The job of a logistics company is to plan & implement the movement & storage of goods and services within a particular supply chain, and also between points of origin and consumption. The company also has to exercise proper control over this entire process so that the activities stay on schedule.
The supply chain movement has to be efficient to enable a successful logistics activity. The supply chain denotes everything from shipping, receiving, and effective storage of the product. Warehousing, packaging, and the necessary disposal are also part of the logistics process.
The key functions of logistics
Since logistics is the sum total of several related functions, every part of the process needs to be managed effectively in order for the chain to be successful. Let’s take a look at the primary functions of the logistics activity.
Order processing
This is from where it all starts. The moment a buyer places a purchase order with an organization, the commercial department of the latter starts processing it. It checks for the accuracy of the order document and other terms and conditions. Then it processes the order.
The instruction now comes to the warehouse to release the quantity of the goods as per the purchase order. The commercial team will make the necessary updates in the records. This step is critical because any error here will reflect in the entire chain.
Handling materials
This function deals with the movement of the goods within the warehouse. Every product of the seller organization should be neatly labeled and kept separate from the others. This saves a lot of time during selecting the goods for sale as the warehouse manager knows which product has been kept in which part of the warehouse.
Warehousing
For many companies, manufacturing happens at one point but sales happen globally. So, their warehouses are also spread all over the world. Proper warehousing activity is critical to the success of the logistics mechanism. The warehouse should be close to the distributor so that not much time is spent in moving the goods to the latter.
Transportation
This is among the most important activities in the entire logistics chain. Transportation consumes a lot of resources, so every organization aims to keep transportation costs in check. That’s where the importance of effective transportation management comes into question. The goods are transported from the company’s warehouse to the dealer and from the dealer to the customer. Companies apply the “economies of scale” policy to keep costs in check.
Packaging
Proper packaging is essential for the goods to reach the destination in perfect condition. Different types of goods are transported, each with its own packaging requirement. Even a minor error in the process can result in complete damage to the cargo. So, the packaging is a key part of the logistics process.
The logistics industry in India
Currently, this industry employs more than 20 million people in India. It is estimated to grow to $215 billion by the end of 2020.It is also projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 10% between 2019 and 2025. There are a large number of logistics companies in India, starting from MNCs to neighborhood trucking firms. Below, we will take a look at the top logistics companies in India.
Interglobe Avi
Since 1989, Interglobe has been instrumental in providing dedicated logistics service to a wide range of Indian industries. A conglomerate in its own right, Interglobe operates across 28 countries globally.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 46,112.06
- Book Value (Rs): 151.93
- Face Value (RS): 10.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Lakhs): 58,594.14
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore):
- March 2020 : -233.68
- March 2019: 157.25
- March 2018: 2,242.32
- March 2017: 1,659.15
Container Corp
Incorporated in 1998, this Navarathna Company is among the market leaders, with a huge network of 63 Inland Container Depots/Container Freight Stations across India. It is also into managing air cargo complexes, ports, and cold-chain movement.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 46,112
- Book Value (Rs): 78.03
- Face Value (RS): –
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 7,000
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: 1257.41
- March 2019: 1215.41
- March 2018: 1044.46
- March 2017: 858.02
Aegis Logistics
Since 1956, Aegis Logistics has played a key role in India’s logistics sector. It focuses on providing logistics services to India’s oil, gas, and chemical sectors and is a leader in this domain. The company operates a large network of liquid handling terminals.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 7,333.15
- Book Value (Rs): 29.13
- Face Value (RS): 1.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 859.72
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: 133.97
- March 2019: 252.11
- March 2018 : 213.80
- March 2017 : 132.97
Allcargo Logistics
With an experience of more than 25 years, Allcargo Logistics is counted among India’s largest integrated logistics service provider. It is also a leader in cargo consolidation. It provides top-class logistics services to a wide range of industries.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 2853.75
- Book Value (Rs): 59.91
- Face Value (RS): 2.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Lakhs): 1619.31
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: 66.11
- March 2019 : 219.32
- March 2018 : 83.42
- March 2017: 106.32
TCI Express Ltd
Established in 1996, TCI Express is a division of Transport Corporation of India Ltd and is a premier express logistics service provider. It provides express services in both domestic and international territories for different industries.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 2,963
- Book Value (Rs): 87.34
- Face Value (RS): 2.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 1031.96
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: 89.08
- March 2019: 72.84
- March 2018: 58.40
- March 2017: 37.49
VRL Logistics
The company is the largest fleet owner of commercial vehicles among the private sector organizations in India, with more than 4,800 vehicles in its stable. It provides logistics services, travel transportation, and private aviation services to corporates and VVIPs.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 1,489.76
- Book Value (Rs): 68.28
- Face Value (RS): 10.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 2128.86
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: 90.11
