US-based ride-hailing platform inDrive has launched its freight services in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Lucknow.
inDrive’s freight segment offers same-day and on-demand transport service to small businesses to find delivery options for any 20-plus kg freight. Users can find a large and diverse fleet of vehicles such as three-wheelers, pick-up and mid-sized trucks for small and medium shipments.
inDrive has been looking to expand its business by tapping into new markets, with a strong focus on India. Recognising India’s potential as a hub for global economic growth and its thriving ecommerce sector, including giants like Amazon, the company aims to meet the surging demand for deliveries, Alexey Tryapitsyn, head of inDrive.Freight, said.
inDrive sees a favourable competitive landscape, as much of the market remains offline. It aims to digitise the delivery sector, particularly targeting drivers who still accept orders in a traditional manner, such as in the streets of Delhi and Mumbai.
inDrive.Freight’s business model sets it apart in the freight delivery sector, according to Tryapitsyan. Unlike competitors who dictate service pricing, inDrive.Freight customers can specify their preferred price for a given service. Drivers can then accept the order if the offered price aligns with their expectations.
“We have a recommended pricing function to ensure that we nearly never have a situation where the price is not appropriate for both drivers and consumers,” he added.
inDrive is accelerating its expansion into the Indian market. Earlier this year it revealed plans to extend its services to Bengaluru and Pune. It currently offers cab services in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Chandigarh, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Jaipur and Bhopal.
In terms of cab services, inDrive’s pricing model is quite different from regular cab aggregators. The US-based platform allows users and drivers to negotiate fares among themselves as against the fixed price model, which is currently the norm.
Interestingly, foodtech major Zomato has also forayed into the logistics space and launched a quick parcel delivery service for merchants with a new app, Xtreme.
Earlier this year, inDrive raised $150 Mn from General Catalyst via hybrid instruments to fund marketing spend, including user acquisition and retention costs.
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