CARGOCONNECT-APRIL2025 - Flipbook - Page 46
FEATURE : FUTURISTIC LOGISTICS
develop strategies that are cutting-edge and e昀케cient,
yet environmentally friendly. “This is a critical sphere
to navigate,” Vijay avows.
The call for sustainability is growing louder as
consumers and regulators demand greater accountability. Vijay emphasises that carbon emissions, waste
reduction, and sustainable practices must be woven
into the very fabric of the logistics strategy. This is
becoming increasingly important for businesses as
they strive to meet both customer expectations and
regulatory requirements.
Meanwhile, Baheti highlights another critical area
of focus. “There is an urgent need to bridge the gap
between urban and rural logistics. “Rural India alone
contributes 70% of consumer spending growth, yet
remains underserved due to last-mile connectivity issues.”
At Matchlog, Baheti explains, they are addressing
these gaps by adopting innovative freight-sharing models
that reduce ine昀케ciencies, making logistics accessible
and sustainable across regions.
AI, IoT, and Shared Freight
Networks: Optimising Freight
and Minimising Emissions
As the logistics industry continues to evolve, its future
will be de昀椀ned by a profound transformation driven by
technology. The integration of data analytics and the
utilisation of shared freight networks are ushering in
a new era of smarter, more e昀케cient, and sustainable
logistics. These innovations are not only enhancing
46 | CARGOCONNECT APRIL 2025
operational efficiency but also helping the industry
meet its sustainability goals by minimising emissions
and optimising freight management.
The logistics industry has long been burdened by
ine昀케ciencies in freight management, from underutilised
vehicle capacities to long, empty miles that increase
fuel consumption and carbon emissions. However, with
these new forces at play, the underlying challenges are
being addressed e昀昀ectively.
Mehra highlights the transformative role of AI and IoT
in optimising supply chains. “AI, IoT, and data analytics
are completely changing the way supply chains operate.
These technologies provide real-time insights that allow
businesses to predict demand, optimise inventory, and
track shipments, making it easier to preempt disruptions
and improve decision-making,” he clari昀椀es.
Mehra supports his statement by citing a McKinsey
finding which reports that AI-driven supply chain
management has helped early adopters improve logistics
costs by 15%, inventory levels by 35%, and service
levels by 65%.
Re昀氀ecting on the role of AI and IoT in improving
energy e昀케ciency, Mehra explains that these technologies reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and
contribute to long-term sustainability goals aligned
with global environmental targets, all while enhancing
operational e昀케ciency.
Baheti elaborates on the role of AI and IoT in enhancing energy e昀케ciency within logistics. “AI enables predictive insights that allow for better inventory planning,
