Los Angeles port cargo falls 5% in May amid tariff pressures

The Port of Los Angeles reported a cargo throughput of 716,619 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) in May 2025, reflecting a 5% year-on-year decline and marking its lowest monthly cargo volume in over two years. This drop ends a streak of ten consecutive months of growth and signals growing pressure from newly imposed tariffs affecting both imports and exports. Imports for the month stood at 355,950 TEUs, down 9% compared to May 2024, while exports declined by 5% to 120,196 TEUs. Despite the downturn, the port noted a slight 2% increase in empty container movement, according to an official media release. As one of the most critical shipping ports and freight handling centers globally, the performance of the Port of Los Angeles is closely watched by international logistics players. These figures underscore the volatility in port logistics in supply chain operations, especially as global trade policy shifts continue to influence cargo patterns.

June 17, 2025 | Logistics
Vizag port receives two awards

Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the 11th Annual Greentech CSR Awards 2025, held in New Delhi. VPA was recognized for its impactful initiatives in healthcare promotion and skill development, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. In the healthcare category, VPA's initiatives included financial support for free evening medical clinics, assistance in constructing environmental management facilities at Lions Cancer & General Hospital, and funding midday meals for students in unaided schools. These efforts contribute to community welfare around one of India’s key shipping ports and freight handling hubs. Under the skill development category, the port authority was lauded for empowering local youth with the training and resources needed to secure jobs at various multinational corporations. This aligns with broader goals of improving port logistics in supply chain operations by fostering a skilled workforce. As India continues to invest in smart port and supply chain infrastructure, VPA’s CSR efforts set an example for other ports striving to balance efficiency with social responsibility. At a time when India port congestion and global trade disruptions pose challenges, forward-thinking initiatives like this help strengthen the country’s port logistics network while uplifting local communities.

June 17, 2025 | Logistics

Combatting the Growing Threat of Freight Fraud

In recent years, India has witnessed a significant surge in freight fraud activities, posing substantial challenges to the logistics and supply chain sectors. These fraudulent practices not only undermine the integrity of the industry but also result in considerable financial losses. This article delves into the various facets of freight fraud in India, examining its impact, underlying causes, and the measures being implemented to combat this growing menace. The Rise of Freight Fraud in India Freight fraud encompasses a wide range of deceptive practices aimed at exploiting vulnerabilities within the logistics and supply chain systems. In India, the increasing complexity of trade operations, coupled with rapid digitalization, has created fertile ground for such fraudulent activities.A notable instance of freight fraud occurred in 2024 when a Delhi-based delivery agent was arrested for swapping returned goods with used items before returning them to e-commerce companies. This case highlights the vulnerabilities in the returns process and the ease with which fraudulent activities can be carried out within the logistics framework. Financial Implications of Freight Fraud The financial repercussions of freight fraud are profound. According to a survey conducted by PwC, 59% of Indian organizations reported experiencing financial or economic fraud in the past 24 months, with procurement fraud emerging as the most prevalent threat. While this survey primarily focuses on procurement fraud, it underscores a broader trend of financial misconduct within Indian businesses, including the logistics sector.The misuse of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) has also been a significant concern. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) reported that in the fiscal year 2023-24, there were 51 cases of FTA misuse, leading to illegal benefits totaling Rs 1,427 crore. Such practices not only result in financial losses but also distort fair trade practices, affecting legitimate businesses. Understanding the Root Causes of Freight Fraud in India Freight fraud has emerged as a growing concern in India’s logistics and supply chain ecosystem, affecting businesses across industries. The steady rise in such fraudulent activities can be attributed to a combination of structural, technological, and regulatory shortcomings that leave the system vulnerable. A closer look at the underlying causes reveals several key challenges contributing to this alarming trend.One of the most prominent issues is the lack of transparency across the logistics value chain. In many parts of the Indian freight ecosystem, documentation remains largely manual or semi-digitized, creating opportunities for data manipulation. Inconsistent record-keeping, opaque contracting practices, and limited visibility across the transportation network enable unscrupulous actors to exploit gaps in accountability. This lack of end-to-end visibility makes it easier for fake carriers or fraudulent agents to operate undetected. Another contributing factor is the inadequate verification and authentication mechanisms for logistics service providers. The freight sector, particularly in smaller towns and regional transport hubs, often relies on informal networks of transporters and brokers. In the absence of centralized vetting systems or mandatory background checks, there is a higher likelihood of onboarding fraudulent carriers or handlers. This is especially problematic in high-volume e-commerce return cycles and third-party logistics environments where the sheer scale of operations often outpaces verification efforts. Compounding these issues is the complex regulatory environment in India. The logistics sector is governed by a variety of state and central regulations, taxes, and compliance requirements. This fragmented framework can be difficult to navigate for businesses and enforcement agencies alike, allowing bad actors to exploit legal ambiguities or jurisdictional overlaps. Delays in regulatory enforcement or the lack of harmonized standards between states further weaken oversight. Finally, the limited integration of modern technology into logistics operations continues to be a significant roadblock. While digital transformation is underway in parts of the sector, many businesses especially smaller logistics firms still lack access to advanced tracking, authentication, or blockchain-based documentation tools. This technological lag reduces the ability to detect red flags in real-time, such as route deviations, tampered documentation, or identity fraud. Addressing these root causes will require coordinated efforts between the government, logistics companies, tech providers, and industry associations. Improving transparency, strengthening verification protocols, simplifying compliance, and accelerating tech adoption are essential steps toward reducing freight fraud in India.

