Rajesh Rajgor sits down with Somnath Kanade, Director of SS Logistics, to trace how the Mumbai-based company scaled from scratch to an Rs.80-crore enterprise; powered in large part by its association with Eicher Trucks.
“We began our journey with just one vehicle back in 2011. Today, our fleet has grown to over 300 trucks operating across India — and 80% of them are Eicher,” shares Somnath Kanade, reflecting on the company’s remarkable growth. “We’ve worked with many brands along the way, but the real turning point in our journey came when Eicher became part of our story.”
What follows is the story of how smart fleet choices, a focus on uptime, and reliable service support helped SS Logistics move ahead in a competitive industry; and why Eicher continues to be central to that momentum.
The E-Commerce Edge
Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, SS Logistics operates a pan-India network, serving major e-commerce giants like Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, Meesho, Nykaa, Shadowfax, and Zara. The company handles both B2B and B2C deliveries, including first-mile, middle-mile, and last-mile logistics, clocking 18,000+ km per vehicle every month. “E-commerce has changed dramatically. Customers now expect 2-day or even 10-minute deliveries. We have to keep pace, and that’s where Eicher gives us the edge,” he shares.
SS Logistics is part of a new generation of logistics firms that understand time is money; and uptime is everything. To keep up with the high-speed demands of quick commerce, the company relies heavily on Eicher Light and Medium Duty (LMD) trucks, which have proven crucial in ensuring maximum uptime, comfort for drivers, and reliability under pressure.
Why Eicher?
Since 2016, SS Logistics has built a strong association with Eicher. Today, Eicher LMD trucks make up 80% of their entire fleet, with penetration as high as 96% with Pro 2095XP and 87% with Pro 2110. “Breakdowns are rare. And even if they happen, Eicher gets us back on the road in under two hours. Their service responsiveness is unmatched,” says Somnath.
Eicher’s pan-India service network and floating aggregates (engines, gearboxes) on key transport corridors help ensure vehicles remain operational without delays. Their 24×7 customer care, proactive on-site maintenance, and dedicated camp teams offer an added layer of support. “They’ve even supported us with service infrastructure within our own maintenance yard in Bhiwandi. It’s like having an OEM inside our facility,” he says.
Built for Driver Comfort and Performance
Apart from uptime, driver experience has been a key differentiator for Eicher trucks.
“I’ve driven the 32-feet Eicher truck myself. It feels smoother than a car. The cabin is spacious, the seat is comfortable, and drivers don’t feel tired even after long hauls,” says Kanade. This focus on driver comfort has translated into better productivity, lesser fatigue-related errors, and improved long-distance operational efficiency.
SS Logistics uses advanced fleet management systems, Eicher’s telematics – MyEicher, a platform to monitor performance, fuel usage, and maintenance schedules. Every 10,000 km, they rotate tyres to extend life and reduce downtime.
The fleet is segmented into clusters of 50 trucks, each monitored by dedicated fleet managers. Maintenance is carried out by in-house mechanics and electricians, with additional support from Eicher. He reveals: “Transparency and tracking are essential. The customer wants real-time updates, and we’re equipped to provide that. The MyEicher telematics helps us avoid surprises and offers plethora of offerings”
Safety and Security: Going Beyond Compliance
Operating in theft-prone corridors like Mumbai–Indore or Hyderabad, SS Logistics ensures goods security with smart digital locks and camera-equipped sapper bodies. These systems require OTP-based unlocking, ensuring only authorized personnel access the cargo. He shares: “Since we started using these locks, thefts have dropped to zero. Security is non-negotiable; especially with high-value e-commerce goods.”
Unlike many logistics firms that rely on attached fleets, SS Logistics maintains 100% owned vehicles to retain operational control and ensure service quality. “Attached fleets come with risks — lack of driver accountability, switched-off GPS, delayed deliveries. That doesn’t work in e-commerce. We need precision, not excuses,” informs Somnath.
Business Model & Growth
In 2011, SS Logistics clocked just Rs. 10–15 lakhs in revenue. Today, it stands at over Rs. 80 crore, growing at 10–15% year-on-year. The company adds 50 trucks annually, timed strategically around July and March to match seasonal and fiscal demand.
“We have 550+ people, including drivers and staff. We plan to scale to 1,000 vehicles in the near future. The confidence comes from assured business and rising demand,” he beams.
The company services 15–20 multinational clients, including pharma, engine components, and is rapidly expanding into FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and retail sectors.
Adoption of Alternate & Sustainable Fuel
While the fleet remains predominantly diesel, SS Logistics has consistently demonstrated a forward-looking approach by actively exploring alternative fuel options. They have deployed 25 CNG trucks and continue to evaluate cleaner fuel technologies despite external hurdles like limited fueling infrastructure.
“We believe EVs are the future, and long-term contracts — ideally spanning three years or more — can accelerate the electric revolution in commercial transportation,” shares Somnath.
Looking Ahead
With increasing e-commerce volumes and rising customer expectations, SS Logistics is staying ahead of the curve by focusing on fleet quality, driver satisfaction, technological integration, and OEM partnerships.
“In today’s world, the customer doesn’t care about breakdown excuses. They want 100% delivery commitment. That’s why we’ve invested in the right partners and processes.”
The logistics industry may be growing crowded, with aggregators and digital freight startups disrupting the space, but for Somnath, the fundamentals remain simple: control your fleet, deliver on time, and choose your vehicle partner wisely.
“We’ve seen the industry open up after COVID. Anyone with a laptop can call themselves a logistics player today. But real business happens when you deliver under pressure; and that’s where Eicher helps us shine,” he concludes.
SS Logistics at a Glance
- Inception: 2011
- Fleet Size: 300+ (80%+ Eicher)
- Customer Base: Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Nykaa, Zara, Shadowfax, Cummins, Meesho, Blue Dart
- Service Reach: Pan India – from Mumbai to Hyderabad, Delhi, Patna, Siliguri, Guwahati
- Monthly Vehicle Utilization: 18,000+ km per truck
- Growth: 10–15% YoY; Rs. 80+ crore turnover