In an enlightening conversation with Rajesh Rajgor, Reema Kothari, Director of Reema Transport Pvt. Ltd. (RTPL), delves into the company’s strategic growth and innovative logistics solutions. Since its inception in 1983, RTPL has emerged as a leader in refrigerated and ambient transport across India. With a robust fleet, advanced technology, and a strong focus on driver welfare, RTPL is poised for significant expansion. Recognized for excellence by clients and honored with multiple industry awards, RTPL’s journey under Reema’s leadership promises to captivate and inspire. Dive into the article to explore RTPL’s visionary path and operational prowess.
Reema Transport Pvt. Ltd (RTPL) is a prominent logistics and transportation company in India, specializing in both refrigerated and ambient business modules. Operating across the West, South, and Central regions of India since, 1983. Founded as a partnership firm between 2 families – Kothari’s & Naiks, RTPL today has a strategic presence with major hubs in Goa, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Nasik, Pithampur, and Indore. “Our hubs are strategically located to optimize routes and reduce transportation costs,” says Reema Kothari, Director. RTPL’s facilities are not only equipped with essential resources and skilled labor, ensuring cost efficiency and operational expertise but also horse for courses.
The company boasts a diverse fleet of over 100 vehicles, including more than 50 to 75 dedicated vehicles. The fleet comprises trucks from reputable manufacturers like Eicher, Ashok Leyland, and Mahindra, primarily in the ICV segment. The vehicles vary in size and capacity, ranging from 14 to 32 feet, with maximum fleets of 21 and 24 feet for reefer vehicles. “Our vehicles are customized to meet specific client needs, ensuring robust construction and real-time temperature monitoring,” she adds. These vehicles vary in size and capacity, such as 14 feet capable of carrying 2.5 tons, 10 feet carrying 2 tons, 21 feet with a capacity of 4.5 tons, 24 feet ranging from 6 to 8 tons for refrigerated transport, 32 feet with a capacity of 7.5 to 9 tons, 24 feet for ambient transport handling up to 10 tons, and 19 feet for ambient transport capable of carrying 7 to 9 tons.
RTPL maintains a dedicated fleet of 100% owned vehicles for the reefer business, while the ambient business operates on a 50:50 ratio of owned to attached vehicles. “This balance allows us to maximize efficiency and meet diverse client demands,” she explains. The company supports its drivers through various incentives and maintains a focus on safety and performance.
Streamlined and Scalable
RTPL’s business model is designed to modernize transportation while maintaining scalability. “Our strategic hub locations allow us to adapt to changing demand and local dynamics,” she explains. This setup is crucial for catering to specific regional needs and optimizing load capacities, reducing redundancy. From their strategic hub locations that optimize routes and reduce transportation costs to their innovative use of real-time GPS and temperature tracking, RTPL ensures swift turnaround times and enhanced service reliability. Moreover, their proactive approach in integrating advanced technology, such as AI, blockchain, and automated guided vehicles, underscores their commitment to operational efficiency and safety across their expanding network.
Specializing in the transportation of pharmaceuticals and confectionery, RTPL ensures stringent requirements for temperature control and product safety. “We keep our fleet updated with the latest technology to ensure safety, reliability, and cost efficiency,” Reema, says. The company uses high-quality, multi-layered insulation materials and advanced, energy-efficient refrigeration units capable of maintaining precise temperature ranges.
To maintain their fleet, RTPL employs a combination of in-house and external services. “We have three in-house workshops and AMC agreements with OEMs for maintenance,” she notes. They also have AMCs with reefer vendors and outsourced tyre maintenance.
RTPL’s proactive approach to client communication includes real-time GPS and temperature tracking, ensuring safe and timely delivery. “Our mantra is YOUR CONSIGNMENT+OUR WHEELS = YOUR PEACE,” she emphasizes. The company offers a range of transportation solutions tailored to client needs, including hire-on-need, monthly and daily commitments, dedicated vehicles, multi-deliveries, and milk route deliveries.
When selecting suppliers for their cold containers, RTPL considers several key criteria to meet operational, regulatory, and quality requirements. “We prioritize insulation quality, durability, and energy efficiency in our refrigeration systems,” she reveals. The ability to customize interior layouts and ensure regulatory compliance is also crucial.