India Supply Chain Summit 2025

December 4-6, 2025 | Gandhinagar, Gujarat
No freight surge yet, but India’s logistics sector stays watchful

As geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, India’s freight forwarding sector and supply chain management ecosystem are on high alert. Despite the uncertainty, there has been no significant surge in freight rates or major disruptions in ocean freight forwarding operations so far. Industry experts report that while global freight forwarding companies and shipping lines are adopting a cautious approach, the situation remains stable for now. However, stakeholders in supply chain and freight forwarding are keeping a close eye on potential ripple effects, especially concerning oil price volatility and shipping route security both of which are crucial to India’s freight systems and supply chain solutions. Should the conflict intensify, the Indian logistics sector could face challenges such as longer transit times, increased vessel rerouting, and higher fuel costs. These disruptions would directly impact supply chain demand planning and freight handling processes at Indian ports. India’s logistics and electronic supply chain management industries are proactively strengthening their resilience through digital supply chain innovations and strategic SCM innovations in India. Many companies are now relying on advanced supply chain management software and real-time future supply chain tracking technologies to maintain operational agility.

June 17, 2025 | Logistics
India emerging as key destination, amid supply chain shift of global electronic sector: Report

India is rapidly emerging as a global hub in electronic supply chain management, according to a new report by PwC, as global players continue to realign their supply and chain networks. The study highlights that the supply chain management landscape is undergoing significant transformation, positioning India as a central destination for electronics manufacturing. Amid this future of supply chain management, India has already made remarkable strides in the production of smartphones and other electronics, thanks to increased focus on supply chain demand planning and investment in digital supply chain infrastructure. The report states that India aims to achieve USD 500 billion in domestic electronics production by 2030, with a conservative estimate of reaching USD 282 billion. This growth is driven by robust SCM supply chain management strategies and government-backed supply chain management development programs that are attracting global tech giants to manufacture in India. These developments are expected to be a key focus at upcoming industry gatherings like the Supply Chain Leadership Summit and other best supply chain events in India, where experts will discuss innovations, including supply chain financing, chain supply management, and future supply chain tracking technologies. As India continues to lead in SCM innovations in India, understanding what is supply chain and what is supply chain management becomes critical for businesses aiming to succeed in this evolving landscape. Companies are increasingly adopting advanced supply chain management software to stay competitive and agile.

June 17, 2025 | Supply Chain
Nvidia to attend China supply-chain expo in July: Report

US chip giant Nvidia is set to participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo from July 16 to 20, 2025, in Beijing, marking its debut at this major global supply chain management event, according to a report by China’s state broadcaster CCTV. This third edition of the expo will feature over 230 companies, both Chinese and international, highlighting the future of supply chain management and the latest SCM innovations in India and globally. Nvidia’s involvement reflects the growing role of digital supply chain solutions and supply chain demand planning powered by AI and advanced computing technologies. The Supply Chain Leadership Summit, a highlight of the event, will bring together experts to explore electronic supply chain management, supply chain management development programs, and the evolution of chain supply management. As supply and chain management adapts to a digital-first world, themes such as supply chain financing, future supply chain tracking, and supply chain management software will take center stage. This premier expo is also among the best supply chain events in India and Asia, serving as a platform to discuss what is supply chain, the role of SCM supply chain management, and how organizations are shaping the future of supply chain.

