Global Logistics Solutions: India’s first AI-powered logistics provider driving predictive, and sustainable growth

Global Logistics Solutions positions itself as the first AI-powered logistics service provider. Could you explain how you are applying AI, intelligent automation, and predictive analytics in your operations?

When we started Global Logistics in 2006, our vision was clear, to offer solutions that are Easy, Efficient, and Economical. Since then, we’ve stayed true to that goal, delivering premium quality services at cost-effective prices.

Today, technology is the key enabler of this vision. Our focus on being ‘AI-powered’ isn’t a slogan, it’s reflected in practical, results-driven applicationsthat enhance how we work and deliver value.

I have always believed in combining smart work with hard work. After all, why strike two stones to make fire when you already have a matchbox?

That’s where AI becomes a real game changer, driving efficiency, innovation, and impact across our four core AI implementation areas.  

Predictive analytics for consolidation: As one of India’s largest neutral LCL consolidators, our core strength is optimising container space. Our proprietary AI models analyze historical shipping data, seasonal trends, and market fluctuations to predict cargo volumes with high accuracy. This allows us to create the most efficient consolidation plans, ensuring faster transit times.

Intelligent document processing: We have deployed automation bots that handle the immense volume of documentation. This reduces manual errors by over 99% and cuts processing time from hours to minutes.

Fund flow optimisation: Predictive analysis of receivables, driven by contractual agreements, customer credit profiles, and historical payment trends, empowers us to accurately forecast cash flows, streamline fund management, and optimize overall financial efficiency.

Trade route optimisation: In our LCL consolidation operations, our systems enable us to accurately predict and plan shipment volumes across each trade lane, helping optimize space utilization, stowage, and even the launch of new service routes. Our AI-driven tools dynamically calculate the most efficient and cost-effective schedules and routing for every shipment whether FCL, LCL, or air cargo, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability.

 What tangible benefits does this bring to your customers in terms of efficiency, visibility, and cost savings?

 The benefits are direct and significant. Efficiency is seen in dramatically reduced documentation delays, operational efficiency and optimized transit times. Our predictive LCL consoles planning means an exporter’s cargo isn’t waiting in a port or warehouse; it’s moving on the earliest possible vessel. Our operational efficiency combines with predictive planning ensures that import shipments are delivered within 24 hours of container arrival at the terminal, a turnaround that’s 3–5 days faster than the industry average. In other words, we save our customers at least three days in transit time on every import shipment.

 For visibility, we provide our customers with a proactive, predictive tracking system. Instead of just seeing where their container is, they receive alerts on potential delays and revised ETAs before they even occur.  We have also launched a customer loyalty program called Global Privilege. Alongside this, our ChatGPT-powered text-based tracking system offers GP clients real-time visibility and the flexibility to generate tailored reports and insights effortlessly.  This transforms their supply chain planning from reactive to proactive.

 Ultimately, cost savings are realised through the combined impact of these efficiencies. Optimized operations, faster transit times, and smarter consolidation planning help our customers reduce stock turnaround time, saving at least ₹5,000 per import shipment, while improving cash flow for exports. This enables us to uphold our founding principle of being an economical solution, now strengthened and supercharged by technology.

 You have been a Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) since 2006. What progress has been made in India’s multimodal logistics sector over this period?

 The progress has been immense. When we began, multimodal transport often meant managing a chain of disconnected vendors. Today, there’s a structural shift. The government’s focus on infrastructure like the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) would be a game-changer, making rail a faster and more reliable link in the chain. The implementation of the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) under the National Logistics Policy is another crucial step, enabling seamless data exchange between different modes.

 From our own experience, we’ve expanded from simple road-sea combinations to sophisticated sea-air and road-rail-sea models. This evolution is what allowed us to grow into a network with 19 branches across India, enabling us to offer truly integrated solutions.

 Despite advancements, what are the biggest challenges you continue to face in multimodal operations—whether regulatory, infrastructural, or market-driven?

 The skeleton is getting stronger, but the nervous system needs more work. Infra-structurally, while major corridors are improving, last and first-mile connectivity remains a bottleneck, especially at inland container depots (ICDs), Container Freight Stations (CFS) and ports.

 Regulatorily, despite the PM Gati Shakti initiative, we still face a maze of clearances and compliance requirements across different states and transport modes and even within the same custom circle linked to the port. A truly unified digital system for approvals is the next frontier. 

The market-driven challenge is the inertia in legacy practices. Encouraging all stakeholders from small truckers to large manufacturers to adopt a fully digital, transparent way of working remains an ongoing effort. This is where our hands-on approach and investment in user-friendly customer platforms are focused.

 LCL cargo has always been a critical segment for SMEs and growing exporters. How do you see the growth of LCL cargo operations in India?

 Less than Container Load or LCL cargo accounts for nearly 8 per cent of global trade, and its growth trajectory in India is exceptionally strong forming the very foundation of our success. Some of India’s strongest export sectors i.e., pharmaceuticals, textiles, garments, and chemicals   rely heavily on robust LCL support, making it a critical enabler of the country’s export growth.

India’s SMEs, which contribute around 45 per cent of total exports, are the real drivers of this momentum. As these enterprises become increasingly competitive on the global stage, LCL stands as their logistics lifeline. We’ve witnessed this transformation firsthand, expanding our business year after year by empowering this vital segment.

Today, we are proud to be the only India-based consolidator offering direct LCL services to 40 global destinationsand inbound services from 30 locations a true reflection of the growing demand and trust in our network.

 I firmly believe that our nation’s prosperity depends on the sustained growth of exports. To achieve consistent double-digit expansion, our logistics strategy must be truly holistic integrating manufacturing, branding, and distribution. By controlling the entire logistics chain, we ensure that both agility and long-term growth remain firmly within our control. This is why the idea of “Move in India” is just as crucial as “Make in India.”