- March 2019: 91.92
- March 2018: 92.56
- March 2017: 70.47
Future Supply
Part of the giant Future Enterprises Limited, Future Supply is among India’s biggest third-party logistics service providers. It provides premium services in the areas of contract logistics, express logistics, and temperature-controlled logistics, among others.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 731
- Book Value (Rs): 169.35
- Face Value (RS): 10.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 1160.58
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: 26.92
- March 2019: 6.38
- March 2018: 90.30
- March 2017: 45.75
Transport Corp
This is among the leaders in India’s logistics sector. Transport Corp has more than 12 million sq ft of warehouse space and a large fleet, delivering every type of commodity of every size to all corners of India. The company is also renowned for its CSR initiatives.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 1,629
- Book Value (Rs): 123.56
- Face Value (RS): 2.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Lakhs): 408.00
Profit and loss (in Rs. Core)
- March 2020: 118.04
- March 2019: 120.20
- March 2018: 101.40
- March 2017: 65.80
Snowman Logistics
Snowman Logistics is among the top providers of temperature-controlled logistics services in India. They have the latest technology-enabled specialized warehouses and vehicles, thus ensuring perfect storage and distribution.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 517.97
- Book Value (Rs): 25.12
- Face Value (RS): 10.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 56.00
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: -15.01
- March 2019: 9.72
- March 2018: -3.56
- March 2017: -4.93
Arshiya
Arshiya was formed in 1981 and is among the leading of the integrated logistics service providers in India. It is the only company in India in its field that owns a Private Inland Container Depot. They have nearly 3,500 containers in the country. It provides transport and handling services, rail and rail infrastructure-related services, and free trade warehousing zones.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 307.63
- Book Value (Rs): 27.25
- Face Value (RS): 2.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 65.00
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: -462.16
- March 2019: -267.58
- March 2018: 31.04
- March 2017: -382.65
Jet Airways
Jet Airways was incorporated in 1993. Over the years, it became a premium carrier of passengers and cargo – both domestic and international. Since 2010, it was also India’s largest commercial passenger airline, with a passenger market share of more than 22%. Unfortunately, due to steep losses and declining market share, the 100+ fleet-owner Jet Airways stopped operations from April 2019.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 312.96
- Book Value (Rs): -637.51
- Face Value (RS): 10.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 6,198
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: -767.62
- March 2019: 1,482.52
- March 2018: 1,173.56
- March 2017: -1,813.71
The much-awarded Navkar Corp is a premium logistics service provider based in India. It handles multiple types of large and small cargo for both import and export. It also moves project cargo and has dedicated CFS for hazardous cargo.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 409.41
- Book Value (Rs): 119.54
- Face Value (RS): 10.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 156.00
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: 77.41
- March 2019: 68.71
- March 2018: 128.38
- March 2017: 99.21
Sical Logistics
Sical is among the most reputed logistics companies of India, having started operations in 1955. The company operates mechanized port terminals, road and rail terminals, CFS, etc. in addition to integrated logistics and coastal shipping.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 62.91
- Book Value (Rs): 88.50
- Face Value (RS): 10.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 138.00
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: -109.43
- March 2019: 24.01
- March 2018: 30.41
- March 2017: 38.33
Global Vectra Helicorp Limited
They are India’s largest private helicopter services provider. For more than two decades, it has been instrumental in providing helicopter services to VVIPs, corporates, offshore industries, pilgrimages, and much more. It has more than 25 helicopters flown by experienced pilots and an enviable safety record.
- Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 78.54
- Book Value (Rs): 56.56
- Face Value (RS): 10.00
- Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 122.00
Profit and loss (in Rs. Crore)
- March 2020: 2.08
- March 2019: 7.02
- March 2018: -1.72
- March 2017: 15.91
Patel Integrated Logistics Ltd
The company started operations with one truck in 1959. Today, it is among the largest surface logistics and road transport companies of the continent. It moves cargo worth more than Rs 120 billion per year and has a huge base of 75,000+ customers. It is also among India’s earliest multimodal transport service providers.
Market Cap (Rs Cr.): 42.75
Book Value (Rs): 71.98
Face Value (RS): 10.00
Turnover (Rs. In Cr.): 83.00
Profit and loss (in Rs. Cr.)
- March 2020: 10.74
- March 2019: 6.33
- March 2018: 8.23
- March 2017: 7.87
List of Top Logistics Companies in India
| Sl. No. | Company | Establishment | Head office | Employee | Website |
| 1 | Interglobe Avi | 2005 | Gurugram | 27,000 | https://www.interglobe.com |
| 2 | Container Corp | 1988 | New Delhi | 1332 | http://www.concorindia.com/ |
| 3 | Aegis Logistics | 1956 | Mumbai | 400 | http://www.aegisindia.com/ |
| 4 | Allcargo | 1993 | Mumbai | 4500 | https://www.allcargologistics.com/ |
| 5 | TCI Express Ltd. | 1958 | Gurgaon | 6000 | http://www.tciexpress.in/ |
| 6 | VRL Logistics | 1976 | Hubli | 19,030 | http://www.vrlgroup.in/ |
| 7 | Future Supply | 2006 | Mumbai | 1001-5000 | http://www.futuresupplychains.com |
| 8 | Transport Corp | 1958 | Gurugram | 5,000 | http://www.tcil.com/ |
| 9 | Snowman Logistics | 1993 | Mumbai | 399 | http://www.snowman.in/ |
| 10 | Arshiya | 1981 | Mumbai | 501 – 1000 | http://www.arshiyalimited.com/ |
| 11 | Jet Airways | 1992 | Mumbai | 16015 | https://www.jetairways.com/ |
| 12 | Navkar Corp. | 2007 | Navi Mumbai | – | http://www.navkarcfs.com/ |
| 13 | Sical Logistics | 1955 | Chennai | 643 | https://sical.in/ |
| 14 | Global Vectra | 1960 | Bangalore | 836 | https://www.globalhelicorp.com/ |
| 15 | Patel Integrate | 1959 | Mumbai | 635 | http://www.patel-india.com/ |
