Bonn, Germany-headquartered global logistics group DHL is planning to introduce internet-connected trucks and emulate Haryana, India-based technology-enabled logistics start-up Rivigo‘s “driver relay model” to improve customer experience and increase efficiency,
Rivigo, which launched in 2014, has a fleet of over 2,000 internet-connected trucks fitted with sensors for location tracking and real-time data. The company operates through a unique driver relay model: multiple drivers are appointed for one route and each one typically drives for four to five hours before handing over the truck to another driver at a pit stop, returning home with another truck. The company has at least 70 such pit stops across India. According to the Rivigo’s website, the driver relay model helps it reduce transit time by 50-70% from the industry average. DHL is planning to follow the same model and is in the process of building a team and fleet of trucks.
Live Mint reported that according to an industry expert, the logistics space offers significant potential for value creation and the sector is seeing some major disruptions due to better infrastructure, policy, and technology. “We see many new players and start-ups trying to capitalize on this opportunity. But, it is also a good setup for traditional logistics players to re-evaluate their business model and plan for breakthrough growth,” said Mayank Bansal, partner, Transportation and Infrastructure, at consulting firm AT Kearney.
