Rich Graviss signs on DHL SmarTrucking as a logistics partner

 

Mumbai, 6^th  November 2019: DHL SmarTrucking, incorporated under the Deutsche Post DHL (DPDHL) Group’s Corporate Incubations division, announced that it has partnered Rich Graviss to provide long-haul cold chain trucking services across India for their portfolio of bakery and F&B products, including Rich’s Whip Topping, a leading non-dairy whipped cream topping.

Mr. Mukesh Kr. Sah, Head – Logistics & Stores, Rich Graviss, said, “Family is how we define ourselves at Rich’s. We strive to be a part of our customers’ organizations, and we are passionate about using our industry knowledge and expertise to become extensions of our customers’ internal teams. We are very pleased to be working with DHL SmarTrucking, as they share our culture of customer-centricity. They have helped us reduce our shipment transit times by about 17-20 percent.”

Due to the nature of their products, 90-95 percent of Rich’s shipments require transportation at temperatures suitable for frozen food to preserve freshness and quality, and prevent spoilage. DHL SmarTrucking ColdChain’s fleet of reefer, or refrigerated container, trucks provide temperature control capabilities in a range as wide as -25^oC to 25^oC, to ensure all of Rich’s cargoes reach their destination in the right condition. Equally, DHL SmarTrucking’s pan-India network provides flexibility for companies to scale their operations in accordance with seasonal demand.

Vikash Mohan, Chief Executive Officer, DHL SmarTrucking India, said, “With a CAGR of 14.8% between 2019 and 2024, the cold chain market in India is growing steadily as businesses distributing temperature sensitive products place more emphasis on their supply chains. At DHL SmarTrucking, we cater to that demand with bespoke solutions to meet the needs of our customers across all sectors. We are thrilled to do the same for Rich Graviss and are confident that with hard work and our consistent focus on customer needs, we will meet and exceed their requirement.”

DHL SmarTrucking’s pan-India road network offers 95 percent on-time delivery, up to 30 percent reduction in transit times as compared to traditional trucking, temperature control capabilities, and complete visibility into the consignment with 24x7 real-time tracking. The company also provides tailored trucking solutions for dry logistics and is present in India with more than 2,100 drivers, 745 trucks and 13 SmartHubs[1] across the country.

On Drivers’ Day, DHL SmarTrucking salutes its drivers and reiterates commitment to improving their lives

In recognition of the important role and valuable contributions of SmarTrucking drivers to the success of our organization, DHL SmarTrucking celebrated Drivers’ Day, 17^th September 2019, with a series of activities. DHL SmarTrucking CEO, Vikash Mohan, joined the SmarTrucking drivers, also called SmarTruckers, for the occasion, at the Bhiwandi SmartHub.

Health camps were conducted with support from Indian Oil under their Extra Power initiative, at DHL SmartHubs (pit stops where drivers can rest, recharge themselves and refuel their trucks) in Bhiwandi, Nagpur, Bangalore and Bilaspur, where free health checkups, including diabetes and blood pressure checks, and eye checkups including for cataract, were provided to SmarTrucking drivers (also known as SmarTruckers). Spectacles were also provided free of charge to those who needed them.

In addition, all DHL SmartHubs, including Ambala, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata, Guwahati, Pune, Ahmedabad and Goa also held various entertainment and game activities, such as film screenings and volleyball, for the drivers, and showcased safety-related videos. DHL SmarTrucking also distributed safety jackets to the SmarTruckers present on the occasion. DHL SmarTrucking’s Bhiwandi SmartHub also conducted a drive to plant saplings in the area, while the Kolkata SmartHub conducted Vishwakarma pooja with the SmarTruckers in attendance.

“We are proud of our SmarTruckers. They are the sentinels of our company, helping us protect the goods our customers entrust to us, and our warriors, aiding us in our battle against time to deliver those goods to their destination,” said Vikash Mohan, CEO, DHL SmarTrucking India. “On this Drivers’ Day, we reiterate our respect for them, and refresh our resolve to continue to support and nurture them, so that they can, in turn, support and nurture their families.”

DHL SmarTrucking has established a “Center of Excellence” for the training and development of SmarTruckers, to ensure that they can continuously provide high-quality service to customers, are able to stay safe while on the road, are optimally engaged with and committed to the organization, and to promote safety and good driving practices.

Dedicated, skilled trainers provide classroom training on defensive driving techniques, safe and efficient driving practices, night-driving techniques and hold in-cab assessment of drivers; through evidence-based Telematics Data provided one-to-one counseling, mentoring and periodic refresher trainings. Trainers from the reefer manufacturer provide temperature maintenance training, while OEM training is provided by the truck manufacturer. In addition, there is a continuous screening and monitoring process in place to encourage mindful driving.

SmarTruckers are assigned duty hours in proper proportion to the resting hours. The company also provides Mediclaim coverage for hospitalization and insurance for accidental death and disability.

Besides educating SmarTruckers on the various government initiatives that can benefit them, DHL SmarTrucking also conducts frequent yoga and meditation sessions at its SmartHubs to help them relax and recharge themselves. The company is also planning to roll out physiotherapy sessions.

DHL SmarTrucking’s hybrid model is specially designed with a view to driver wellness. Each SmarTruck is assigned two drivers, who alternate places while enroute to their destination. The cab of the SmarTruck contains a berth for the off-duty driver. This ensures that SmarTruckers get enough rest during their journey and the cargo keeps moving as well. DHL SmarTrucking also provides clean and hygienic resting and sleeping facilities for SmarTruckers at their Smarthubs.

DHL SmarTrucking currently has a team of over 2,100 SmarTruckers, and is constantly recruiting and training new drivers, to meet the industry’s demands