Speaking to TechGraph, Arham Partap Jain, Founder of Trucknetic discusses how it is transforming the Indian trucking industry with comprehensive logistics solutions, electrification initiatives, and legal support for carriers.
Read the complete interview:
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TechGraph: What are the biggest challenges facing the trucking and logistics industry, and how is Trucknetic addressing these challenges?
Arham Partap Jain: The cost of logistics in India stands at 14% of GDP compared to 8% in developed nations. This reduces India’s competency compared to other nations. Vehicular emissions also contribute 20-30% of the air pollution in the environment which is potentially hazardous to our health and the environment.
Trucknetic is on a mission to revolutionize the movement of goods in India. We are determined to address our nation’s challenges, such as high logistics costs and hazardous air pollution caused by vehicular emissions. Our vision is to cut logistics costs in half and achieve net zero emissions.
To accomplish this, we have developed four pillars that form the foundation of our approach.
Firstly, we focus on asset utilization. By increasing the utilization of scheduled trucks for established brands and providing ad-hoc services for MSMEs and individuals within cities, we optimize asset usage. This leads to more shipments per truck, reducing excessive fuel consumption and lowering carbon footprints.
Secondly, we prioritize return loads. We understand the waste of miles when trucks travel empty or without freight during inter-city movements. To combat this inefficiency, we offer fleet owners access to return loads. By minimizing unnecessary travel and maximizing resource allocation, we improve operational efficiency and significantly reduce fuel consumption.
Our third pillar, EVolev, is a pioneering digital platform for EV trucks. With EVolev, we aim to spearhead road logistics electrification in India, making it cost-effective and 100% sustainable. By promoting electric trucks, we lower trip operating costs and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. Our goal is to reduce CO2 emissions and ensure environmentally friendly road logistics.
Lastly, through our non-profit organization, “What The Truck,” we empower truck drivers and small fleet owners on multiple fronts. We advocate for trucks moving freely across India without halting or bribes due to RTOs. We also assist small fleet owners in transitioning to commercial electric vehicles through demonstrations and workshops. By offering financial and social support, we uplift the trucking community and promote sustainable practices.
TechGraph: How has the rise of e-commerce and online shopping impacted the trucking and logistics industry, and how has Trucknetic adapted to these changes?
Arham Partap Jain: Being part of the logistics industry during the e-commerce boom has been exciting. Increased truck demands across India has presented numerous opportunities. It’s projected that the e-commerce industry in India will reach $11.5 billion by 2027, which is remarkable for trucking companies like Trucknetic.
We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the e-commerce revolution, serving as a one-stop platform for all types of trucks and movements. Whether it’s first-mile, mid-mile, or last-mile deliveries for e-commerce brands, Trucknetic has got it covered. We understand the importance of providing comprehensive logistics solutions to meet our client’s diverse needs.
To support sustainability and embrace the future, we have introduced EV-as-a-service to all our partner brands. This initiative focuses on helping them electrify their fleets, particularly for last-mile movements. By offering electric vehicles as a service, we aim to contribute to a greener and more environmentally friendly transportation system.
TechGraph: How does Trucknetic ensure the safety and security of the goods they transport, and what measures do they have in place to prevent theft or damage?
Arham Partap Jain: Trucknetic is the only platform in India that offers in-transit insurance coverage of up to 110% of the goods invoice value. Our top priority is ensuring the safe and secure transportation of goods, providing our clients with peace of mind throughout the transit process.
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Furthermore, we are proud to be pioneers in providing Legal on Wheels as a service. We understand the challenges faced by carriers and truck drivers when dealing with RTOs and the risk of bribery and misconduct. To address this issue, we have established a vast network of 10,000 lawyers across India. This empowers carriers and truck drivers with legal support, helping them navigate any legal challenges they may face during their operations.
By offering these unique services, we strive to create a transparent and trustworthy ecosystem within the trucking industry. Our commitment to safety, security, and legal compliance sets us apart from other trucking companies. We believe in empowering our clients and ensuring their operations are conducted honestly.
TechGraph: With concerns about transportation’s environmental impact, what steps is Trucknetic taking to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability in its operations?
Arham Partap Jain: We understand the pressing issue of vehicular emissions and their contribution to air pollution. We are committed to not only reducing logistics costs but also taking proactive steps to mitigate carbon emissions. This will contribute to India’s goal of net zero emissions by 2070.
One of the key strategies we have adopted is increasing asset utilization. By optimizing scheduled truck utilization, we strive to maximize shipment numbers per truck. This approach improves operational efficiency and significantly reduces fuel consumption. By reducing the number of trucks on the road and maximizing their capacity, we minimize carbon footprints and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Another key aspect we focus on is providing access to return loads. We recognize the inefficiencies and mileage waste when trucks travel empty or without freight during inter-city movements. By connecting fleet owners with return loads, we minimize unnecessary travel and fuel usage. This initiative improves logistics efficiency and reduces emissions associated with idle or non-revenue-generating trips.
Electrification of road logistics is a key area of focus for us. We are actively promoting electric vehicles (EVs) adoption in the trucking industry. By transitioning from traditional combustion engine trucks to EVs, we can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and promote a greener and more sustainable logistics ecosystem. Our aim is to boost road logistics electrification in India and encourage widespread adoption of EVs, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to supporting small fleet owners in their transition to commercial electric vehicles. Through demonstrations and workshops, we provide them with the necessary guidance, knowledge, and resources to make informed decisions about EVs. By empowering small fleet owners to embrace electric mobility, we facilitate the overall shift toward sustainable transportation solutions. We contribute to carbon emissions reduction.
