Shipping Industry in India – An Overview
Looking at the status of the shipping companies in India, it is evident that there has been a tremendous improvement in the past decade. In other words, changing the course from the simple initial stages to an important contributor to the world supply chain.
As far as the size of the coast is concerned, India has a coastline of 7,500 kilometers. In 2023, the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, envisioned a blueprint of ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.’ This has prospects in the logistics, infrastructural, and shipping sectors for India’s marketed ‘Blue Economy.’
Besides, India’s international shipment index position rose to 22nd against 44th in 2014. Some of the key shipping locations – Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, have been very strategic in this expansion process.
Moreover, the Rs. 2.91 lakh crore Sagarmala project aims to modernize ports, power up connectivity and spread port-led industrialization. As can be seen from the details, it demonstrates that the Indian government has paid a great deal in building up the shipping industry.
The positive element of the above picture is that while there is a total of 234 sub-projects, 94 projects amounting to Rs. 31,517 crore have been completed, and 65 amounting to Rs. 79,958 crore are in the action stage.
List of Top 10 Shipping Companies in India
Here are the details of the top 10 shipping companies in India. These shipping companies topped the list during the period when the growth rate of the industry was very high.
1. AAJ Swift:
AAJ Swift stands out as the best shipping company in India, founded in 2021. AAJ Swift is a subsidiary company of AAJ Supply Chain Management. The core commitment of AAJ Swift lies in excellent consumer satisfaction. AAJ Swift has attained the name of the leader in the shipping space in India regarding timely delivery—95% on-time delivery—making sure shipments reach their destinations promptly.
Additionally, an efficient network of AAJ Swift mitigates out-of-delivery area (ODA) problems, streamlining last-mile delivery and ensuring smooth returns management.
Till now, AAJ Swift has been able to handle 10K+ tons of delivery volume every year. Therefore, AAJ Swift has expanded to 750+ dedicated team members for transportation management in just seven years.
Besides, it stands out significantly with a 60K+ dedicated fleet for first-mile pickups. Furthermore, transparency at AAJ Swift is of the utmost importance, with 100% proof of delivery (POD) access extended to gain optimal trust with clients.
2. OM Logistics:
- Number of Employees – Over 5,000
- Countries Covered – Primarily India and SAARC countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
- Fleet Count – Over 6000 GPS Enabled
- Number of Offices – 1500 locations
- Pin Code Coverage in India – over 27,000 pin codes.
- Types of Shipping Mode – Surface, air, rail.
Since its inception, OM Logistics has found the suitable ground for sowing its seeds in becoming one of India’s largest and most preferred shipping and logistics companies. The foundation of Om Logistics was seeded back in the year 1997.
OM Logistics is recognized as a top shipping company in India and stands out because of its diversity across services. OM Logistics offers excellent shipping services, from freight forwarding and warehousing to transportation. OM Logistics is one of the leaders in terms of network since it has more than 1500 branches across India. Thus, a crucial aspect of the company has been established based on innovation and technology in the shipping segment. Moreover, OM Logistics is the go-to shipping provider in India for many significant business entities.
3. Safexpress:
- Number of Employees – Approx 7,000.
- Countries Covered – Primarily India.
- Fleet Count – Over 5000 vehicles.
- Number of Offices – 580 locations.
- Pin Code Coverage in India – More than 31,000.
- Types of Shipping Mode – Surface and air.
Safexpress is another big name logistics company in India which was established in the year 1997. The company has grown as one of the most respectable shipping companies engaged in shipping and logistics all over India. Further, in terms of network reach of distribution centers, Safexpress has an extensive reach with 31,000 pin codes, making it one of the largest wholly in India. Safexpress presents a vast array of services, including express distribution, 3PL, and logistics consulting.
Moreover, Safexpress’ cutting-edge infrastructure and commitment to consumer satisfaction have garnered many awards, including the “Best Logistics Company” award from different industry bodies.
4. Blue Dart Express:
- Number of Employees – Approx 12,530.
- Countries Covered – Over 220 countries.
- Fleet Count – 6 Boeing 757-200 freighters, 2 Boeing 737-800 freighters, 33,000+ vehicles.
- Number of Offices – 2253 locations.
- Pin Code Coverage in India – 35000.
