Fast Despatch Logistics is launching its service in India with an 850 strong vehicle fleet, of which 80% is claimed to be EVs. The company aims to expand the fleet to 15,000 vehicles by December 2021.
Fast Despatch Logistics (FDL), a major independent last-mile delivery provider in the UK with operations also in Bulgaria, France, Germany, and Romania is launching its service in India on May 14, 2021. The company will initially launch its service in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR with a fleet of 850 vehicles. The company also plans to expand the fleet to 15,000 strong vehicles pan-India by December 2021.
As the company claims, out of its 850 vehicles 80% will be electric which from the beginning in an attempt to promote green mobility. Also, the company claims that it will be employing only locals from the cities where it will launch service to promote employment during the Covid-19 pandemic times, which has impacted the job sector heavily. Guidance and training to the Indian team are claimed to be provided by Fast Despatch Logistics’ UK teams.
Right ahead of the launch of FDL’s service in India, Autofintechs had a quick chat with Gurvinder Birk, who is the owner and Director of Fast Despatch Logistics.
Q. What makes you decide to launch a new business in India at a time when the second wave of Covid-19 is rampaging the country?
The launch of FDL India has been in planning for the past 18 months. There is never a perfect timing for a launch but being specialists in the last mile delivery sector for E-Commerce clients there is no better time to launch as now we shall be assisting in getting end users essential items delivered safely to their homes without them having to step out during the current situations.
Q. Transportation and logistics are among the most severely impacted sectors due to the pandemic, rising fuel costs, etc. How do you see this becoming a challenge for you and the overall segment throughout FY2022?
The moment you stop accepting challenges is the moment you stop moving forward. Electric vehicles are part of our desire to assist in controlling fuel costs and for us to assist and take part in promoting fewer emissions for the environment.
Q. What will be the business model of Fast Despatch Logistics in India for its stakeholders?
Our business model is very simple. Aggressive expansion. The new last-mile leaders. We plan to bring over our expertise and knowledge in last-mile delivery from around the world into India. To showcase the ultimate service standards we are setting worldwide already for our clients. A forward visionary thinking company.
Q. For the fleet of 850 vehicles, have you partnered with any OEM? Or else, how do you plan to onboard the vehicles and the drivers?
We have partnered with many well-known brands within the electric and non-electric vehicle industry. Some exciting partnerships are being blossomed which we will announce soon. We have our own recruiting and training team which has been working incredibly hard in trying to source our talent across India.
Q. With your claim of 680 vehicles of the fleet to be EVs, how do you plan to tackle the challenge of scarcity of charging infrastructure?
We are working closely with our suppliers to ensure we have sufficient resources to charge our vehicles when needed. We will also be investing in our network of charging solutions in the future.
Q. If you can share the investment details you are making for the business launch and expansion in India.
We have invested heavily into our launch for India with a desire to have a pan-India presence. We aim to have a driver network of 15,000 by the end of December 2021.
Q. What are the challenges you had to face during the business launch preparation in India?
All challenges are taken in our stride! If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
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