Road transport companies play a pivotal role in the bustling landscape of India’s economy. They’re the backbone that keeps goods moving across this vast country, ensuring your favourite products always land on store shelves. The importance of these firms can’t be overstated; they contribute significantly to India’s GDP and employ millions directly and indirectly.
India boasts some of the world’s biggest and most reputable road transport companies. These titans are identified by their commitment to quality service, extensive networks, and innovative use of technology. Whether delivering perishable goods in mint condition or transporting bulky items across great distances, these companies have repeatedly proven their mettle.
Dive into our list of top 10 road transport companies in India to find out. You’ll discover firms known for their reliability, customer satisfaction rates and impressive growth trajectories – all markers of a truly exceptional road transport company.
Road Transport Industry in India
- India had around 4.7 million km of roads in 2020, making it the world’s 3rd most extensive road network.
- There are over 12 million trucks in India, with net additions of over 600,000 trucks annually
- Road transport accounted for 4.7% of India’s GDP in 2010-2011
- Roads carry about 85% of passenger traffic and over 60% of freight in India.
- The road logistics market in India was worth around $220 billion in 2020, with intercity roads comprising 86% market share.
- The road logistics market in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 7% between 2019-2025. This growth is mirrored by other industries, like shipping companies in India, which are also expanding rapidly and contributing to the country’s economy.
- Major growth drivers include BS VI emission norms, revised axle load norms, and technological advancements.
- Key issues and challenges include lack of transparency, high broker commissions, demand-supply mismatch, and low asset utilization.
- Emerging technologies like digital freight exchanges, fleet management systems, and data analytics are enabling efficiency gains.
- Road transport emissions accounted for 12% of India’s energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019
- Road transport is a significant contributor to urban air pollution in India
Road Transport Companies in India
- Transport Corporation of India (TCI)
- VRL Logistics
- DHL Express
- TCI XPS
- Gati Ltd
- Safexpress
- Blue Dart
- Delhivery
- Xpressbees
- Ecom Express
Besides road transport, other sectors are making strides in India’s economic landscape, such as consumer durable companies, known for their impact and presence.
| Company | Revenue FY 2022 |
|---|---|
| TCI | ₹9,030 crore |
| VRL Logistics | ₹27,456 crores ($3.3 billion) |
| DHL Express | ₹8,32,000 crores($100 billion) |
| TCI XPS | ₹1241 crores |
| Gati Ltd | ₹15,059 crore |
| Safexpress | ₹ 500 crores |
| Blue Dart | Rs 5,172 crores |
| Delhivery | ₹7,241 crore |
| Xpressbees | Rs 1,930 crore ($276 million) |
| Ecom Express | Rs 2,127 crore ($262 million) |
1. Transport Corporation of India (TCI)
Diving into one of India’s star players in the road transport sector, we find ourselves exploring the impressive terrain of the Transport Corporation of India (TCI). Standing tall with a revenue of ₹9,030 crore and profit of ₹311 crore for the financial year 2022, TCI has made its mark as an industry leader. Their robust workforce boasts around 5,500 dedicated employees who work tirelessly to keep the wheels turning.
Their key services span across road transportation, supply chain solutions, and seaways or coastal shipping. They’ve been instrumental in propelling businesses like Asian Paints, Voltas and Tata Motors forward with their dependable logistics support. Not just limited within our borders, their headquarters based out in Gurugram speaks volumes about their strategic placement within India’s bustling industrial hub.
TCI’s expansive reach and logistical capabilities can be compared to those of logistics companies in India, which are also revolutionizing transportation and supply chain management
TCI’s journey, which began back in 1958 under Shri S N Agarwal’s leadership, has seen some remarkable milestones. They crossed a revenue threshold marking ₹9,000 crores in FY2022 and added over 200 new clients across various divisions during this period. The company went public on both NSE and BSE in 1994 and expanded its horizons to supply chain solutions and coastal shipping around the early 2000s.
Partnerships have also played a crucial role in TCI’s growth story. Their collaboration with CONCOR for multimodal logistics parks is worth noting as it considerably broadened their service offerings. Another successful partnership was forged with Maersk for integrated logistics solutions, which helped them diversify further.
