64 years’ worth of steadfast dedication to the field of logistics has cemented V-Trans as a brand that represents commitment and trust. Without so much as an ounce of compromise on their core ethics and values, V-Trans has evolved from a local transport company to one of the most preferred single-window logistics providers in the nation as also in SAARC countries. Their humble beginnings as a firm based out of Mumbai preceded their eventual expansion into Gujarat, and with the start of the new millennium, the commencement of their operations in the south, north and east of India.
As of today, V-Trans offers a wide range of solutions including Part Truck Load Services (PTL), Full Truck Load Cargo Service (FTL), Over Dimensional Cargo transport (ODC), express cargo with multimodal connectivity, warehousing, 3 PL and a plethora of Value-Added Services. The company has over 850 branches across the country, with a workforce that consists of more than 3300 dedicated employees and has provided its services to over 1 Lakh customers. In a recent interview, the chairman and managing director of V-Trans, Shri Mahendra K. Shah has provided a deeper look into V-Trans’s various strengths, and the factors that set them apart from their competitors.
In the logistics business, the most basic requirement is that the goods reach the assigned destination without any qualms, and that a reasonable rate be charged for the same. While this requirement is met by almost every company in the logistics sphere, Mr. Shah reveals that the key factor that sets V-Trans apart, is the reliability, especially in operations and services, that they have worked towards establishing in the eyes of their customers over the course of a 64-year journey, and bred loyalty amongst them. A staggering majority of whom have nothing but glowing testimonials to offer, regarding the services that were rendered to them. Regarding technology, V-Trans’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, best-in-class ERP- Vijayant that is powered with Oracle and advanced TMS system, and trained staff have all but ensured the finest customized cargo management and logistics solutions. Finally, the company’s thirst for growth and expansion has significantly contributed to its success in the market. Despite the vast number of logistics companies in India, V-Trans constantly looks for areas where there is scope for expansion and doesn’t miss a chance to set up a branch when the opportunity to do so presents itself. Over 6 decades of efficient and effective operations have led to V-Trans earning numerous accolades, including, but not limited to, the awards for the Best Integrated Logistics Service Provider, Overall Excellence in Logistics and Supply Chain, Sustainability Champion Company of the Year and for Organisation Excellence in CX-2022.
A fundamental part of the company’s principles is their stellar human resource management. Over the course of 6 decades, there has never been a gap between management, labour, and staff, with the entire company being treated as one large family. When Mr. Shah entered the business 47 years ago, the transportation business was an arduous and challenging sphere where only the toughest of entrepreneurs could survive. Adversities such as bad roads, breakdown of vehicles, and thefts on the way were the order of the day back then.
Mahendra Shah comes from a family that has always upheld the values of empathy and good human behaviour. Therefore, in the group, drivers were treated with respect and were taken care of them. This gained loyalty and commitment from the drivers – said Mr. Shah.
The organization of initiatives such as ‘Dignity to Drivers’, promotes the physical, mental, and financial well-being of their drivers, recognizing these factors as essential to the company’s success. This involves the conducting of health camps, training, and counselling workshops, as well as ensuring that hygienic washrooms, resting areas, and mess facilities are available to their drivers at all major transport locations. Today, the company a fleet strength of over 1500 trucks, of which its own trucks are 250, with work being outsourced to 1300 regular vehicles and many market vehicles.
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed heavy adversities on businesses around the world, with V-Trans not being an exception. However, Mr Shah identified the silver lining in the storm and endeavoured to utilize the situation in a positive manner. Through the use of digital media, V-Trans kept in touch with their entire network of clients, partners, and customers, despite the lockdown. Effective utilization of technology enabled them to continue participating in conferences and industry events which allowed them to learn, share and remain competitive in the industry. In addition, due to social distancing mandates, the company was presented with a good number of opportunities, due to the necessities that arose for businesses across the country at this time. Today, now that the pandemic has been resolved, V-Trans’s numbers have indeed improved, but factors such as inflation and hikes in operating prices have led to their progress being slightly held back.
The vast potential possessed by the Indian market, and the rapid infrastructure development that is taking place along with the Make-In-India program, have made India a target for many European and other multinational companies that are looking to set up offices here and grow their businesses. Mr Shah firmly believes that in a matter of a few years, there will be a rise in the number of industries thriving in the Indian space, which will in turn increase the need for transportation. The multinational coming to India for being a preferred nation and for China +1 strategy, and at the same time initiatives such as Atma-Nirbhar Bharat are going to create a significant uptick in manufacturing from India, which will be another wave of opportunity that V-Trans looks forward to.
V-Trans Group has a strong presence and is a leader in logistics in categories like Chemicals, Engineering & machine tools, publishing, pharma, etc., and has made plans to make good inroads in the Textile category moving forward.
The company made a revenue of around 1400 Crores in the last financial year and has set a target of INR 2000 Crores for the upcoming one, a task that Mr. Shah is sure they will fulfil. Presently, there is a lot of focus towards augmentation and upgradation of software, acknowledging the importance of keeping in pace with digital requirements, so they can offer the best of services to their clientele. Mr. Shah confidently states that the textile industry will be one of their top areas of operation within the next 5 years, with plans already in motion to take advantage of the already thriving textile industry in the country . Ultimately, their vision is to achieve the highest rank amongst the players in the Indian logistics industry, but to also implement holistic changes and development in the process. Ensuring customer delight, making dynamic improvements to their processes, and maintaining a high standard of reliability, passion, and ethical behaviour, has and will continue to be the reasons behind V-Trans’s prosperity in the years to come.