India’s logistics industry faces significant challenges, with costs as high as 14% of GDP; compared to 7-8% in developed countries like the U.S. High logistics costs impact India’s competitiveness on a global scale. To tackle this problem, Porter was established in 2014 by Uttam Digga and Pranav Goel, two IIT Kharagpur alumni who identified the inefficiencies in the logistics sector.
The Story Behind Porter
Porter is a leading logistics service provider offering a wide range of goods transportation solutions. With the help of the platform, goods can be delivered reliably. Its vast operations spans 22 Indian cities, including cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Jaipur and Kolkata.
In 2013, while working as analysts at JP Morgan, Digga and Goel were inspired by Uber’s use of technology to optimise the ride-hailing industry. They noticed numerous light commercial vehicles parked unused and realised the potential for a similar solution in logistics. What followed was a conversation with over 500 truck drivers. This helped them discover the inefficiencies in their industry, with drivers averaging only 1-2 orders per day despite the capacity for 4-5.
This led to the birth of Porter, aiming to replicate Uber’s model for goods transportation. In the initial days, Porter operated manually with Digga and Goel dividing responsibilities: Digga onboarded truck drivers, while Goel secured customers. Using just a phone and Google Sheets, they managed the operations without an app.
Soon as their customer base grew, they brought in Vikas Choudhary, a tech expert from IIT Kanpur, to develop their technology platform. By pitching their service as 20% cheaper, Porter quickly attracted over 500 business customers, processing 3,000 bookings monthly and generating significant revenue.
Key Offerings
In its 10 years of operation, Porter has transformed logistics, handling everything from small items (e.g., a pin) to large moves (e.g., relocating a penthouse). The company provides on-demand goods transport services via trucks and two-Wheelers. Customers can choose from mini trucks, tempos, EVs, and two-wheelers to transport goods effortlessly across the city—anytime, anywhere. A complete logistics partner for businesses, offering smart solutions for bulk transportation, distribution, and supply chain management can also be availed.
There is a Porter Packers & Movers option wherein professional packing and moving services designed for hassle-free relocation of homes is offered. Porter Intercity Courier Services provides reliable and timely parcel delivery via surface or air to 19000+ pin codes.
Future Plans
Porter’s future holds vast opportunities, particularly in the $40 billion intracity logistics market and the $200 billion intercity market. It aims to replicate their intracity success in intercity logistics. They also incorporate electric vehicles into their fleet. This reduces operational costs and environmental impact. Additionally, drone deliveries present a potential growth avenue for Porter.
Porter’s journey is a true example of how a mere startup can scale to become one of the leading logistics companies in India. It shows the potential of technology to solve real-world problems. With its focus on affordability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, Porter is well-positioned to lead the way in transforming India’s logistics landscape.
Also Read: From Chaos to Cautio: The Startup Keeping Indian Roads in Check