With a market share hovering around ~5%, they rank amongst the top five Indian logistics companies. Research & development isn’t left behind either; they’re focusing on digital initiatives like mobile apps, control tower solutions and analytics.
A slew of awards decorate their mantle, including ‘Logistics Service Provider of the Year’ at Business Leader of the Year Awards 2022. TCI’s growth isn’t limited to organic means; they’ve also expanded through acquisitions like TC Intermodal Shipping in 2020 and have a few subsidiaries, including TCI Express, TCI Developers, and TCI Foundation.
| Key Statistics | FY 2022 |
|---|---|
| Revenue | ₹9,030 crore |
| Profit | ₹311 crore |
| Employees Count | Around 5,500 |
Their story is an inspiration for many in the industry and serves as evidence of their unwavering commitment to providing top-notch transportation services across India.
2. VRL Logistics
When it comes to the top road transport companies in India, there’s no way you can miss out on discussing VRL Logistics. With a revenue of ₹27,456 crores ($3.3 billion) and a profit of ₹401 crores ($50 million), they’ve set quite an impressive record in the industry.
Employing over 20,788 individuals as of March 2022, their services span across the entire country. They specialise in road transportation of goods using a variety of solutions – from full truckload to less than truckload and even courier services.
Their broad client base includes sectors such as e-commerce, automotive, retail, FMCG, pharmaceuticals and textiles. All operations are run from their headquarters located in Hubli, Karnataka.
They’re India’s largest private sector fleet owner, with over 4,800 vehicles as of 2022! Nearly 8 lakh customers are dotted throughout India relying on their logistics services.
One notable partnership that stands out is their tie-up with Delhivery for last-mile delivery – further extending their reach across regions. The company was founded in 1976 by Vijay Sankeshwar in Gadag, Karnataka and has since expanded its portfolio from simple goods transportation to courier and parcel services.
The company holds a significant share of the Indian logistics market – about 5.73% as of this year. A crucial part of their success strategy lies within research and development, with a strong focus on adopting technology for operations and logistics like SAP ERP for integrated operations.
VRL Logistics isn’t just known domestically but also holds recognition on platforms like Limca Book Records, where it’s lauded for having the most extensive private fleet owner title under its belt.
Beyond road transport, they’ve branched into aviation too, with VRL Aviation being one of their subsidiaries, alongside acquisitions like Taurus Aviation assets in 2011. The founder and chairman, Vijay Sankeshwar, remains a notable figure in the company’s history and journey to success.
VRL Logistics has become a leading force in India’s transportation sector thanks to its large fleet size, nationwide presence, and steadfast commitment to technological innovation. It’s managed to maintain steady growth and an increasing market share in what is often considered a fragmented industry.
3. DHL Express
A titan in the logistics world, DHL Express is an integral part of the global supply chain. With a revenue soaring around ₹8,32,000 crores ($100 billion) and operating profit approximating ₹74,048 crores ($8.9 billion), it’s clear that their services are sought after worldwide.
| Revenue | Operating Profit |
|---|---|
| ₹8,32,000 crores ($100 billion) | ₹74,048 crores ($8.9 billion) |
Boasting a workforce of approximately 590,000 employees globally, they offer a vast range of services from express door-to-door delivery to contract logistics and supply chain management.
- Express Delivery Services (DHL Express): Time-definite international express door-to-door delivery services.
- Air and Ocean Freight Shipping (DHL Global Forwarding).
- Road Freight Transport (DHL Freight).
- Contract Logistics and Supply Chain Management (DHL Supply Chain).
Their client base spans across numerous industries such as technology, life sciences, automotive, retail, consumer goods, engineering, manufacturing and energy sectors – making them one of the most versatile companies in their field.
The company’s headquarters is located in Bonn, Germany, but its reach extends far beyond. DHL Express proudly operates in over 220 countries and territories, making it the largest logistics provider globally!
Founded back in 1969 by Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn in San Francisco, it merged with Deutsche Post in 2002, forming what we now know as Deutsche Post DHL Group.
Over recent years, they’ve shown commitment to sustainability by partnering with the EPA SmartWay programme for sustainable freight transportation whilst also investing heavily into digitalisation – an impressive sum of €4.1 billion was allocated towards operating business development alone during 2022!
