CARGOCONNECT-APRIL2025 - Flipbook - Page 48
FEATURE : FUTURISTIC LOGISTICS
demand forecasting, and dynamic pricing. IoT devices,
such as sensors on freight trucks, ensure real-time
visibility of goods, enabling swift intervention during
delays or disruptions. As such, through data analytics,
we can identify ine昀케ciencies, like high-emission routes,
and suggest improvements.”
At Matchlog, Baheti explains that they’ve adopted
AI-driven route planning to cut fuel consumption and
IoT-enabled tracking to reduce spoilage for perishable
goods. “The combined use of these technologies not
only minimises emissions but also helps companies
meet stricter environmental regulations, a key priority
as sustainability becomes non-negotiable,” he adds.
Vijay, aligns with the views of the two experts,
expanding on the role of AI and IoT in driving sustainability in logistics. “AI and IoT enable predictive
analytics that allows companies to forecast demand more
accurately, automate carrier selection, and optimise route
planning,” Vijay says, and explains, “These innovations
reduce costs, streamline operations, and signi昀椀cantly
minimise emissions by ensuring that vehicles are fully
utilised and routes are as e昀케cient as possible.”
“This increases operational e昀케ciency by optimising resource utilisation, reducing the need for excess
transportation, which in turn lowers emissions and
waste, helping companies achieve their sustainability
goals,” he adds.
In addition to AI and IoT, shared freight networks
are another key innovation driving e昀케ciency in the
logistics industry. Shared freight networks enable
multiple shippers to consolidate their loads, optimising
vehicle utilisation and minimising empty miles. This
helps reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and
reduce overall transportation costs.
Mehra highlights the value of shared freight networks, stating, “They maximise vehicle capacity and
reduce unnecessary empty miles. When companies
share freight loads, they’re able to consolidate goods
from multiple sources, making the most of the available space in each vehicle. This results in fewer trips,
lower fuel consumption, and ultimately a reduction in
carbon emissions.”
Beyond freight consolidation, shared freight networks
also rely heavily on advanced technologies such as
dynamic route optimisation to further improve e昀케ciency.
Smarter route planning ensures that vehicles take the
most e昀케cient routes, reducing both operational costs and
environmental impact. “This promotes sustainability
and e昀케ciency in the logistics industry,” Mehra attests.
Baheti couldn’t agree more. “Empty miles remain
one of the logistics industry’s largest inefficiencies,
accounting for nearly 40% of truck movements globally.
Shared freight networks enable multiple shippers to
consolidate their loads, optimising vehicle utilisation
and minimising empty miles. More importantly, shared
networks enable smaller players to access premium
logistics services at a fraction of the cost, fostering
inclusivity in the ecosystem,” Baheti informs, and
adds that Matchlog’s model leverages technology to
match shipments with available capacity in real-time,
reducing empty miles and cutting operational costs
while contributing to sustainability goals.
48 | CARGOCONNECT APRIL 2025
RAHUL MEHRA
Co-founder, Roadcast
The expansion of e-commerce, reverse
logistics, and the impact of global trade
agreements will play a pivotal role in
fuelling the industry’s ascent. Techdriven solutions and globalisation are
pushing the demand for smarter, more
efficient delivery systems, while opening
up international markets in ways we’ve
never seen before. Despite the ongoing
advancements and evolutions, companies are under pressure to address
rising fuel costs, carbon reduction mandates, and an evolving workforce.
These challenges will require a careful balance between adopting
cutting-edge technology and ensuring that the costs and environmental
impacts of logistics operations remain sustainable.
Expanding on the above insights, Vijay also underscores the role of shared freight networks in maximising
vehicle utilisation and minimising emissions. “Shared
freight networks consolidate goods from multiple
sources, minimising the number of trucks on the
road and maximising the load capacity and utilisation
of each vehicle. This reduces logistics costs, carbon
emissions, and the need for additional transportation
infrastructure, which makes
the entire logistics network
more sustainable.
India's logistics market
He also reflects on how
was valued at US$317.3
dynamic load-sharing techbillion in 2024 and
nologies further enhance the
projected to reach
potential of shared freight
networks. “Dynamic route
US$484 billion by 2029,
optimisation and load-sharing
growing at a CAGR of
technologies work together
8.8%.
The sector’s value
to increase vehicle e昀케ciency
is primarily fuelled by
and minimise environmental
impact. These technologies
innovations in technology
ensure that freight is delivered
and the exponential
faster, cheaper, and more susgrowth
of e-commerce.
tainably,” Vijay englightens.
Ecosystem
Partnerships and Intelligence
Platforms Driving Ef昀椀ciency
The key to navigating this complex, fast-moving landscape
which is undergoing a dramatic transformation lies in
strategic partnerships and intelligence platforms that
facilitate seamless collaboration across the supply chain.
These collaborations not only improve operational
e昀케ciency but allow businesses to leverage each other’s
expertise and resources, ensuring that operations run
smoothly, costs are minimised, and customer needs
are met in real-time.
Mehra emphasises the importance of partnerships
in driving e昀케ciency within the logistics ecosystem.
“Partnerships in logistics are key to enhancing e昀케ciency
