From a Truck Driver to owner of 5700 + Vehicles. How this man Vijay Sankeshwar built India’s Largest Logistics Company

Without even a second thought, you will feel inspired and motivated to hear how Vijay Sankeshwar, from being a truck driver, went on to become the owner of the largest logistic company in India.

Vijay was born in 1950 to a modest family in the state of Karnataka. To be honest, Vijay’s story is the best example to show that hard work pays off when you have determination and an unending spirit to achieve big. Born in a small town of Gadag, Vijay has always been willing to work hard. The family had a small printing press, which was their only source of income in those days; however, Vijay was a man with huge dreams to achieve. The transportation industry came to his aid. Sankeshwar wanted to carve out an area for himself in the Logistics niche. 

In 1969, at the age of 19, he bought his first truck on loan. This decision was his first step toward venturing into the logistics business.

Trucks parked at VRL office Varur, Hubballi

Initially, it was Vijay himself who drove the truck, doing deliveries and gracing the clients with his presence. In that early period, things were really tough, but Sankeshwar’s work ethics and his knack for forging close relationships with his clients created a firm base on which much more was to come. 

In 1976, Vijay Sankeshwar made a modest beginning with a single truck and a dream to alter the very fabric of the logistics industry in India by founding VRL (Vijayanand Roadlines Limited). The company’s early days were indeed stormy. Vijay worked double shifts as the driver, manager, and strategist. But everything changed when Sankeshwar discovered that parcel delivery services were in demand in the state of Karnataka. By changing his focus towards on-time delivery and operation efficiency, he established a basis upon which VRL could carve an image of itself, quite different from the other players in the market. By that time, VRL had grown into a fleet of over 100 vehicles and would earn a name for itself by late 1980 as that tried and trusted logistics company. 

The quest for innovation and growth would not leave Vijay Sankeshwar in peace. During the late 1990s, Vijay Sankeshwar began to extend VRL operations from

Karnataka to different parts of India. The company embarked into passenger transport operations to provide luxury bus services for travelers. The use of technology made it possible for VRL to take some significant steps in its business. Sankeshwar very rightly understood that computerization could give competitive advantages in logistics. He had invested in tracking systems, route optimization, and fleet management, thus making the activities of VRL stand ahead of the competition. The 2000s saw VRL Logistics becoming a household name, having millions of satisfied customers all over India. The fleet expanded into trucks, buses, and even cargo planes. In all these efforts, without a doubt Sankeshwar faced competition, economic lows, and regulatory brick walls. However, it was with the gumption and grit of VRL’s head that these issues proved surmountable. His leadership has always been customer-centric and concerned with the welfare of his employees, thus winning the loyalty of his clients and his workforce. 

VRL Logistics turned listless in 2015. The IPO was a phenomenal success, further strengthening the company’s position in the sector. Today,

VRL Trucks

VRL Logistics has a fleet of more than 5,700 vehicles, making it the largest in the logistics market in India. It runs operations from over 1,000 locations and offers freight services, courier services, and passenger transport. Vijay Sankeshwar has built the logistics empire of VRL and has contributed to the economic development of the regions where VRL operates. 

Sankeshwar’s story holds important lessons in entrepreneurship. His journey demonstrates the need to start small and the value of quality. His journey emphasizes the importance of starting small, focusing on quality, and staying committed to your vision. He demonstrated that with hard work, innovation, and a customer-first approach, even the most ambitious dreams can be realized. As VRL Logistics continues to grow, Vijay Sankeshwar’s legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. His story is a shining example of how determination and vision can transform a single truck into a logistics powerhouse. From humble beginnings to building India’s largest logistics company, Vijay Sankeshwar’s journey proves that no dream is too big if you have the courage to pursue it.

Sources: 

• The Making of a Successful Entrepreneur – A biography about Vijay Sankeshwar. 
• The Economic Times, Business Standard, and Mint 
• Company Website: The official VRL Logistics 
• Industry Reports – Reports on the logistics and transportation sector in India.