They’ve bagged some impressive accolades, including being named the World’s Best Employer by Forbes in 2022 and recognised as a World’s Most Ethical Company by Ethisphere Institute that same year.
They’ve made strategic acquisitions, such as the UK parcel company UK Mail, in 2016 for further growth. In addition to DHL Express, they operate multiple subsidiaries including DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Freight, DHL Supply Chain and DHL eCommerce Solutions.
DHL’s global presence and logistical efficiency are on par with the operations of courier companies in India, which are also key players in the logistics and delivery sector.
Dedication to their craft is evident within every facet of their operation – from their expansive range of services to an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Through this steadfast approach, it’s clear that DHL Express will continue to be a leader in global logistics for years to come.
4. TCI XPS
TCI XPS, now known as TCI Express Limited, has carved out a unique niche for itself in the Indian transport industry. Established in 1996 as an arm of the Transport Corporation of India (TCI), it has snowballed over the years. In fact, it became an independent entity in 2015 and hasn’t looked back since.
Operating from its headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana, TCI XPS has more than 3,000 dedicated employees working relentlessly to ensure seamless operations. With revenue amounting to ₹1241 billion and a net profit of ₹139 billion, they’ve become a force to be reckoned with.
| Financials | Amount (₹ crores) |
|---|---|
| Revenue | 1241 |
| Net Profit | 139 |
Their services echo their commitment to excellence, too. Specialising in express distribution services, including Surface Express, Domestic Air Express and International Air Express – they’re everywhere you need them to be! They’ve also mastered time-definite delivery solutions for express logistics which is no small feat.
Their extensive network spanning across India sets them apart, though, with over 40,000 pickup and delivery locations.
Their ISO 9001:2000 certified operations are a testament to their dedication towards quality service provision which doesn’t go unnoticed by industry experts either! They were honoured with the ‘Iconic Brands of India 2023’ award – a celebration of brands that have defined Indian business landscapes through innovation and resilience.
They’ve never rested on their laurels, though; always striving for improvement through research and development initiatives focused on increasing sorting centres, expanding branches, and strengthening IT/grievance redressal mechanisms. TCI XPS is a prime example of Indian enterprise at its finest!
5. Gati Ltd
Established in 1989, Gati Ltd is a key player when you’re talking about road transport companies in India. Its founder, Mahendra Agarwal, began operations between Chennai and Madurai. Fast forward to today, it’s headquartered in Hyderabad and operates with an impressive team of around 5,000 employees (as of 2022).
Gati Ltd offers a broad range of services, including express distribution, supply chain management, air and surface logistics, warehousing and e-commerce logistics. These services have earned them a prominent clientele list featuring big names like Asian Paints, Bajaj Electricals, Havells, HP, and HUL, among others. Despite facing a loss of Rs -44 crore (FY22), they’ve managed to generate revenue worth Rs 15,059 crore (FY22).
What sets Gati apart is their commitment to reach every nook and cranny of the country. They’ve made their mark across 735 out of the total 739 districts in India! This extensive network has given them an edge over competitors, with a market share of about 17% in the organized logistics sector.
The company has also had notable collaborations. They’ve partnered up with Japan’s Kintetsu World Express, resulting in KWE Gati-Kintetsu Express Pvt Ltd. and Delhivery and Mahindra Logistics launching the Part Truck Load (PTL) service.
Gati hasn’t been shy about embracing technology, either. Focusing on digitalisation and technology integration into their operations led to the launch of software GEMS 2.0 for automation purposes.
They bagged prestigious accolades such as the Golden Peacock Award for Quality in 2019 and Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence Awards that same year.
In more recent history, though, there was quite a significant change: it was acquired by Allcargo Logistics in 2020. Despite this change, Gati continues to drive forward with its subsidiary Gati KWE Pvt Ltd and aims to maintain its strong presence in the road transport industry.
6. Safexpress
Emerging as one of India’s top road transport companies, Safexpress has undoubtedly made its mark. Established in 1997, it’s a company that pioneered express logistics within the country. Today, it generates an impressive revenue of over 500 crores and employs around 4,500 skilled personnel across its operations.