- Types of Shipping Mode – Air Express, Road Express, and International Courier.
Blue Dart Express is a company in the shipping industry of India that does not need any introduction. The company was established in 1983. Bluedart is often referred to as a synonym for a reliable and fast courier company. Blue Dart is a substitute for the DHL Group in the logistics segment. The company benefits from a steady air and land network to make sure deliveries are on time throughout the nation.
Furthermore, with a reach across 35,000 different places within the Indian sub-regions, Blue Dart is quite valuable and important as a top domestic shipping company in India.
Moreover, Blue Dart has benefited from effective solutions it introduced to the market, including temperature-sensitive and e-commerce logistics solutions.
5. Gati Ltd:
- Number of Employees – Over 4000.
- Countries Covered – Asia Pacific region and SAARC countries.
- Fleet Count – 5000+ vehicles.
- Number of Offices – 600 locations.
- Pin Code Coverage in India – More than 19000.
- Types of Shipping Mode – Road, air, and E-commerce logistics.
Gati Limited is over two decades old since it was established in 1989. Over time, Gati Ltd. has become one of the top 10 shipping companies in India. The company provides top shipping services in the Indian context. Moreover, Gati is well-known in the express distribution and supply chain solutions sector.
With a diverse network spread across 19,000 varying pin codes, Gati presents comprehensive shipping services in India. Gati Ltd.’s services are surface and air express, warehousing, and e-commerce logistics. The company’s core concentration lies in technological advancements such as automated warehousing and real-time tracking.
6. Allcargo Shipping and Logistics:
- Number of Employees – 4500+.
- Countries Covered – India and over 180 countries.
- Fleet Count – Not Specified (focuses on container and specialized logistics).
- Number of Offices – More than 300 worldwide.
- Pin Code Coverage in India – More than 19800.
- Types of Shipping Mode – Multimodal, including ocean freight, air freight, and project cargo.
Another prominent player at present in the shipping industry is Allcargo shipping and Logistics Limited formed in the year 1993. Allcargo has also emerged as one of the top 10 shipping company in india since it has a broad service offering. The company offers top shipping services in India, including multimodal transport operations, container freight stations, and inland container depots.
Besides, the physical locations and the coverage that Allcargo has provided are diverse. Diversifying ensures that the business seeking shipping solutions chooses Allcargo due to its extensive network. ALL Cargo has also effectively secured many industry recognitions regarding its sustainability and innovation strategies.
7. Transport Corporation of India (TCI):
- Number of Employees – Over 6000.
- Countries Covered – Primarily India with limited international operations.
- Fleet Count – Over 12000.
- Number of Offices – More than 900.
- Pin Code Coverage in India – Nationwide coverage.
- Types of Shipping Mode – Road, rail, air, and sea shipping.
Transport Corporation of India (TCI) stands out as another biggest shipping company in India, established in 1958. Also, TCI occupies a unique niche in the industry as one of the oldest and most popular logistics companies in India. Furthermore, the services of TCI include freight forwarder, supply chain, and warehousing services offered to businesses.
In addition, because of the massive number of branches that TCI has, they can guarantee efficient and quality service. This aspect also helps them become one of the best shipping companies in India. Additionally, TCI’s core concentration on digital transformation and customer satisfaction has been a core driver of their success in the space.
8. Mahindra Logistics:
- Number of Employees – Approximately 16,000 (including contractual workers).
- Countries Covered – India.
- Fleet Count – Around 15000.
- Number of Offices – More than 35.
- Pin Code Coverage in India – Nationwide coverage.
- Types of Shipping Mode – Surface shipping and Air.
In the context of discussing the brilliants of shipping companies in India, the name Mahindra Logistics requires no introduction. Mahindra Logistics is a part of the Mahindra Group. The company’s operational control lies in the hand of its chairman, Mr. Anand Mahindra. Mahindra Logistics has been engaged in providing end-to-end logistics solutions since its inception in the year 2000.
With a wide range of shipping services, Mahindra Logistics offers transport service, warehousing services, ecommerce fulfillment, and supply chain management services. Besides, the primary value of Mahindra Logistics is the commitment to action, embodied in innovation and the policy of sustainable development. Mahindra Logistics has established its name under the list of India’s top 10 shipping companies.
