Smartr Logistics bridging the gap with high-quality services at affordable price

After a successful career spanning almost 4 decades, what prompted you to start an entrepreneurial venture?

I started my career with Blue Dart in 1992. During my three-decade stint, I gained imperative knowledge of the logistics industry as I worked closely with the company promoters. Over the years, I was entrusted with the responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer which was then extended to Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer where I focused a lot on establishing and growing the business. This imbibed in me a strong desire for an entrepreneurial journey of my own.

Witnessing the changing customer demands for flexible prices and faster deliveries, inspired me to build a stronger logistical network that would meet the new-age customers’ demand and is affordable at the same time.

Eventually, along with like-minded colleagues, I launched Smartr Logistics – a tech-enabled disruptive network for faster deliveries with a diverse range of product offerings.

Tell us about Smart Express. How is it different in terms of offerings?

Smartr was conceptualized to disrupt the Indian logistics landscape by developing a point-to-point optimum network routing to ensure faster connectivity. We were the industry pioneers in India to achieve same-day interstate express delivery with our air express product ‘Aerex’.

Echoing the National Logistics Policy, Smartr aims to provide options between urgency and economy depending on the type of shipment. Customers can choose Aerex Prime for time-sensitive deliveries, Aerex e-Comm for e-commerce shipments and Aerex Kargo for heavier packages that need careful handling.

On customer demand, we launched ‘Wheelex’, a premium ground express service. Just like Aerex, Wheelex offers a pan-India network with industry-first features like digital locks and multi-piece tracking. Wheelex comes with a variety of product offerings such as Wheelex Kargo for B2B cargo movement, Wheelex Share offering value for money through a part truck load solution and Wheelex Jumbo offering point-to-point customer-dedicated full truckload service.

What markets are you targeting and how do you plan to tackle completion?

Smartr Logistics aims to be a logistics facilitator for all. We became the first logistics company to launch offerings across B2B, B2C, BFSI, B2C E-comm & D2C industries. We are agile and innovative in approach and offer customized solutions to our customers’ needs.

To emphasise quality and trust, we assure real-time and end-to-end tracking of shipments at a piece level, 24×7 customer support and transparency in the pricing and operations process. We have some of the fastest transit times in the industry and industry experts leading each of our first, mid, and last-mile processes.

Our expertise, know-how, and commitment to deliver on our promises gives us a competitive edge.

How do plan to compete with the super products you built (Blue Dart etc)?

Smartr Logistics was launched to create solutions for every customer’s logistics requirement. Our product range spans from secure products for passports to e-comm solutions with convenient payment options and OTP-based delivery. We are dynamic and mindful of the evolving customer needs.

Our goal is to add international services in the next six months along with hyper-local offerings and subsequently 3PL, warehousing and fulfilment centres in the coming years.

Our unique offerings such as on-demand customization, speed, and technology with a 24×7 customer support differentiate us from our competitors. Most importantly, we offer an ethical and transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges.

Your advice to young professionals thinking of embarking on the entrepreneurial journey.

Entrepreneurs must have a long-term vision. Along with charting out at least a five-year roadmap for their company, the idea itself should be solving a problem or bridging gaps in a business or industry. Moreover, onboarding like-minded people will fuel the passion and helps drive the business which is imperative when starting. Every entrepreneur must consider the hard work that goes into owning and operating a business, employees, and giving back to the community. They should be passionate about solving problems and stay focussed on their mission.

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