Dedicated to providing a wide range of services, Safexpress stands out with its offerings. These include express distribution, third-party logistics, consulting services, air cargo and warehouse services. It’s no surprise then that they have managed to garner over 5,000 corporates as key clients across diverse industries such as apparel, automotive, FMCG and electronics, to name just a few.
Notably based in Gurugram, Haryana – this company boasts the largest fleet in India with over 10k GPS-enabled vehicles! Their extensive network covers every pincode within the country across 2,415 routes, which allows them to deliver more than 134 million packages annually.
Safexpress is also known for its strategic partnerships and notable projects. In particular, their tie-ups with major e-commerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart have marked significant milestones for them. They’ve also been instrumental in technology innovation within logistics and supply chain management through their ongoing research and development initiatives.
Despite stiff competition within the industry, Safexpress continues to ride high on recognition, having bagged the ‘Best Road Service Provider’ and ‘Best 3PL Company’ awards recently in 2022! Moreover they’ve successfully expanded their reach through subsidiaries such as Safeducate, Green Truck & TranSolutions, contributing significantly to their market share.
7. Blue Dart
Blue Dart reported a revenue of Rs 5,172 crores (Rs 51.72 billion) for FY 2022, with a profit of Rs 382 crores (Rs 3.82 billion). This financial success is driven by approximately 12,500 dedicated employees.
Known predominantly for their express package and document delivery services that operate both in the air and on the ground, they’re also making strides in e-commerce logistics solutions. InternetDart, ShopTrack and PackTrack are just a few examples of their innovative offerings.
Their client portfolio includes big names such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra and Jabong, solidifying their position as market leaders within India’s express logistics sector. With over 55,400 locations covered within India alone and access to DHL’s global network spanning over 220 countries – it’s no wonder they hold an impressive market share of around 35-40% in the organised express industry in India.
One could say that Blue Dart has truly made its mark since its inception back in ’83 by Tushar Jani and Khushroo Dubash. The company’s trajectory took a significant turn post the business alliance with DHL Express in ’02, which saw an investment of €120 million from DHL in ’04, making them significant shareholders.
A continuous quest for improvement is evident from their hefty investments into R&D, developing cutting-edge technology solutions like TrackDart, MailDart and MobileDart, amongst others.
They’ve bagged the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand award for an astounding fourteen consecutive years! Not to mention being ranked among India’s Top 25 Best Companies to Work For!
Blue Dart Aviation Ltd., their cargo airline subsidiary, and Concorde Air Logistics Ltd., another subsidiary company, extend their reach further. And with brand ambassadors like cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni and actress Deepika Padukone, Blue Dart’s influence is widespread and continues to grow.
So, there you have it. A snapshot of Blue Dart, a company that started off in ’83 and, through consistent growth, strategic partnerships and customer satisfaction, has become a market leader in express logistics within India.
8. Delhivery
Let’s take a closer look at one of India’s leading logistics companies, Delhivery. Founded in 2011, it’s grown into a significant player in the road transport industry and is now headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana.
Delhivery has become renowned for its integrated logistics services. These range from express parcel delivery to warehousing and cross-border supply chain solutions. It’s an impressive suite of services that attracts over 26.5K active customers – including big names like Flipkart, Snapdeal, eBay, Amazon, Myntra, Jabong and Healthkart.
The company boasts a substantial workforce of 60,373 employees – all playing their part in maintaining Delhivery’s extensive presence across more than 2,000 cities in India.
Financially speaking, they’ve got solid figures to back up their reputation, too. In FY22 alone:
- Revenue: ₹7,241 crore
- Adjusted EBITDA: ₹72 crore
- Adjusted Cash Profit After Tax (PAT): ₹212 crore
Delhivery has bagged several collaborations with other major businesses such as The Good Glamm Group, Havells and CedCommerce.
At the heart of it all remains a commitment to innovation and technology. This focus helps them continually enhance their logistics services – they’ve even developed their own software suite for businesses! So whether you’re looking at their history or future prospects – it’s clear that Delhivery is quite the force within India’s road transport sector.
9. Xpressbees
Standing tall among India’s top logistics startups, Xpressbees has made significant strides in the road transport industry. Founded in 2015 by Amitava Saha and Supam Maheshwari, it’s grown exponentially over the years. With its headquarters nestled in Pune, Maharashtra, this company is a trailblazer in B2C and B2B express logistics services.