Diverse Clientele and Advanced Technology
RTPL serves a diverse clientele, including multinational companies, mid-sized firms, small enterprises, and freight forwarders. “We cater to market segments such as pharmaceuticals, FMCG, consumer goods, electronics, and industrial goods,” she mentions. Their strong presence in the Western, Southern, and Central regions of India allows them to meet a wide range of market needs.
RTPL distinguishes itself from competitors through reliability, efficiency, and value additions. “Our proven track record, cutting-edge technology, and tailored solutions set us apart,” Reema, shares. The company enforces stringent quality control protocols and leverages the latest technology to streamline operations, resulting in swift turnaround times and cost efficiencies. Regular customer interactions and transparent compliance processes further enhance client satisfaction.
The integration of advanced technology in RTPL’s operations has been a game-changer. “Real-time temperature tracking and data loggers provide precise control at every stage of the supply chain,” she explains. Future plans include incorporating AI, blockchain, and automated guided vehicles to enhance fleet safety and efficiency.
Although not focusing on large-scale warehousing, RTPL provides value-added services such as free warehousing during client audits and customized vehicle solutions. The company’s growth strategy targets a 10-15% CAGR over the next five years and a 12% year-on-year growth. “We aim for significant fleet expansion within next three years and strategic upgrades to maintain our high standards,” she indicates.
Driver Management and Well-being
RTPL prioritizes driver welfare and operational excellence, ensuring competitive wages and comprehensive benefits. “Our drivers are the backbone of our operations,” she emphasizes. Under her leadership, RTPL invests in continuous training to enhance safety and efficiency, utilizing technology for optimal route management. “We empower our drivers with the latest tools and skills,” Reema affirms.
RTPL annually celebrates Drivers’ Week to honor and engage with its drivers, fostering a sense of community and recognition. “Their dedication is pivotal to our success,” Reema notes, acknowledging the drivers’ integral contribution to the company’s operations and growth. The ‘Chalak Se Malak’ initiative, spearheaded by RTPL, allows drivers to become vehicle owners, promoting ownership and reducing turnover. “It’s about empowering our drivers to excel,” Reema explains, highlighting how this initiative boosts driver motivation and job satisfaction.
Safety remains a paramount concern at RTPL, with stringent adherence to regulatory standards and protocols to ensure cargo security and driver well-being. “Safety is our top priority,” Reema stresses, affirming the company’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards across its operations.
Through Reema’s strategic initiatives, RTPL not only optimizes its operational capabilities but also prioritizes driver welfare, ensuring sustained growth and excellence in the transportation sector. Her vision underscores the importance of empowering drivers while maintaining high standards of safety and operational efficiency.
Recognition and Strategic Growth
RTPL is embarking on a significant growth phase, focusing on network expansion and fleet augmentation. “We are increasing our operational reach with established bases in Bengaluru and Hyderabad for the southern states, and recently added Ahmedabad to our routes,” elaborates Reema. This strategic expansion aims to target new business in existing and new locations while increasing market share from existing customers by servicing their requirements to and from new business locations.
In addition to expanding their network, RTPL plan to significantly increase their fleet strength and add new service locations. This will enhance their capabilities and help scale up volumes. “Given our expertise in cold chain transport, we may not explore alternative fuel systems for this sector, but for ambient business, we are considering EV trucks with higher loading capacities,” she informs.
With extensive experience in pharma cold chain transport, the company foresees a promising future as the pharmaceutical industry is on the verge of a major transformation. “The industry is set for a production boost and a revamp in supply chain processes, and we are gearing up for this shift,” she explains. By decentralizing the operational base of some reefer vehicles and deploying them at strategic locations within our network, we will enhance vehicle availability and support our marketing and sales efforts to boost volumes.
RTPL’s excellence has been recognized with accolades such as the Best Reefer Service Provider and numerous awards from pharmaceutical companies. The company has received accolades, including the Mahindra Transport Excellence Award and recognition from clients. “Our success during COVID-19, ensuring timely delivery of medicines, emphasizes our capability and commitment,” she proudly shares. By maintaining optimal storage conditions and leveraging advanced technology, RTPL continues to set industry standards and exceed client expectations.
Under Reema’s leadership, RTPL is set for a major push in growth, with plans for network expansion and fleet augmentation. The company is also focusing on increasing its share of business from existing customers by servicing their requirements to and from new locations. “Our strategic upgrades will help us scale up our volumes and capabilities,” she concludes, highlighting RTPL’s readiness to meet future challenges and opportunities.