India’s logistics industry is expanding rapidly, showcasing the country’s growing economy and evolving supply chain demands. According to Mordor Intelligence, the Indian logistics market is anticipated to reach approximately $317.27 billion in 2024, with expectations to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% to $484.43 billion by 2029.
Despite seeing growth, the sector is plagued with challenges such as increasing transportation costs, inadequate infrastructure, inefficient supply chain, lack of skilled labour, technological gaps, and others.
After starting a chain of restaurants called Bawarchi in Thailand, Myanmar, and Dubai, JD Yadav faced similar logistics problems back in 1998. Although he had company-owned vehicles for exporting from Thailand, he needed logistics support, but could not find any company with a good logistics network.
“Many players still operate manually, increasing the chances of inefficiencies and errors. Moreover, inappropriate data management systems result in poor tracking and transparency of shipments,” Yadav, a serial entrepreneur, tells YourStory.
To address these pain points, Yadav launched BookMyCargo in 2016 in Thailand. The logistics startup leveraged cutting-edge technology with a customer-centric approach to provide innovative, efficient, and reliable supply chain solutions. It catered to business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customers (B2C) in Thailand.
After seeing success, BookMyCargo was launched in the Indian market in 2020 to offer B2B services to customers. The Gurugram-based startup is currently providing affordable last-mile delivery in the form of door-to-door services.
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The product and services
BookMyCargo provides a mobile application for drivers and customers. Customers can place booking requests by entering the mode of transport, pickup time, and pickup and drop location. Once a booking request is created, drivers can accept the bookings, providing a real-time tracking feature to the customer.
The company offers a gamut of services like on-demand delivery, warehousing, express parcel transportation, freight forwarding, cross-border transportation, part truck load, full truck load, and supply chain solutions.
The startup leverages technologies like blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance efficiency and transparency.
According to Yadav, BookMyCargo values the training and development of logistics professionals and focuses on organising and implementing comprehensive training programmes.
With a team of over 200 members in India and over 70 members in Thailand, the startup competes with players like Porter, Borzo. However, Yadav feels that none of its competitors are technically advanced enough.
Yadav says the company’s USP lies in its technology. According to him, the BookMyCargo app is very comprehensive, and includes all the logistics solutions like warehousing, freight forwarding, auto selection, part truck load and full truck load.
Speaking about challenges, Yadav says, back when they started in 2016, India lacked adequate technology infrastructure in the logistics space.
“Driver management was super difficult. The quality of the vehicles was poor and connectivity was also poor. And the supply chain (first- mile, mid- mile, last- mile) was insufficient,” he says.
To solve this, the startup streamlined the whole process–from driver management to booking process using technology. It also put in place a rating system for drivers, including verification, and each vehicle gets inspected before onboarding, says Yadav.
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Business model and revenue
According to Yadav, the pricing depends on the vehicle category/ verticals warehousing for B2B. B2C pricing also depends on vehicle category like bike and trucking.
BookMyCargo has delivered 500,000 last-mile and 130,000 on-demand parcels in India, clocking a revenue of $1.3 million in FY23 and $1.9 million in FY24, respectively.
Currently, the bootstrapped company’s clients include renowned brands like Kaff, OSIM, Kolt Electricals, Grand Slam Fitness, ANEE Mobiles, CHERA, Pangea, Sehat, Macas Automotive, Paramount, and others.
The scope for BookMyCargo’s growth is significant as government initiatives to improve infrastructure by developing logistics parks and dedicated freight corridors contribute to the sector’s expansion in the country.
After seeing success in the space, the startup is geared to launch advanced logistics operations for the B2C segment in India this year.
“With advanced technology, customised strategies, and a commitment to sustainability, we are confident that our service will deliver unparalleled value and support to businesses of all sizes,” says Yadav.
Speaking about future plans, Yadav shares that the company is on the road to establishing a pan-India presence. The startup also aims to be one of the leading companies in India, with at least a 6% market share in the logistics segment by 2027.
Yadav says the startup has signed an agreement with Capinity Partners to raise funds. He further highlights that they are in talks with three investors and have a runway for two years.
Edited by Megha Reddy
