Challenges

Our client faced a few challenges, for which Ace planned a multi-step approach. Starting with the issue of the high transportation cost involved in using trucks to move bananas from Andhra Pradesh to Maharashtra, whose considerable distance also posed a threat to the potential quality of the cargo.

The client acquired our Freight Forwarding services to coordinate movement across long distances. They also used our Refrigerated Cargo Service to ensure that the perishable goods remained in optimal condition during the long transit between Andhra Pradesh and Mumbai.

Strategy & Process

Ace suggested a shift in the mode of transportation—from trucks to the rail system to transport these goods. This innovative approach of using refrigerated rail containers was the first of its kind in India.

The railway cooling system maintained the bananas' freshness, ensuring that the perishable goods maintained their quality and cut down on transportation costs.

Ace first commissioned the refrigerated rail containers to transport the bananas from Andhra Pradesh to Mumbai and then sent a round trip of empty containers from Mumbai to Andhra Pradesh. Once at the location, the containers were loaded onto trucks and sent to be loaded. After an 8-10 day process, the containers were loaded back onto the train for Mumbai, maintaining the cooling chain throughout.

The Result

Not only did this system significantly reduce transit costs, but it also helped improve delivery times. The consistent cooling system ensured the quality of the bananas was preserved throughout.

The successful implementation of this logistics solution facilitated a landmark shipment of 43 refrigerated containers carrying 890 Metric Tons of high-quality bananas to international markets. Lastly, the improved logistics encouraged the cultivation of export-quality bananas, benefiting local farmers and boosting India's exports.