National Logistics Day 2023: Tech-driven startups spearhead digital transformation in India’s logistics sector
The logistics sector plays a significant role in driving the nation’s economy, facilitating the distribution of essential goods, including medicines and e-commerce orders. As of 2022, the Indian logistics sector was valued at $210 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8-10% in the coming years. Despite being the most expensive choice, roadways continue to be the predominant mode of transportation in India’s logistics network, overshadowing alternatives like railways and waterways, showcasing the high reliance of businesses in India on road transport for their logistics operations.
Furthermore, the sector heavily relies on unorganised players, predominantly composed of small-scale entities with fleets of less than five trucks. These players often lack the necessary resources to invest in technological advancements for their operations. Therefore, the challenges persist in the form of unorganised players and a substantial dependence on roadways.
In an effort to tackle these challenges, there is a growing focus on emerging startups that are adopting innovative technologies. These startups aim to enhance last-mile delivery services while also assisting businesses in digitizing and optimizing their overall logistics operations.
Intugine: Intugine is a Bangalore-based startup that offers a comprehensive platform for real-time multimodal supply chain visibility. It uses proprietary IoT devices, cloud-based software and data analytics to track shipments across full truckloads, partial truckloads, and ocean and rail transportation. It also provides predictive alerts, exception management and performance insights to help businesses improve their logistics efficiency and customer experience. Intugine claims to track over 10 million shipments for over 75 global customers across the chemical, automotive, building materials, consumer durables, FMCG, retail and e-commerce industries12.
FourKites: FourKites is a Chicago-based startup that offers a platform for real-time multimodal supply chain visibility. It uses GPS, cellular, ELD and IoT sensors to track shipments across trucking, rail, ocean and air transportation. It also provides predictive ETAs, dynamic routing, risk management and sustainability insights to help businesses optimise their logistics operations and reduce their carbon footprint. FourKites claims to serve over 600 customers across 176 countries, including Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola, Walmart, Nestle and Unilever4.
Shippeo: Shippeo is a Paris-based startup that offers a platform for real-time multimodal supply chain visibility. It uses IoT devices, APIs and machine learning to track shipments across road, rail, ocean and air transportation. It also provides predictive ETAs, anomaly detection, carbon emissions monitoring and customer satisfaction measurement to help businesses improve their logistics performance and sustainability. Shippeo claims to serve over 160 customers across 62 countries, including Carrefour, Saint-Gobain, Faurecia and Schneider Electric5.
ClearMetal: ClearMetal is a San Francisco-based startup that offers a platform for real-time multimodal supply chain visibility. It uses artificial intelligence, machine learning and IoT data to track shipments across ocean, air and land transportation. It also provides predictive ETAs, inventory optimisation, exception management and customer engagement tools to help businesses improve their logistics efficiency and profitability. ClearMetal claims to serve over 50 customers across 20 countries, including Georgia-Pacific, Hapag-Lloyd and Panalpina.
Roambee: Roambee is a Santa Clara-based startup that offers a platform for real-time multimodal supply chain visibility. It uses IoT devices, cloud-based software and data analytics to track shipments across road, rail, ocean and air transportation. It also provides condition monitoring, theft prevention, demand forecasting and compliance management to help businesses improve their logistics performance and security. Roambee claims to serve over 300 customers across 15 countries, including Unilever, DHL and Mahindra.
