Nimbus Logistics: Delivering Reliable Transportation Solutions

“In response to evolving logistics requirements, we are delivering reliable transportation solutions and are collaborating with trusted domestic suppliers to reduce dependence on international OEMs and enhance the efficiency and dependability of our operations.
Nilesh Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer, Nimbus Logistics

What kind of difficulties do you confront while transporting cargo via trailers?

Transporting cargo via trailers is a complex procedure that presents various challenges and therefore require careful consideration, meticulous planning, adherence to regulations, and proactive risk management and mitigation, before commencing an operation. One of the foremost difficulties is ensuring the safety and security of the cargo, the vehicle, and the personnel involved.

The most unique challenge in road transportation is the uncertainties associated with it. There could be a minor hindrance such as an inappropriately parked car in an urban environment, which can lead to disruption in movement of cargo and cause a delay for hours.

By far the most important aspect is route planning and assessment. Difficult terrains, narrow roads, low bridges, and other obstacles can pose substantial risks. Hence, a comprehensive route survey is essential to identify potential issues and plan alternative routes, if necessary.

Special consideration should also be given to permits and approvals, as transporting oversized cargo often requires authorization from local authorities, and also their support. A skilled driver and a well-trained crew who understand the intricacies of handling heavy and oversized cargo, the importance of safety protocols, and emergency procedures, are essential for successful operations.

In cases of trailer downtime (especially of trailers made by international OEMs), we have encountered significant challenges like unavailability of readily accessible spare parts, the high cost of importing parts, expensive service charges, and lack of support once the OEM withdraws from the Indian market.

What safety measures do you implement while transporting heavy cargo over difficult terrains and long distances?

We implement the following safety measures during transportation of over-dimensional cargo (ODC) on difficult terrains:

Route Survey and Planning: We conduct a thorough route survey to identify potential obstacles and limitations. We plan the route after considering the road conditions, bridge weight limits, and overhead clearances.

Specialized Equipment: We use specialized trailers designed for ODC transport. We ensure that they meet safety standards and are very well maintained. We have an in-house garage exclusively for undertaking the maintenance work for our fleet.

Escorts and Pilots: Depending on cargo size and wherever necessary, we arrange for escort vehicles and pilot cars to guide and warn other road users. Escort personnel also help ensure the entire safe passage of vehicles through areas with heavy traffic and complex movement.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: We obtain the required permits and approvals from RTO/MoRTH and other local authorities, and adhere to transportation regulations that are specific to heavy and oversized cargo.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations: Adverse weather conditions and seasonal challenges also need to be considered. While planning movement during the monsoon season, we need to be wary of the road conditions, especially in hilly regions. The risk of shorting an overhead electric line is much higher during the rainy season.

Training and Crew Experience: We employ only drivers and support personnel who are trained and experienced in the movement of ODC transport. They are well versed with the challenges and know how to address them.

Adhering to safety measures not only reduces risks associated with ODC transportation but also ensures the safety of cargo, personnel, and the public. Stringent safety measures give transportation companies the confidence to execute projects, even in challenging terrains and over long distances.

For instance, when MAN withdrew from the Indian market, it has become difficult to source even the most basic replacement parts for MAN vehicles. The shortage of genuine spare parts not only prolongs downtime but also escalates maintenance costs, impacting operational efficiency.

To overcome such challenges, we have started dealing with domestic companies like Autocrat and Tratec, from whom we are purchasing hydraulic axles for our entire fleet. This not only ensures a reliable supply of spare parts but also contributes to the growth of the local manufacturing industry. By collaborating with trusted domestic suppliers, we aim to reduce dependence on international OEMs and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our operations.

What are the points of concern while acquiring heavy haul trailers?

When acquiring heavy haul trailers for our operations, we look into the following factors:

Heavy Haulage Capacity: Ensuring that the trailers can handle our specific heavy load requirements is a priority. Overloading is not an option for us, as it can cause damage to the road infrastructure and also cause operational disruptions. Our trailers need to withstand the rigors of heavy loads and challenging road conditions without frequent breakdowns. Heavy built, durable, and reliable vehicles are non-negotiable considerations.

Cost-effectiveness: We are always looking for a balance between upfront purchase costs and long-term operating expenses. We seek trailers that offer good performance and value for our investment. Downtime is another concern, so we place a premium on trailers that are easy to maintain. The availability of spare parts and a dependable service network is necessary for reducing downtime, hence we pursue manufacturers and dealers that offer comprehensive warranty coverage and reliable after-sales support to minimize operational disruptions.

Moreover, we take into account future considerations, such as the potential resale value of the vehicle, as it significantly impacts the total cost of ownership. Certain brands retain better value over time, influencing our decision-making process in this regard.