Financially speaking, Xpressbees has shown impressive revenue growth. In FY22 alone, they raked in around Rs 1,930 crore ($276 million), marking an 88% increase from Rs 1,025 crore the previous year. The net loss, too, saw a decline of 57%, down to Rs 27 crore from Rs 63 crore in FY21. A notable achievement was turning EBITDA positive with a margin of 2.33% versus -1.95% in FY21.
Here’s a snapshot of their financial performance:
| Metric | FY21 | FY22 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue (Rs Crore) | Rs 1025 Cr | Rs 1930 Cr |
| Net Loss (Rs Crore) | Rs63 Cr | Rs27 Cr |
| EBITDA Margin (%) | -1.95% | +2.33% |
The company is powered by approximately 30,000 dedicated employees who ensure smooth operations across various functions, including cross-border logistics services and third-party logistics (3PL) services such as warehousing and inventory management.
Xpressbees caters to many big names like Flipkart, Meesho, and Snapdeal, providing technology-enabled supply chain solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
In terms of partnerships and projects undertaken by Xpressbees – there are many worth noting! One key partnership announced in February 2022 was with Blackstone, and the company works with over 1,000 customers including significant e-commerce companies.
Also, in February 2022, Xpressbees raised $300 million. This propelled the company’s total funding to a whopping $575.8 million, landing it a valuation of ₹9984 crores post this funding round.
The company has also been recognised for its offerings in Gartner’s Market Guide for Real-Time Visibility Providers report in 2021. And as part of their growth strategy, they made their first acquisition – TrackOn – in August 2022.
Xpressbees is indeed making waves within India’s logistics sector alongside other big players like Delhivery and Ecom Express. With their innovative solutions and commitment to excellence, it’s no wonder they rank among India’s top road transport companies.
Are the Top Road Transport Companies in India also involved in the supply chain for Telecom Cable Manufacturers?
Yes, some of India’s top road transport companies are also involved in the supply chain for top telecom cable manufacturers in India. These transport companies play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of telecom cables to manufacturers and distributors across the country.
10. Ecom Express
Ecom Express, a titan in the Indian road transport industry, has grown remarkably since its inception in 2012. The initiative of T.A. Krishnan, Manju Dhawan, K. Satyanarayana and Sanjeev Saxena has burgeoned into India’s second-largest e-commerce-focused logistics company.
Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, Ecom Express employs around 25,000 people as of 2022. Despite recording a revenue of Rs 2,127 crore (around $262 million) during FY 2022, it slipped into a net loss of Rs 91 crore (around $11 million).
The company offers an array of services for the e-commerce industry, including express delivery and logistics. They’ve also got shipping services under their belt, along with fulfilment and digital services to boot. Major clients such as Amazon and Flipkart are a testament to the quality they offer.
Ecom Express has expanded its services to more than 2,700 cities and towns across India, covering over 27,000 pincodes! Delivering roughly one million shipments per day is no small feat either.
Investor confidence remains high with funding received from notable investors like Warburg Pincus and CDC Group. This, alongside strategic partnerships, further solidifies their sector standing.
Research & development forms a key part of their strategy, too – think cutting-edge technology & automation for logistics solutions powered by an AI-enabled address engine!
Additionally, Ecom Express East Private Limited and Ecom Express Private Limited form part of their subsidiary brands, expanding even further upon the company’s scope within India.
Conclusion on Road Transport Companies in India
Having journeyed through the list of top road transport companies in India, you’ve seen first-hand how diverse and dynamic this sector truly is. From multinational giants to local champions, each company offers its unique approach to delivering goods across the sprawling Indian subcontinent.
One thing’s certain – road transport plays a pivotal role in India’s growing economy. It’s not just about moving goods from point A to point B. Rather, these companies serve as vital cogs within wider supply chains that stretch around the globe.
Remember, though: before deciding on your preferred service provider, make sure you do your homework thoroughly – check their reliability track records and customer reviews for practical insights into their operations. After all, you want your goods delivered safely, promptly and efficiently – that’s what good road transport is all about!
