In an exclusive conversation with Rajesh Rajgor, Shailesh Solanki, Founder & CEO of Deepika Frozen Food Carrier, shares the company’s remarkable journey from being a fleet contractor in 2019 to building a robust fleet of 40 refrigerated trucks today. Specializing in the transportation of dairy products, fresh produce, and pharmaceutical reagents, the company has rapidly scaled operations across India. Solanki discusses how advanced tracking technology, strategic fleet expansion, and a commitment to transparency have helped them achieve over ₹20 crore in revenue. He also sheds light on future growth plans, the potential of alternative fuels, and how Deepika Frozen Food Carrier is setting new benchmarks in cold chain logistics.
Deepika Frozen Food Carrier began its journey in 2019 as a fleet contractor, initially relying on market vehicles to serve its customers. “In our first two years, we didn’t have our own vehicles,” says Shailesh Solanki, Founder & CEO. “By 2020, we introduced our first 15-tonne truck, and today, our fleet has grown to 40 vehicles, comprising 21-tonne and 15-tonne trucks.” The company specializes in transporting dairy products, fresh fruits, vegetables, and chemical reagents.
Operating across India, Deepika Frozen Food Carrier ensures seamless deliveries from west to east and north to south. “We cater to clients from Ahmedabad to Agartala, Jammu to Kanyakumari and beyond. “We recently completed cross-border shipment of life savings drugs to Kathmandu, Nepal in just 96 hours from Goa,” Shailesh adds. The company’s fleet consists of vehicles primarily from Ashok Leyland, which they believe reinforces its commitment to quality and reliability.
Operational Structure and Service Breakdown
The company’s expertise in cold chain logistics stems from Shailesh’s 17 years of experience, having worked in the industry since 2008 before founding Deepika Frozen Food Carrier with his partner, Kautubh Srivastav, who now serves as Managing Director.
With a revenue jump from Rs 2 crore in 2019 to over Rs 20 crore today, Deepika Frozen Food Carrier prides itself on reliability and efficiency. “Cold chain logistics require 24X7 availability. We handle temperature-sensitive cargo, ensuring the required conditions are maintained from pickup to delivery,” says Shailesh. “Even at the delivery point, quality assurance teams check transit temperatures before accepting the shipment.”
The company’s clientele includes one of India’s largest importers of fruits and a leading dairy brand. “We transport cheese and other dairy items from their manufacturing plant to distribution centers nationwide,” he notes. Transparency is a key differentiator. “Many players lack transparency, leading to a loss of customer confidence. We track shipments every six hours and update customers via WhatsApp groups, allowing them to manage labor and warehouse scheduling efficiently.”
Technology and Infrastructure
Deepika Frozen Food Carrier continues to strengthen its position in cold chain logistics by integrating advanced GPS tracking for real-time vehicle monitoring. “Our Panvel-based team oversees a 24X7 control center that allocates user IDs and passwords to customers, allowing them to check vehicle speed, location, and temperature remotely,” explains Shailesh.
Temperature monitoring devices placed in containers ensure consistent conditions, with data recorded every five minutes and displayed on their software. With a reputation for on-time placement and secure deliveries, the company is known for its fast turnaround time, making it one of the leading names in the sector.
However, a key differentiator for Deepika Frozen Food Carrier is its reliance on Exim marine containers for shipments. “Since the beginning, we have relied only on Exim containers due to their superior quality, having used them for over a decade without complaints,” notes Shailesh.
While other market players offer alternatives, the company remains committed to Exim containers for their reliability and adherence to international standards. Customization in refrigerated transport is minimal, but Deepika ensures an 8.5-foot height in its containers to optimize space for lightweight fruit transportation, a growing trend in Mumbai’s logistics market.
To maintain optimal temperature conditions, the company primarily uses Carrier and ThermoKing refrigeration units. “We have a dedicated third-party vendor who has been assembling our refrigeration units since 2019, and all 40 of our vehicles have been configured by this partner without any service disruptions,” he shares. The bodybuilding of these containers is handled by specialists in refrigerated solutions, ensuring durability and efficiency. With a strong foundation in cold chain logistics, Deepika Frozen Food Carrier is poised to achieve new milestones and set new benchmarks in the industry.
Growth and Future Plans
Looking ahead, Deepika Frozen Food Carrier has ambitious expansion plans. “We are targeting a fleet of 50 vehicles by 2026 and a revenue of ₹35 crore plus,” he states. The expansion will be pan-India, supporting its growing clientele in the food and beverage segment.
As part of its ongoing expansion, the company has added 10 brand-new MXL refrigerated trucks to its fleet, bringing its total strength to 40 vehicles. “These new trucks, with a payload capacity of 21 metric tons, reinforce our commitment to quality and timely deliveries,” he explains. Powered by smart tracking and powerful AC units, they cater to a wide temperature range from -25 to +25 degrees, ensuring flexibility for various cargo needs. “This investment reflects our dedication to growth and to meeting the evolving demands of our customers,” he adds.
On the future of alternative fuels, he acknowledges the industry’s shift but remains cautious. “We are keen on LPG and electric vehicles, but we are waiting for more market reviews before making a move,” he explains. While the long-haul segment may shift towards LNG or hydrogen, the company sees electric vehicles as a viable option for last-mile and intercity deliveries.
Deepika Frozen Food Carrier’s approach to cold chain logistics reflects a balance between proven reliability and a vision for the future. With a steadfast commitment to quality and customer needs, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth in the evolving logistics landscape.