By continuously innovating and adapting to strategies, investing in infrastructure and technology, and fostering strong partnerships, I have been able to overcome logistical hurdles and ensure seamless deliveries in challenging terrains of Eastern India, says Prema Sharma, Eastern India, Amazon Trucking partner.
CT Bureau
Tell us about your journey and your association with Amazon’s Trucking Partner Programme?
My journey began in 2017. Despite my background in finance and marketing, transitioning into the logistics industry presented a challenge for me. However, I viewed this shift as an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic sector. With support from Amazon’s Trucking Partner Programme, my enterprise, Simar Express Solutions, thrived as a trucking business, achieving growth and success. Also the programme facilitated personal and professional growth. I am hopeful of inspiring more women to join logistics and excel in the field.
Tell us about the genesis of your business operations at your firm?
As we navigated through the nascent stages of our business, we encountered many challenges. However, our commitment to excellence and pursuit for innovation propelled us forward. With each hurdle, we emerged stronger, resilient, and built a solid reputation in the industry. We were able to streamline our operations and enhance our service offerings. From driver management and vehicle support to vendor coordination, we maintained high standards to meet the demands of our clients. Our integrated approach, with field supervisors, managers, and billing specialists working together, enables us to maintain high service standards.
How do you plan to inspire more women in Eastern India to join logistics?
Firstly, I aim to recruit and support more female truck drivers by breaking gender barriers. I will provide job opportunities for women in my firm, ensuring equal access to jobs regardless of gender. I intend to leverage Amazon’s education, training, and mentorship programmes to equip them with the skills and confidence to succeed in logistics and entrepreneurship. By offering mentorship and guidance, I hope to support them in navigating the challenges they might face.
I created a supportive environment so as to provide access to resources to assist women to thrive. This includes offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate family responsibilities. My ambition is to cultivate a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, paving the way for a brighter future for women in the field of logistics. Through these initiatives, I aim to break down barriers, foster confidence, and create opportunities for women to thrive in this dynamic industry.
Operating in Eastern India, what are the logistical and infra challenges you have faced?
One of the primary challenges is navigating through diverse landscapes—narrow roads, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. To address this, I invested in robust vehicle maintenance protocols and equipped our fleet with specialised vehicles designed to handle such terrain. I developed comprehensive route optimisation strategies to minimise travel time and ensure timely deliveries. By adapting the strategies, investing in infra, technology, and fostering partnerships, I was able able to overcome hurdles and ensure seamless deliveries in Eastern India.
What role do SMEs play in the logistics and e-commerce ecosystem, especially in Eastern India?
SMEs play a vital role in the logistics and e-commerce ecosystems, particularly in Eastern India. They contribute to the development of local economies by providing job opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship.
The SMEs serve as key players in facilitating delivery. They reach remote areas where larger firms face logistical constraints. The SMEs play a role in addressing infra challenges and bridging the gap between urban and rural areas. Amazon’s commitment to supporting trucking partners and their enterprises through innovative solutions such as Driver Monitoring System, Advanced Driver Assistance System and the Relay App have an impact on the logistics landscape in India. The SMEs contribute to economic growth, job generation, and overall development of the logistics sector, making them integral players in the logistics ecosystem.
