The Indian shipping industry is one of the largest in the world, playing a vital role in the country’s economic growth. With a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometres and 13 major ports, India has a vast potential for the shipping industry to grow further. In this blog, we will take a detailed overview of the Indian logistics industry, its growth, major trends, and the upcoming opportunities for eCommerce sellers.
The Indian Shipping Industry: An Overview
India is the 16th largest maritime country in the world, with a share of around 7% of global seaborne trade. The Indian shipping industry comprises shipping companies, shipbuilders, ports, and maritime organizations. The industry contributes around 95% of India’s international trade by volume and 70% by value.
Growth of the Indian Shipping Industry
The Indian shipping industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years. According to the Indian Ports Association, the major ports in India handled a total of 704.82 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in 2020-21, compared to 699.10 MT in the previous year. This indicates a growth of 0.82%. The growth can be attributed to the following factors:
- Increased demand for crude oil and petroleum products
- Growth in container traffic
- Government initiatives like Sagarmala and Bharatmala
- Advancements in technology
Trends in this Industry
The Indian shipping industry is witnessing several trends that are shaping its future. Some of the key trends are:
Increasing use of digital technology: The Indian shipping industry is adopting digital technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience. Technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are being used to optimize operations and improve supply chain visibility.
Growth of eco-friendly shipping: With growing concerns about climate change, the Indian shipping industry is shifting towards eco-friendly shipping practices. This includes the use of LNG as a fuel, adopting green port initiatives, and implementing sustainable shipping practices.
Rise of coastal shipping: Coastal shipping is gaining importance in India, as it offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly mode of transportation. The government has launched several initiatives to promote coastal shipping, including the Sagarmala program.
Opportunities in the sector
The Indian shipping sector offers several opportunities for online merchants. With the rapid growth of eCommerce in India over the years, the demand for efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions has increased. Some of the opportunities for e-commerce sellers are:
Expansion of last-mile delivery networks: With the rise of the eCommerce sector, there is a growing need for efficient last-mile delivery networks. Online sellers can partner with shipping companies to expand their last-mile delivery capabilities.
Use of technology to optimize operations: If you’re an eCom merchant, you can leverage digital technology to optimize your shipping operations. Technologies like blockchain and AI can help you improve supply chain visibility, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience.
Growth of cross-border eCommerce: Cross-border eCommerce is growing rapidly in India, offering eCommerce sellers an opportunity to expand their customer base. Shipping companies like NimbusPost are offering specialized cross-border services and the fastest courier services across 196+ countries to cater to the growing international demands. NimbusPost has become the most trusted shipping company in India by offering an automated, AI-enabled shipping platform to social commerce sellers, SMEs, D2C brands, and all kinds of eCommerce sellers for a single shipping platform for all needs.
The shipping aggregator has brought together 27+ courier partners on a single platform to facilitate the fastest shipping across 29000+ pin codes within India. Powered by a team of 500+ industry specialists and a superior shipping platform, the logistics company offers features such as a courier rate calculator, an automated courier recommendation engine, an advanced NDR panel, AI-enabled fraud detection, automated order confirmation through WhatsApp, SMS, email, and more. You can compare the shipping rate of India’s major carrier partners in a single place and choose the most cost-effective shipping partner for each shipment.
Choose a Shipping Partner Carefully
Choosing the right shipping partner is crucial for any eCommerce business as it can affect your reputation, customer satisfaction, and profitability. When selecting a shipping partner, consider factors such as delivery time, cost, reliability, and customer service. Look for a carrier that offers competitive rates and flexible shipping options, such as next-day delivery or international shipping.
Check the carrier’s tracking system and return policy to ensure that your customers have a positive experience. Besides this, also verify the carrier’s insurance and liability coverage to protect your business and customers’ shipments. Last but not least, choose a carrier that aligns with your brand values and offers excellent customer support.
Conclusion
The Indian shipping industry is poised for growth, offering several opportunities for eCommerce sellers. With the government’s focus on infrastructure development and the industry’s adoption of digital technology, the Indian shipping industry is set to become more efficient and cost-effective. eCommerce sellers can leverage these opportunities to expand their businesses and improve their shipping operations.
