We anticipate emphasis on rail freight movement to support logistics, which will increase demand for electric locomotives with high horse power, increase capacity and speed of transportation to scale-up efficiencies and realize the goal of carbon net zero emissions, says Nisschal Jaain, Founder & CEO, Shypmax.
Ritika Arora Bhola
Tell us about the genesis of your logistics operations in India. Elaborate on your services and offerings for the Indian market?
While the pandemic was a disruptor, it also had a positive impact on various businesses involved in distribution and storage of goods. There are, however, many shortcomings and gaps in the way the current supply chain sector operates. Paperwork is still extensive, and last-mile delivery (LMD) needs to be improved to meet the international standard, especially for MSMEs as they run on a tight budget. This led us to identify the multiple problems an Indian exporter or importer faced.
This has also led to the conceptualization of Shypmax. Identification of these pain points coupled with the conducive schemes and initiatives of Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s, ‘Make in India and Export’ push, led to setting up Shypmax. We offer shipping services for B2B, B2C, and C2C (Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer, and Customer-to-Customer) shipments that begin or end in India with contemporary products, global and domestic express delivery, freight forwarding, and customs clearance.
What are the recent advancements done by the you in technology, cross border e-commerce and logistics sector in the past two years?
Our entire focus is on tech advancement and innovation of India’s cross-border logistics. We have based our company on a full-fledged technology dashboard, which is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). We created India’s first technology-powered cross-border logistics platform (LPaaS), building the cost-effective and simplified automated cross-border shipping services. Shypmax is a plug & play carrier with transparent, friendly, and easy-to-use services.
As a tech platform, how do you ensure tech-enabled solutions and visibility, reliability, and stakeholders involved in cross-border supply chain business?
The good news is that supply chain technology may streamline and improve one’s business processes. The competitive nature of today’s economy leaves less space for inefficiencies. Because of this, the businesses must keep developing and modernizing their supply chains:
- In order to provide dependable and secure data access and visibility, implement scalable and secure cloud-based technologies
- Automate procedures, including freight routing, pricing, tracking, and compliance monitoring to ensure effective and economical operations
- To increase productivity and create visibility throughout the supply chain, usage of predictive analytics and Machine Learning algorithms is advised.
- Use Blockchain to share data across the stakeholders in a secure and transparent manner
- Ensure prompt delivery by using IoT (IoT) solutions to track shipments in real-time
- Deliver customer service round the clock to address issues and give stakeholders timely information
- Implement security procedures to safeguard sensitive information and uphold privacy of the stakeholders.
What are your digital strategies that help customers take control of their supply chains and build maximum resilience to avoid disruptions?
Our platform is developed using the latest programs. And we use AI and ML for giving freight price quotes to the user on our platform. We use Predictive Analysis to come up with the best pricing that can be given to a customer. Our platform is equipped to read and interpret location-based data, which we use in the live-tracking of the shipments. Additionally, on our Docu Plus service database, every relevant piece of information pertaining to customs clearance, EXIM documents are present to help customers with easy processing of their shipments.
What are the bottlenecks involved when it comes to using technology and cargo movement from one destination to another?
Technology deployment and cargo transit can be slowed down by inadequate infrastructure. Ferrying goods can be delayed if there are problems with the roads, ports, railways. The deployment of technology and the transit of cargo can both be delayed by regulatory difficulties. Regulations pertaining to customs, taxes, insurance, among others make it difficult for commodities to be transported smoothly. The usage of technology
and cargo movement can be hampered by lack of capacity or resources.
Delays in delivery of goods may result from factors such as inadequate storage facilities or lack of personnel. Deployment of technology and cargo movement can be slowed down by poor logistics planning. The shipment of goods may be delayed due to improper route design, inadequate tracking systems, and poor shipper-carrier communication. The deployment of technology and the transit of cargo can both be delayed by unfavorable weather conditions. Transport of products can be considerably delayed by severe weather conditions such as snow, rain, and strong winds.
How would you rate India’s infra for cargo movement? Is it good enough, or does it need further improvement?
There is still potential for improvement in India’s infra for moving freight. The country’s road and rail infrastructure as well as the standard of its ports and airports, have all benefited from government investment.
Share your projects in pipeline and expansion plans?
By the end of this financial year, we plan to set up presence in 50 additional locations. We will move West to expand our activities in key regions. Owing to our current revenue growth of 30-40 per cent per month, we are on the path to hit a run rate of US$20 million this fiscal year and US$100 million by end of next fiscal year.
