K M Trans Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a Jaipur-based company in the freighting business for over 30 years, has grown leaps and bounds over the years. MOTORINDIA speaks to the company’s leadership, on their journey, the changing industry demands and their long-standing partnership with Tata Motors
The Indian logistics sector is one of the fastest-growing Industries, projected to grow beyond 12% CAGR up to 2024. Despite the pandemic impact, India’s logistics and supply chain market played a critical role in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods and essential items across the lockdowns and beyond. The sector witnessed decisive growth in the second half of FY20, and this surging trend is estimated to touch $307 billion by the end of 2021.
One major player who is bolstering his growth is K M Trans Logistics Pvt. Ltd. The company is based out of Jaipur and has over 30 years of industry presence and experience; with more than 35 branches spread across the country. Dealing with the transportation of a variety of goods including cars, chassis, containerised trailers, steel, construction aggregates, the company has been ranked among the top three largest car transporters in India, today. Its clientele comprises of several prominent names such as Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra Logistics, POSCO, Glovis India, Tata Steel, Honda Cars, Ford, John Deere, Tata Motors and all other tractors manufacturing companies. The company is backed by an extensive fleet of more than 2,000 vehicles, which includes nearly 600 car carriers, 200 double-decker tractor carriers, 900 flatbed trailers, 200 infra and 100 containerised trailers.
Speaking of the company’s operations, Amit Chandwar, Director, K M Trans Logistics, says, “We direct consistent focus on delivering promptly and with minimum damages. Our trailers run far more than the industry average, and to back our operational efficiency, we rely on a sturdy and robust fleet of carriers. Tata Motors trucks have been a strong support in the smooth functioning of our operations. More than 95% of our fleet consists of Tata Motors vehicles, largely because they offer an excellent value proposition that includes superior products equipped with advanced technology and complements their industry-best value-added services.”
Speaking about the company’s fleet, Kamal Kumar Chandwar, Managing Director, K M Trans Logistics, shares, “Tata Motors Trucks provide superior fuel economy and a higher resale value, with readily available and reasonably priced spare parts which severely boosts the profitability quotient of our operations. Powered by efficient drivetrains, Tata Motors trucks entails lower vehicle expenses and sustainable business growth with higher revenue.”
Explaining the truck drivers’ trust in Tata Motors’ products, Prabha Chand Chandwar, Director, K M Trans Logistics, states, “The drivability and the comfort aspect in addition to the features like engine brake and ‘Hill-Start-Assist’ ensure superior vehicular control thereby reducing accidents. In case of accident-led damages too, Tata Motors ensures a faster turnaround time, which is a very important factor in our line of business. At KMT, we take our drivers as our family, and ensure to train them not only for safe driving, but also on soft skills, financial planning and help them open a bank account for ease of transactions. Partnering with Tata Motors, we also offer life insurance worth Rs. 10 lakh to all our drivers. In addition, we also organise regular medical camps to ensure our drivers are at the prime of their health.” He also acknowledged the role of Tata Motors’ advanced telematics management system in facilitating smooth operations in tracking, driving monitoring and vehicle performance analysis.
“Our partnership with Tata Motors has been a very fruitful one since the very beginning”, adds Amit. “When we were just starting our business, Tata Motors helped us choose the right vehicle for our utility and application. Finances were limited back then, but the dealership helped us procure the required vehicles.”
Since then, Tata Motors has been addressing their needs by offering consistent and quality after-sales services. He explains, “Even if there is a shortage of spare parts or vehicles we require, they are made available to us in the minimum possible time. In February and March 2020, we urgently needed 550 new vehicles to be delivered to us within stipulated timelines. Not only did Tata Motors deliver all 550 vehicles on time; they also helped us in getting a financier.”
Kamal Kumar emphasises that his company’s relationship with Tata Motors is far more than transactional, “Our relationship is founded on a mutual sense of appreciation and initiative to extend help. There have been many instances when Tata Motors has helped us procure a new business by referring our name to prospective customers. This sense of assisting one another is what helps our relationship thrive, even in testing times.”
Echoing the company’s unrelenting commitment towards community and stakeholder welfare, Prabha Chand also praises Tata Motors’ efforts for the driving community, “Our drivers have shown an increased preference towards Tata vehicles, more than any other brand; not just due to driving comfort and reliability, but also because of their elaborate training programs. The regular skilling initiatives conducted by Tata Motors’ professionals at our facility has helped our drivers considerably expand their vehicular handling skills.”
Throwing light on Tata Motors’ industry-leading after-sales services, he asserts, “Tata Motors comprehensive service package, the Sampoorna-Seva 2.0 umbrella of offerings which include annual maintenance packages and roadside assistance services have been splendid for the efficient functioning of the trucks as well as our operations, at large. Our experience with Tata Motors’ top-quality after-sales services and repair solutions have been phenomenal. Furthermore, the Tata Motors Samarth Program, a unique initiative for the wellbeing of the truck driver’s community has been much appreciated by the truck drivers and their families.”
K M Trans Logistics is guided by forward-thinking leaders and uses best technologies and equipment like pneumatic tyre wrench, barcoded spare parts, RFID tyre tags for identification of tyres, tyre alignment system and pneumatic tools, etc. at their Gidani, Jaipur workshop. They have opted for modern technology like ABS and pneumatic suspension for 90% of their trailer fleet and are heading towards 100% achievement, in a very short time to come.
Having served thousands of customers across the country with dedication and promptness, a fleet of more than 2,000 carriers moving around 15,000 cars, 1,00,000 tonne of cargo, 5,000 tractors and 80,000 tonne aggregate movement every month, K M Trans Logistics continues to grow in earnest and prepares to scale newer heights across the Indian logistics market. Amit, Prabha Chand and Kamal Kumar Chandwar remain hopeful of their continued association with Tata Motors.
“We are genuinely grateful to have such a reliable relationship. Tata Motors has ensured that our fleet remains efficient and smoothly functioning by providing us with a hassle-free service experience, as well as other forms of assistance and advice”, adds Amit as they continue their relentless efforts to keep the wheels of the nation moving.
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“Strong customer engagement and best-in-class service experience remain two crucial aspects of Tata Motors’ philosophy. We lay an immense amount of emphasis on supporting our customers’ business expansion sustainably. Our alliance with K M Trans Logistics has stood strong for over two decades now, thriving on mutual trust and cooperation. Beyond proactive skilling programs, prompt service responses and financial assistance, this longstanding partnership has also helped us gain valuable insights into making our products and services, better in terms of performance and total cost of operations. We remain confident as also thankful that the coming years would only strengthen our relationship, reaping mutual benefits.
– V Seethapathi, Vice President, M&HCV Product Line, Tata Motors