FROM MAGAZINE: 'Vision 2022' to make shipping a competitive edge for 30k businesses

After completing six decades in the business, BVC Logistics has now set an ambitious target to grow from 42 to 65 branches across India in three years with the launch of ‘Vision 2022’. Rajesh Neelakanta, Executive Director and CEO reveals more on how the company plans to achieve this goal and also speaks about secure transportation of high value shipments with technological advancements, WeddingShip as an upcoming product and the nitty-gritties of insurance in the gems and jewellery business.

How does insurance, as a subject matter, play an important role in high value shipments?
For the record, BVC is neither an insurance broker nor do we sell insurance. When it comes to precious cargo, the practice is for the forwarder to extend an insured service to the customer, if required by the customer. In the case of the customer opting for BVC’s insured service, and in the event of a loss / damage of the shipment, it becomes BVC’s sole responsibility to process the insurance claim with their Insurance company and settle the loss/damage claim to the customer directly.

Tell us about ‘Vision 2022’ programme.
We have just embarked upon a 10-quarter programme for Vision 2022, where we are trying to make shipping (logistics) a competitive edge for 30,000 businesses. By using BVC services, we hope to make a difference to at least 30,000 customers, make them more competent than their competitors. We have started this programme from October 1 which culminates on March 31, 2022. To achieve this vision, BVC has set service targets like achieving delivery within 24 hours anywhere in India, use of technology, covering over 20,000 pin codes.

What are the technological advancements made by BVC to avoid pilferages and other damages?
We ensure that our vehicles are fortified and fitted with GPS tracking devices monitored 24x7 from a control room in Mumbai. Each vehicle is being fitted with safety and security devices like an engine immobiliser. Our vehicle is also fitted with a panic button, which when activated will attract public attention. We also geofence our vehicles thus ensuring they ply on a pre-determined route and the same is monitored throughout from our Control Room.

With destination weddings becoming popular in recent years, how has Wedding Ship gained importance?
It is a unique concept that we have started, and we hope it gets more traction. Within India, the challenges are still lesser compared to the jewellery being moved to global destinations. If a group of 100 people are travelling for destination weddings and carrying jewellery independently, there is a big risk as the values can be quite substantial. To help one mitigate the risk of thefts, loss, etc., whilst they are on travel for such an event, the WeddingSHIP service of BVC becomes very relevant.

WeddingSHIP also assists travellers in being compliant with the cross-border / Customs requirements of India as well as that of the destination country. Thus, WeddingSHIP helps customers to enjoy their moment of joy and happiness, while removing the hassles of safety of their valuables from their minds. It is inspirational for us to do WeddingSHIP as it is a unique experience dealing with different sets of people.

How do you ensure the handling of critical gems is done safely?
All our hub operations are done by BVC personnel. Our offices are completely equipped with CCTV cameras and other safety and security equipment. So, the moment a shipment is picked-up over by BVC teams from a Customer’s premises and till it gets delivered to the intended Consignee at the destination, the shipment is under continuous BVC surveillance. Our Operations area in our hubs and offices is strictly access-controlled with ingress/egress for Authorised Personnel only.. All our operations processes have been thoroughly audited and passed by competent authorities – domestic as well as international.

You have a legacy of doing exhibition logistics for events like IIJS. How do you ensure safe handling of every piece?
All the policy procedures are the same as explained earlier, but apart from jewellery, the customers also provide us display materials, brochures, etc. The only difference for us from a regular shipment is that it is shipped on a single day. We have a huge number of shipments going for one destination from each of the pickup points. The quantity of shipments is concentrated so we have additional security involved.

We do international exhibitions also. Here, we hand over the shipments to the destinations and then the official logistics partner at the other end takes care of it. But the entire process of export or import or reimport after the exhibition is done by us.

Can you elaborate on ValSHIP and eSHIP?
ValSHIP is our B2B service for the domestic precious cargo sector where we pick-up valuable cargo shipments from manufacturers to retail jewellery companies across the country. ValSHIP has been our core business operation now grown to over 9,000 PIN codes which services customers from Tier II & Tier III cities as well.

eSHIP is our B2C service for the domestic precious cargo sector operating their businesses online, for which we pick-up valuable cargo shipments from the online portal and deliver the same to individual buyers at their premises, on door-to-door basis.