In our SmartFleetz series, we have been uncovering the secret behind JK Tyre’s strong alliance with leading fleet operators across the country. This month our quest led us to a swanky building at Tagore Road, Gandhidham, Gujarat, for an exclusive interaction with Mr. Bhikhu Agarwal, Managing Director, MR Shah Logistics Pvt. Ltd.
JK Tyre is known for having several key accounts across the country. Some of these accounts are not only strong but decades old and still growing stronger owing to JK’s proactive services. It therefore came as no surprise to find out that JK Tyre is MR Shah Logistics’ important business ally who fortifies the latter’s business. MR Shah Logistics is engaged in the transportation of essential commodities like petroleum products, LPG and other gases. “We also transport edible and non-edible oil, dairy, organic and inorganic chemicals along with hazardous and non-hazardous products from Kandla, Vadodara, Jamnagar and Surat to several parts of India. We have around 725 trucks and also have some attached trucks through which we achieve a turnover of around Rs. 300 crores. We focus only on liquid cargo business, mostly in northern India and work with reputed clients like Jubilant, IOL, Mother Dairy, Nestle, etc,” informed Mr. Agarwal.
Horses for courses
MR Shah Logistics has mostly 49-tonne tankers that comes from the stable of Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Tata Motors and BharatBenz. But what links them all is the 100 per cent use of JK Tyre. “Be it S.S tankers, hydrogen tankers, ammonia tankers or any other tanker that we have, all are fitted with JK tyres. We get 400 to 450 tyres replaced per month from JK and as many as 200 tyres retreaded by JK. We ensure safe, timely and complete delivery to any part of India and indulge in a vast human network, state-of-art infrastructure and being in professional yet family relations with JK gives us an extra edge over our competitors,” beamed the MD.
Elaborating on the importance of tyres and how JK is stepping in to improve their business, Mr. Agarwal affirmed: “Tyre costs account for 8 per cent of our total earnings. It is the most important aspect to a truck after fuel. We have found out that in the last forty years, JK Tyre is the best in terms of quality, durability, technology, cost, after-sales service, etc. They are not only selling tyres to us but also taking proper care during each and every time it is fitted on our vehicles. Isn’t this called an optimum aftersales service and customer care? The JK Fleet Management team has supported us even when the tyres had undergone some issue because of our driver’s error.” quipped Mr. Agarwal.
Mr. Agarwal attributes the cordial relationship that it extends to its own customers to JK Tyre’s supply of tyres anywhere in India. “We also get a repair and maintenance guy who looks after any problem faced by us. We have our own workshop here (Gandhidham) as well as in Baroda. We do periodic wheel alignment and very soon we are also going to have JK Tyre assistance in the same,” he expressed.
MR Shah Logistics Pvt. Ltd. feels proud to call itself the pioneer in the transportation of liquid cargo since last forty years by ensuring driver safety, cargo safety and extends its responsibility by roping in the best resources available in terms of trucks and tyres. There large yet mix fleet of specialized liquid tankers that carry the specific chemicals, is testimony of the company’s commitment to society.
“Our head office in Gandhidham is equipped with very sound and up-to-date information and communications system which keeps the management well-informed about the movement of trucks all the time. With sound business sense and investment in right business partners we have been lifting approximately 6,50,000 lakh tonne of load per annum and with support extended from a family business partner like JK, it will grow further,” concluded Mr. Agarwal.