June 17, 2025 | Supply Chain

Logistics

Combatting the Growing Threat of Freight Fraud

In recent years, India has witnessed a significant surge in freight fraud activities, posing substantial challenges to the logistics and supply chain sectors. These fraudulent practices not only undermine the integrity of the industry but also result in considerable financial losses. This article delves into the various facets of freight fraud in India, examining its impact, underlying causes, and the measures being implemented to combat this growing menace. The Rise of Freight Fraud in India Freight fraud encompasses a wide range of deceptive practices aimed at exploiting vulnerabilities within the logistics and supply chain systems. In India, the increasing complexity of trade operations, coupled with rapid digitalization, has created fertile ground for such fraudulent activities.A notable instance of freight fraud occurred in 2024 when a Delhi-based delivery agent was arrested for swapping returned goods with used items before returning them to e-commerce companies. This case highlights the vulnerabilities in the returns process and the ease with which fraudulent activities can be carried out within the logistics framework. Financial Implications of Freight Fraud The financial repercussions of freight fraud are profound. According to a survey conducted by PwC, 59% of Indian organizations reported experiencing financial or economic fraud in the past 24 months, with procurement fraud emerging as the most prevalent threat. While this survey primarily focuses on procurement fraud, it underscores a broader trend of financial misconduct within Indian businesses, including the logistics sector.The misuse of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) has also been a significant concern. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) reported that in the fiscal year 2023-24, there were 51 cases of FTA misuse, leading to illegal benefits totaling Rs 1,427 crore. Such practices not only result in financial losses but also distort fair trade practices, affecting legitimate businesses. Understanding the Root Causes of Freight Fraud in India Freight fraud has emerged as a growing concern in India’s logistics and supply chain ecosystem, affecting businesses across industries. The steady rise in such fraudulent activities can be attributed to a combination of structural, technological, and regulatory shortcomings that leave the system vulnerable. A closer look at the underlying causes reveals several key challenges contributing to this alarming trend.One of the most prominent issues is the lack of transparency across the logistics value chain. In many parts of the Indian freight ecosystem, documentation remains largely manual or semi-digitized, creating opportunities for data manipulation. Inconsistent record-keeping, opaque contracting practices, and limited visibility across the transportation network enable unscrupulous actors to exploit gaps in accountability. This lack of end-to-end visibility makes it easier for fake carriers or fraudulent agents to operate undetected. Another contributing factor is the inadequate verification and authentication mechanisms for logistics service providers. The freight sector, particularly in smaller towns and regional transport hubs, often relies on informal networks of transporters and brokers. In the absence of centralized vetting systems or mandatory background checks, there is a higher likelihood of onboarding fraudulent carriers or handlers. This is especially problematic in high-volume e-commerce return cycles and third-party logistics environments where the sheer scale of operations often outpaces verification efforts. Compounding these issues is the complex regulatory environment in India. The logistics sector is governed by a variety of state and central regulations, taxes, and compliance requirements. This fragmented framework can be difficult to navigate for businesses and enforcement agencies alike, allowing bad actors to exploit legal ambiguities or jurisdictional overlaps. Delays in regulatory enforcement or the lack of harmonized standards between states further weaken oversight. Finally, the limited integration of modern technology into logistics operations continues to be a significant roadblock. While digital transformation is underway in parts of the sector, many businesses especially smaller logistics firms still lack access to advanced tracking, authentication, or blockchain-based documentation tools. This technological lag reduces the ability to detect red flags in real-time, such as route deviations, tampered documentation, or identity fraud. Addressing these root causes will require coordinated efforts between the government, logistics companies, tech providers, and industry associations. Improving transparency, strengthening verification protocols, simplifying compliance, and accelerating tech adoption are essential steps toward reducing freight fraud in India.
June 17, 2025 | Logistics

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