9. DTDC Express Limited:
- Number of Employees – More than 13000.
- Countries Covered – Over 220 global destinations.
- Fleet Count – Not Specified.
- Number of Offices – More than 10000.
- Pin Code Coverage in India – 11400 across the India.
- Types of Shipping Mode – Road, air, and international shipping.
DTDC Express Limited was incorporated in 1990 to function as an express courier company. DTDC Express Limited is one of the leading and top domestic shipping companies in India. Moreover, the company’s operational network ranges up to 11,400 sub-regions of the nation.
The appealing part of DTDC is that it offers a wide range of services, including courier, freight forwarding, and supply chain solutions. Furthermore, the key concentration of DTDC Express Limited lies in its technological advancements and customer-oriented approach.
10. VRL Logistics:
- Number of Employees – 21557.
- Countries Covered – India.
- Fleet Count – Over 4360.
- Number of Offices – More than 1000+.
- Pin Code Coverage in India – Extensive but unspecified.
- Types of Shipping Mode – Road, air.
VRL Logistics was set up in 1976 and has made its way to the market achieving its reputation in the Indian shipping companies. They are the largest fleet owner of commercial vehicles in India. VRL Logistics is also into the 3PL and B2B warehousing Services.
Today, VRL Logistics is a well-known shipping company in the industry. The company focuses on services like freight forwarding, warehousing, supply chain management, and parcel services with last-mile delivery, even in remote locations. VRL shipping provides services spanning 24 states and 5 Union Territories, catering to diverse customers, including corporates, SMEs, and traders.
Benefits of Outsourcing Best Shipping Company in India
Focusing on the top shipping companies in India is important because outsourcing to them offers many benefits. That includes boosting logistics processes and business performance in general. Here are some key benefits of outsourcing top shipping company in India:
- Shipping Industry Expertise and Infrastructure.
- Utilize the rich experience and infrastructure of the top shipping companies in India.
- Maintain optimal and seamless logistic management solutions at reasonable prices.
- Extensive Shipping and Logistics Networks.
- Incorporate extensive networks that allow minimum transit time in the provision of services.
- Optimize the direction of the supply chain via new, efficient technology tools.
- Focus on Core Competencies.
- Enable companies to focus on key operations by eliminating issues to do with logistics.
- Improve the organization’s overall effectiveness and allocate resources more effectively for the business.
- Strategic Location.
- Easy access to the various domestic and international markets is provided by the strategic location of the country and its infrastructure facilities.
- Compliance and Risk Mitigation.
- Indian Shipping companies know the regulations and compliances that regular companies don’t know, reducing compliance-related risks. Shipping companies in India offer safety and insurance for goods during transit.
5 Key Considerations Before Choosing the Top Shipping Company in India
We mentioned the top 10 shipping companies in India earlier in the article. However, choosing the best one requires considering several important factors. Here are the key parameters that you can consider for your business when deciding to finalize a shipping company in India:
- Network and Reach.
- Evaluate the company’s network and accessibility of the delivery locations to ensure delivery is always on time.
- Range of Services.
- Assess the offered solutions for shipment and transportation services such as freight forwarding, warehousing, and supply chain management.
- Technological Capabilities.
- Go for tracking features with real-time and attractive supply chain features.
- Customer Reviews and Recognitions.
- Use feedback from customers and professional reviews. You may understand whether the shipping company deserves its credit and meets all its obligations, providing quality services.
- Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation.
- Consider the firm’s responsibility and loyalty towards sustainable and innovative solutions. Elements that can substantially contribute to the efficacy of services offered by the company.
In a Nutshell
To conclude, the shipping industry in India is ever-evolving, and the above list of top 10 shipping companies in India provides exceptional shipping services in India. Industry leaders like AAJ Swift, Safexpress, and OM Logistics maintain a persuasive lead based on strong networks, product innovation, and customer satisfaction. Outsourcing warehouse logistics operations to a best shipping company in India has numerous advantages, such as cost-cutting, enhancement of operations, and technology.
Hence, when choosing a shipping company in India, looking for a network reach, service range, technological advancement, customer feedback, and testimonies is vital.
AAJ Supply Chain Management