TechGraph: What role does technology play in Trucknetic’s operations, and how has the company adapted to the rapidly changing landscape of digital logistics solutions?
Arham Partap Jain: Technology is at the core of our operations, driving efficiency and convenience for our customers. We offer a comprehensive digital platform that covers all types of trucks and provides concierge services, all accessible with just a few taps. With Trucknetic, you can manage your logistics needs easily.
Our digital platform includes advanced features like live vehicle tracking, allowing you to monitor your shipments’ progress in real-time. We leverage technologies such as AI and ML to optimize costs and routes, ensuring logistics operations are streamlined and cost-effective.
Additionally, our platform offers a variety of useful tools. You can access a free freight calculator to estimate shipping costs. You can also conveniently manage in-transit insurance for added security, and benefit from BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) services for flexible payment options. We also handle end-to-end documentation, saving you time and effort managing paperwork.
One of our key innovations is the use of AI, ML, and geofencing technologies to map trucks and provide return loads. By maximizing truck asset utilization, we reduce empty trips and enhance operational efficiency. This benefits truck owners by minimizing downtime and fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
TechGraph: How does Trucknetic ensure the safety and security of its drivers and cargo, and what measures does the company take to minimize accidents or theft risk?
Arham Partap Jain: We are proud to go beyond traditional trucking services and make a meaningful impact on the lives of carriers and truck drivers. Through our non-profit NGO, What The Truck, we empower carriers socially and financially.
We understand truck drivers’ challenges, and their well-being is our top priority. That’s why we provide insurance coverage to protect them against unfortunate incidents. We believe in ensuring their safety and security while they work on the roads.
In addition to driver insurance, we offer in-transit insurance that goes above and beyond industry standards. We provide coverage of up to 110% of the invoice value of goods, ensuring our clients’ shipments are protected throughout the transit process. With Trucknetic, you can rest assured your goods are in safe hands.
Trucknetic is also a trailblazer in the industry when it comes to empowering carriers and truck drivers against bribery and misconduct. We are proud to be one of the first trucking companies to offer Legal on Wheels as a service. Through our extensive network of 10,000 lawyers across India, we provide carriers and truck drivers with legal support to tackle issues they may face with RTOs and other authorities. We believe in fighting undue misconduct and creating a fair and just environment for all.
TechGraph: How does Trucknetic collaborate with its clients to understand their unique logistics requirements and deliver customized solutions?
Arham Partap Jain: We pride ourselves on delivering personalized solutions tailored to our client’s unique needs. We thoroughly understand their business models and provide comprehensive support, including an omnichannel approach and assistance with manpower requirements.
Our goal is to be a trusted partner in every aspect of our clients’ logistics operations. Whether it’s managing first-mile, mid-mile, or last-mile deliveries, we ensure a seamless and efficient process. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we also offer assistance electrifying our clients’ fleets, helping them embrace greener transportation solutions.
To empower our clients with valuable insights, we provide customized dashboard solutions. Through these dashboards, they can gain a comprehensive view of multiple parameters critical to their operations. This includes important metrics such as turnaround time (TAT), number of deliveries, driver ratings, and cost and fuel optimization. By having access to these insights, our clients can make informed decisions, streamline operations, and drive efficiency.
TechGraph: As a relatively new player in the industry, what sets Trucknetic apart from its competitors? What are the company’s goals for growth and expansion in the coming years?
Arham Partap Jain: Trucknetic takes pride in the parameters that set us apart from our competitors. One of our key differentiators is our focus on asset utilization. We offer a comprehensive one-stop platform that caters to both B2B (Brands) and B2C (SMEs, Individuals) clients. For B2B clients, we increase asset utilization of scheduled trucks, while for B2C customers, we provide ad hoc movements for intra-city transportation needs. Our platform offers a wide range of trucks, including FTL, PTL, LTL, EVs, and packers and movers. This ensures that we can meet all logistics requirements. Additionally, our platform democratizes loads, making them accessible to all users.
Another significant parameter that sets us apart is our focus on return loads. We have activated all types of trucking movements in specific regions, enabling us to offer a network that ensures return load availability for carriers. This increases yield earned per truck per trip in inter-city movements and reduces freight costs for shippers. By optimizing truck capacity and reducing empty miles, we create a more efficient and sustainable logistics ecosystem.
Trucknetic is committed to driving the electrification of trucking and logistics through our initiative called EVolev. As India’s first platform for EV trucks, we aim to boost asset utilization for EV OEMs and fleet owners. By creating an ecosystem that brings together EV OEMs, EV-as-a-service players, charging station providers, and financiers, we are actively contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and making trucking more sustainable.
Furthermore, we take pride in our What The Truck initiative. As a supplier-centric company, we empower truck drivers and carriers by assisting them in various ways. We help carriers switch to cleaner fuels, ensure compliance with government norms, and protect them from undue harassment by RTOs. Through partnerships and campaigns, we offer free medical checkups, life insurance covers, and other support to prioritize truck drivers and carriers’ well-being.
Looking ahead, we have ambitious goals for the future. We aim to 10x our number of trips and revenue in the coming months to meet growing demands from both B2C and B2B clients. By serving 100 B2B clients and achieving 1 million app downloads by FY24, we are committed to expanding our reach and providing exceptional services to our valued clients.
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