Each category includes common mandatory criteria, followed by specific category-based criteria.
COMMON ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL NOMINATIONS
- Registered and operational in Gujarat
- Performance data for FY 2024–25
- Self Nominations are Must for All Categories
Jury may request additional documents or verification if needed.
**The Jury/ Organisers reserve the right to make changes to the list of categories if required; due to lack of sufficient nominations/ dearth of information, etc. The decision of the Jury / Organisers will be final & binding.
SHIPPING
Best Shipping Line of the Year
Criteria:
- Volume handled (Export + Import)
- On-time performance & schedule reliability
- Customer satisfaction index
- Network and service coverage expansion
- Initiatives for digitalization, sustainability & service innovation
Best Shipping Agent of the Year
Criteria:
- Service performance for client lines
- Documentation accuracy & cycle time reduction
- Customer service testimonials
- Market reputation & cargo mobilization efforts
Best Coastal Shipping Operator of the Year
Criteria:
- Frequency and reliability of coastal services
- Contribution to modal shift from road to coastal
- Cost efficiency & environmental impact reduction
- Fleet modernization/expansion initiatives
Best NVOCC of the Year
Criteria:
- Container fleet size growth (owned/leased)
- Service coverage & trade lane expansion
- Cargo volume increase
- Technology use for cargo visibility & customer support
MARITIME
Best Port of the Year
Criteria:
- Overall cargo throughput growth
- Infrastructure modernization & investment
- Ease of Doing Business metrics
- Safety & sustainability standards
- Digital initiatives (PCS, automation)
Best State-Run Port of the Year
Criteria:
- Performance improvements under public governance
- Trade facilitation & stakeholder collaboration
- Employee skilling and operational excellence
Best Private Port of the Year
Criteria:
- Efficiency benchmarks – turnaround time, dwell time
- Connectivity & hinterland support
- Customer satisfaction and reliability
Best Container Terminal of the Year
Criteria:
- TEU handling growth
- Crane productivity & turnaround benchmarks
- Tech-enabled operations & automation accuracy
Best Multi Cargo Port of the Year
Criteria:
- Handling capability across multiple commodities
- Flexibility and cargo diversification strategy
- Cargo volume increase
- Investment in multi-modal access
INFRASTRUCTURE
Best ICD of the Year
Criteria:
- Container handling volume
- Rail connectivity performance
- Dwell time improvements & automated processes
- Safety compliance and yard efficiency
Best CFS of the Year
Criteria:
- Average clearance time & EDI efficiency
- Value-added services & customer support
- Inventory handling accuracy
Maritime Infrastructure Development (Ports/Terminal)
Criteria:
- Scale, innovation & impact of newly developed infrastructure
- Speed of execution and sustainability focus
- Boost to regional trade & employment
Logistics Infrastructure Development (ICDs/CFSs)
Criteria:
- Contribution to hinterland logistics
- Technology adoption & throughput efficiency
- Green initiatives & safety standards
LOGISTICS
Best Logistics Company of the Year
Criteria:
- Container handling volume
- Rail connectivity performance
- Dwell time improvements & automated processes
- Safety compliance and yard efficiency
Best Custom Broker of the Year
Criteria:
- Average clearance time & EDI efficiency
- Value-added services & customer support
- Inventory handling accuracy
Best Freight Forwarder of the Year
Criteria:
- Scale, innovation & impact of newly developed infrastructure
- Speed of execution and sustainability focus
- Boost to regional trade & employment
Best LCL Consolidator of the Year (Export & Import)
Criteria:
- Total LCL volume handled (Export & Import separately)
- Growth in consolidation volumes over the last financial year
- Trade lanes served (breadth of global network)
- Client testimonials and satisfaction levels
Fastest Growing LCL Consolidator of the Year
Criteria:
- YOY percentage rise in LCL volumes (Export, Import or both)
- Growth pattern over the last 2–3 financial years
- Addition of new trade lanes, hubs, or origin/destination points
- Customer feedback affirming improved service delivery
- Brand presence and market acceptance
Fastest Growing Freight Forwarder of the Year
Criteria:
- Average clearance time & EDI efficiency
- Value-added services & customer support
- Inventory handling accuracy
Best Freight Forwarder of the Year (IATA)
Criteria:
- Company must be an IATA-accredited Freight Forwarder
- Total air freight tonnage handled (Export & Import) during FY 2024–25
- Year-on-year growth in air cargo volumes
- Diversity of cargo handled (general cargo, pharma, perishables, high-value, express)
- Number and quality of airline partnerships
- Global and regional network coverage
Best End to End Complete Logistics Solution Provider of the Year
Criteria:
- Scale, innovation & impact of newly developed infrastructure
- Speed of execution and sustainability focus
- Boost to regional trade & employment
Best Transport Operator of the Year
Criteria:
- Contribution to hinterland logistics
- Technology adoption & throughput efficiency
- Green initiatives & safety standards
EXPORT
Best Exporter of the Year (Large Enterprise)
Criteria:
- Container handling volume
- Rail connectivity performance
- Dwell time improvements & automated processes
- Safety compliance and yard efficiency
Best Exporter of the Year (Medium Enterprise)
Criteria:
- Export turnover & growth %
- Global market penetration
- Value addition & quality standards
Best Exporter of the Year (Small/MSME)
Criteria:
- Performance measured relative to category scale
- Market expansion efforts & innovation
- Export enablement of regional ecosystem
Fastest Growing Exporter of the Year
Criteria:
- YOY export expansion % over 3 years
- Risk-taking and diversification success stories
- International recognition / certifications
Standalone (No Nomination Categories*)
Young Logistics Professional of the Year* (MALE/FEMALE)
- Age:Below 40 years Currently working in the Logistics / Shipping / Freight / EXIM / Port / Rail / Warehousing sector, Minimum 5 years of professional experience, Demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or performance
Logistics Entrepreneur of the Year*
- Founder / Co-founder / Promoter of a logistics or allied services enterprise, Company headquartered or having significant operations in Gujarat, Minimum 5 years since incorporation, Demonstrated entrepreneurial vision, innovation, and scalability
Women Logistics Professional of the Year*
- Female professional working in logistics, shipping, ports, freight, EXIM or infrastructure, Minimum 7 years of industry experience, Holding a managerial or leadership role
Logistics Personality of the Year*
- Senior industry leader with 15+ years of experience, Recognised thought leader, influencer, or change-maker in the logistics ecosystem, Strong contribution to policy advocacy, trade facilitation, or industry development, Respected by peers and stakeholders across the value chain
CSR Professional of the Year*
- Professional or leader responsible for CSR / ESG initiatives, Active involvement in sustainable development, skilling or community upliftment, CSR initiatives linked to logistics, transport, trade, or coastal communities (desirable), Demonstrated measurable social or environmental impact
Lifetime Achievement Award*
- Minimum 25+ years of distinguished service in logistics, maritime, shipping, infrastructure or trade, Exceptional contribution to industry growth and national development, Recognised pioneer, visionary, or institution builder, Exemplary leadership, integrity, and legacy
Self Nomination & Suggestions / Recommendations are must You can send your Nomination/Suggestions & Recommendations on info@gujaratsmileawards.com
**The Jury/ Organisers reserve the right to make changes to the list of categories if required; due to lack of sufficient nominations/ dearth of information, etc. The decision of the Jury / Organisers will be final & binding.
