PTL remains a fragmented segment in logistics and supply chain domain

Part truck load (PTL) continues to be a fragmented and unaddressed segment in logistics and supply chain domain, says a study.

India’s trucking industry is a complicated one - segmented by destination, freight load, as well as by end user. However, compared to the focus on the entire gamut of road transportation, the part truck load (PTL) sub-segment has not been the recipient of much attention. But a silver lining is that of the MSMEs sector, which are bringing up the PTL along as they raise themselves, said the report, which was recently released by Aviral Consulting (Aviral), a leading consulting firm in logistics and supply chain industry, released the first-ever knowledge report on highly fragmented Part Truck Transportation (non-express) titled ‘Indian Part Truck Load Industry - Prospects and Challenges’.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, Dr S Venkat, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, IIM Lucknow said: “PTL plays the role of an MSME segment in the transportation sector. If transportation was growing with a CAGR of 8 per cent, then, PTL was growing at an annual CAGR of 10 per cent.”

However, it was faced with lots of problems for a simple reason that it falls under unorganized industry. The government must provide incentives to PTL to ensure its growth momentum, he added

Unveiling the report, Dr Surendra Ahirwar (Joint Secretary - Logistics, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) said that though he was not completely cognizant of the PTL segment, he was quite intrigued with the concept since he heard about it and the potential that it holds.

Dr Ahirwar said: “Though we are moving forward, there is still an attempt to be made to recognize and transform India’s trucking industry. This report is a landmark in the history and future of PTL. It has not only defined the PTL segment but also highlighted the areas of opportunity like infrastructure and skill gaps.”

The PTL segment continues to support the MSMEs and therefore, the interventions required should be taken up by all stakeholders, including suppliers and users of the PTL services, along with the government.

“It is a comprehensive overview of the state of knowledge on the topic, and it will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners alike,” said Vikash Khatri, Founder, Aviral Consulting.

He went on to say that he hopes the report will help to raise awareness about the sector and lead to concrete action towards improving it.

PTL is vital for integrating India’s supply chains with the global supply chains by facilitating trade. A panel discussion was held on the occasion, which was moderated by Dr S Venkat (Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, IIM Lucknow). The speakers were a group of experts including Rajesh Gupta (Director - (Skill Development, Labour and Employment, NITI Aayog), Mahendra Shah (MD and Chairman, V-Trans), and Rampraveen Swaminathan (Mahindra Logistics).

The panel discussion focused on the importance of road transportation in India's economic growth. Speakers discussed the need for more efficient and productive logistics, the future of the people dimension of the sector, and the potential for reverse logistics. They also emphasized the need for technology adoption and public digital assets in the PTL industry.

The discussion concluded with a call for collaboration among leaders in the sector to develop a shared vision for the future. The report was highly appreciated by everyone present at the event and the general consensus was that it is a milestone for the growth story of PTL segment.

Khatri also gave a short presentation towards the end of the event, explaining the contents of the knowledge report and what he envisions to achieve with it.