaining service quality and cost efficiency.”

Optimising costs in a competitive market

Cost management remains one of the biggest challenges in the express logistics sector, particularly given rising fuel prices and infrastructure constraints.

Giridharan Srinivasan, Area General Manager – Indian Subcontinent at Etihad, spoke about leveraging multimodal logistics to address these challenges and asserted: “Airfreight offers unmatched speed, but it can be expensive. By integrating air cargo with road and rail networks, we can create cost-efficient multimodal solutions that meet both time-sensitive and budget-conscious demands. This approach not only reduces costs but also improves overall supply chain resilience.”

Retail and Wearables

The discussion also explored how express logistics is adapting to the unique demands of specific sectors, such as retail and smart wearables.

Amol Prasadi, Head of Supply Chain Management & Procurement at Metro Brands, highlighted the importance of flexibility in retail logistics by quoting, “In retail, seasonal demand fluctuations and product variety require a highly adaptable logistics network.

“By leveraging real-time inventory management and just-in-time delivery models, we are meeting customer expectations without overburdening our supply chain.”

For the wearables sector, speed and accuracy are paramount, given the high-value nature of the products.

Seetharam Srinivasan, Head of Operations for Smart Wearables at Titan Company, elaborated his views by stating: “Express logistics plays a critical role in ensuring that our customers receive their products promptly and in perfect condition.

“Innovations like automated order processing and AI-based demand forecasting are helping us deliver a seamless experience while managing costs effectively.”

Opportunities and challenges

While the express logistics industry has made significant strides, challenges such as infrastructure limitations, last-mile delivery complexities, and regulatory barriers remain. The panel emphasised the need for continued innovation and collaboration to address these issues and unlock new opportunities.

“The future of express logistics lies in its ability to adapt and innovate. By embracing technology, building collaborative networks, and focusing on sustainability, we can create a logistics ecosystem that is not only efficient but also resilient and customer-centric,” Lakkaraju said.

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Ajinkya Gurav

With a passion for aviation, Ajinkya Gurav graduated from De Montford University with a Master’s degree in Air Transport Management. Over the past decade, he has written insightful analysis and captivating coverage around passenger and cargo operations. Gurav joined Air Cargo Week as its Regional Representative in 2024. Got news or comment to share? Contact ajinkya.gurav@aircargoweek.com

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