Fuel Efficiency: Given the scale of our operations, fuel efficiency is a key focus area. We prioritize trailers with designs and components that maximize fuel savings during long hauls. Having modern technology integration in the vehicle is also a great facility as we require GPS tracking and fuel management systems to enhance real-time monitoring, security, and fuel efficiency in our operations.

Safety and Environmental Features: Safety is of paramount importance in our company. We prioritize trailers equipped with advanced safety features to protect our cargo, drivers, and other road users. We also consider the environmental impact of our trailers, including emissions and fuel consumption and we explore eco-friendly options whenever feasible. These concerns are integral to our decision-making process when looking for heavy haul trailers which must also align with our operational requirements, contribute to cost-effectiveness, and maintain the efficiency and safety of our fleet.

Do you envisage a growth in demand for trailers?

With the expanding e-commerce sector, increased manufacturing, and higher government spending on infrastructure development, the need for efficient cargo transportation shall continue to rise. Additionally, government initiatives like Make in India further stimulate logistics activities, boosting the requirement for trailers. Hence, we anticipate a robust demand for trailers in India's growing logistics market and remain committed to providing reliable and tailored transportation solutions to support the country's burgeoning supply chain demands.

What support is required from the government in terms of policies and infrastructure for smooth ODC transportation?

A major intervention is required from the government in order to facilitate smooth movement of ODC consignments. The cargo we carry is elemental for industrial and infrastructure development, which directly benefits the economy of the country. The government should strive towards joining hands with the companies engaged in this challenging task and collaborate with them, instead of penalizing movement of oversized cargo and creating hurdles. Ensuring proper police escort, required road closures, and traffic management in urban areas contribute greatly to smooth ODC transportation.

Collaboration between the transporters and government institutions will not only help improve the feasibility of oversized but also help address any safety concerns related to such movements.

In addition to this, developing roads, bridges, and highways is crucial. This includes widening and strengthening roads, constructing special corridors for ODCs, and ensuring the structural integrity of bridges and overpasses to accommodate heavy loads.

What initiatives are you taking to reduce carbon emissions in your products and operations?

We are making every possible effort to minimize carbon emissions from our fleet. We are maintaining our vehicles regularly to ensure that they operate at peak efficiency, thereby reducing emissions caused by mechanical issues. We ensure that our vehicles meet the regulatory requirements by obtaining Fitness and PUC certifications from the government.

However, as an industry, we are not making significant strides in reducing our carbon emissions. There is an urgent need for a technological breakthrough in commercial vehicle electrification or the use of alternative fuels that can substantially decrease carbon emissions. Unfortunately, this is not something that can be achieved at an individual level. The government should encourage research and development in this sector, as the benefits will directly contribute to lowering the country's carbon emissions.

Please share a case study that highlights the challenging issues while executing a project.

In a recent project, our company embarked on a logistical journey that tested our planning and problem-solving abilities in unforeseen ways. The task at hand was the transportation of an industrial generator from Pune to the remote town of Golaghat in Assam, spanning a vast distance of nearly 3,000 kilometers.

Despite our meticulous route planning, the practical world has a way of throwing unexpected challenges! One such challenge arose in West Bengal, where a seemingly minor detail became a significant roadblock. A proposed railway crossing in the area had sprouted a row of metal posts, strategically marking the future location of the crossing barrier. These posts were strategically placed, leaving us just inches short of being able to pass our colossal cargo through the road.

Faced with this dilemma, we had to act swiftly and think innovatively. We engaged in negotiations with a local farmer who allowed us access to his land, and with a touch of engineering ingenuity, we were able to create a temporary bypass. This solution allowed us to navigate around the metal posts and continue our journey.

Upon nearing our destination, we encountered another daunting challenge: with less than 5kms remaining, a small village stood between us and our destination. Its narrow roads were charming but not designed for a cargo of our magnitude. What compounded the complexity were the intricate spiderweb-like overhead wires that crossed our path. These wires were clearly not meant to accommodate an oversized cargo.

We were confronted with the prospect of becoming entangled in this web of electrical lines. We reached out for support of the local electricity commission who were gracious enough to help us. A dedicated team of engineers from the commission joined us on the ground. Their team painstakingly decommissioned and relocated wires that obstructed our path, ensuring our safe passage, while ensuring that no damage was done to the village infrastructure. The mere 2km journey through the village took 8hours of painstaking overnight work to cross. In the end, our relentless spirit and the collaborative efforts of our team prevailed and we safely delivered the colossal generator to our client in Golaghat. This project underscored that in the realm of transportation, every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and, ultimately, to deliver.