(This article was originally published on www.indiainfoline.com)
Porter, pioneers in tech-enabled intra-city logistics, has launched the iOS version of the booking app, spurred by the success of the Android version which was launched in October last year. The app offers a simplified, hassle free booking experience to registered individuals and SMEs who can book light trucks and tempos from Porter’s inventory for intra city movement of goods. Porter currently receives 40% of its bookings through the Android app and expects the overall figure to go upto 80% in the next 6 months with the launch of the iOS app.
Founded in August 2014 by IIT graduates Pranav Goel, Uttam Digga and Vikas Choudhary, Porter is an online marketplace of mini-trucks and tempos(LCVs) that allows businesses and individuals to book a vehicle on demand as well as on fixed arrangement basis on the Android/iOS app or by calling the call center. On Porter’s booking platform, individuals and SMEs can connect to the nearest available vehicle depending on their requirement. The app offers the convenience of real time tracking of vehicles and also enables payments through the Porter wallet.
The app comes with a host of user friendly features like accurate ETA (estimated time of arrival), structured pricing, movement tracking, digitized trip logs and geo fencing alerts — flagging and monitoring of trucks that veer off course or are unusually delayed. In addition, it results in savings of 20–25%on logistic spends, enabling better SLAs for businesses.
Trucks and LCV suppliers, on the other hand, benefit from Porter’s wide network of customers, consistent business opportunities, vehicle utilization and a significant increase in revenues upto 50%.
Pranav Goel, Co-founder and CEO, Porter said, “With the advances in mobile technology, the transportation and logistics industry is in for an overhaul. The launch of our iOS app is an extension of our commitment of making truck booking easy and hassle-free for our customers across the country. As high as 30% of our customers are iPhone users and we want to offer them the convenience of a user friendly version of the booking app.”
Vikas Chaudhary, Co-founder and CTO, Porter commented, “With our robust technology platform, the gap between the vendor and the client has been bridged effectively. This has helped remove the inefficiencies from the first and last mile leg thus smoothening the process for transport of goods within the city.”
Porter currently offers its services in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai and is planning to expand to 15 cities soon.