The future of logistics isn’t just about moving higher volumes it’s about strategic management and smarter partnerships. We’re evolving toward “LCL as a Managed Service,” a model that transforms traditional cargo handling into a strategic, end-to-end solution. Through this approach, we manage the entire LCL export and import process, giving SMEs the visibility, reliability, and flexibility they need to compete on equal footing with larger corporations.

 What operational or structural challenges does the industry need to overcome to make LCL more efficient and competitive?

 The biggest challenge is the fragmentation of cargo handling and information. To overcome this, the industry needs standardized digital protocols for sharing cargo details and status updates across all terminals and ports. The adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for LCL pallets and cartons will be a revolution, providing granular visibility and preventing loss.

To strengthen India’s export and import trade, it is essential to develop an efficient and seamless LCL domestic and international transshipment ecosystem. At present, stringent regulations, higher costs, and delays in cargo movement make it challenging for emerging Indian ports such as Nhava Sheva or Chennai to function effectively as domestic and international transshipment hub.

For instance, the LCL turnaround cost in India is approximately $40 per CBM, compared to $15 per CBM in Singapore and $12 per CBM in Malaysia. Additionally, the turnaround time in India averages 10–12 days, largely due to multiple permissions and regulatory requirements, a significant barrier to competitiveness in global logistics

The LCL consolidation and deconsolidation process can be made far more cost-effective and efficient through greater warehouse automation and smarter cargo-sorting systems. Additionally, simplifying regulations can significantly speed up operations at container freight stations (CFS), ICDs connected to ports, an area that remains a major bottleneck.

Even simple regulatory reforms, such as allowing the regulation free movement of customs-cleared cargo between all CFSs and inland container depots (ICDs) linked to a port, could make a substantial difference, drastically reduce costs and improve overall turnaround time.

Global Logistics Solutions is also active in air cargo services. How do you view the growth prospects of air cargo in the next few years?

 We are highly optimistic about this vertical and believe it is poised for significant growth in the coming years. While sea freight remains our foundation, air cargo is rapidly emerging as our spearhead for the future. The post-pandemic landscape has underscored the importance of speed and resilience in supply chains, driving strong demand in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, high-value electronics, and e-commerce.

With several new airports being developed across tier 1 and tier 2 cities, we expect the current 25% gap between air cargo supply and demand in India to narrow substantially in the near future unlocking new opportunities for growth and efficiency.

Our strategy is not to be just another air freight forwarder. We are integrating our air cargo services with our sea and land offerings to create hybrid solutions. For instance, a sea-air solution can offer a 30-40 per cent cost saving over pure air and similarly Air-Sea combinations also offer a significant time and cost saving over pure sea, which is a compelling proposition for many industries.”

 In terms of strategy, which sectors, trade lanes, or service innovations are you betting on for future expansion?

 Our expansion is guided by our clients’ needs. As a neutral Wholesale LCL consolidator, though we are not sector specific, we use our expertise to develop solutions for Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, and Retail, Hazardous Industrial Cargo which demand stringent time-sensitive and handling solutions.

Some of our key trade lanes, such as Japan to India, have shown tremendous growth. For the past 14 years, we have been operating exclusive direct LCL consolidations from all major Japanese ports to India on a weekly basis, reducing transit times for our customers by up to 14 days.

We are also strengthening our presence in emerging trade corridors between India and Africa, as well as between the Indian subcontinent and Latin America. In addition, we are expanding our network of direct import and export LCL console services between India and Europe to offer faster, more reliable, and cost-efficient connections for our clients.

In terms of service innovation, our biggest bet is on integrated, data-driven solutions. We are developing a ‘Control Tower’ model for our key clients, giving them a single dashboard to manage their entire logistics ecosystem, regardless of the transport mode. This is the true embodiment of the ‘integrated logistics solutions’ we envisioned at our founding.

Looking ahead, what are the strategic priorities for Global Logistics Solutions in the next 5–7 years?

Our priorities are clear and built on the legacy of our 20 years of operations and experience of our teammates.

First, is complete digitisation: To have a fully digital, paperless, and AI-native operation from order to payment. We are mapping the entire process and digitising the complete chain which would help saving cost for the customers and make the process smoother and faster. 

Second, sustainable logistics: We are investing in measuring and reducing our carbon footprint across all modes. We aim to offer our customers certified green logistics options, which is becoming a critical differentiator.

 Third, strategic global partnerships: To complement our organic growth, we are expanding our alliances with like-minded partners in key global markets to offer a truly seamless international network.

Forth, we remain deeply committed to developing our people and nurturing leadership at every level. At Global Logistics, we believe that true organisational growth stems from the growth of each individual. Every team member is continuously trained, mentored, and empowered with the latest industry knowledge to reach their full potential. Our culture ensures that those who join us don’t just build a career, they accelerate their growth, take ownership, make impactful decisions, and lead initiatives that shape the company’s future.

And lastly, but most importantly, we continue to expand our network of Direct LCL consolidations across more port pairs. This not only helps customers reduce transit times but also minimizes the risk of damage by eliminating multiple handling points.

 How do you plan to differentiate yourself in a market that is becoming increasingly technology-driven and competitive?

 In a market where everyone is talking about technology, our differentiation lies in our experience and expertise. Technology is our engine, but our people are our heart. Our team of over 350 dedicated professionals spends considerable time understanding each client’s unique needs and offering tailored solutions. Our promise is not just to move cargo, but to empower our clients’ growth.

 We differentiate by offering technology with a human touch. Powerful AI systems managed by seasoned logistics experts who can provide context, solve unexpected problems, and build the trusted relationships that have been the foundation of our success since 2006. That combination of passionate people and powerful technology is what powers us.