In the realm of Indian trucking, a myriad of essential obstacles hinders smooth operations. Ranging from insufficient infrastructure to ineffective handling of logistics, challenges involving punctual deliveries, driver well-being, and adherence to regulations shape a multifaceted environment. Surmounting these barriers becomes pivotal to refining supply chains, curbing expenses, and elevating industry-wide efficacy. Confronting these complexities demands inventive remedies, integration of technology, and cooperative endeavors involving stakeholders to forge a more enduring and efficient trucking framework. It is within this context that Manya Gupta founded M Truck, aiming to tackle and resolve these issues comprehensively.

By founding M Truck, Manya Gupta aimed to infuse the industry with a sense of professionalism, empower truck drivers with steady income opportunities, and offer shippers a seamless and efficient logistics experience. Her commitment to addressing these multifaceted issues has transformed M Truck into a trailblazing force within the logistics landscape, embodying her dedication to innovation, social impact, and industry-wide change.

Below is an excerpt of Manya Gupta’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine.

What are some important facets of your life and professional journey?

Prioritizing personal growth and equilibrium holds immense significance to me. As a proud mother of two daughters, I wholeheartedly grasp the essence of harmonizing work and life. An ardent explorer of over 25 countries, I've found solace in travel, reinvigorating my soul and expanding my horizons. The transformative potential of yoga and meditation deeply resonates with me, nurturing both my mind and physique.

My professional milestones aside, I am profoundly committed to societal betterment, particularly in advancing women's empowerment. I actively collaborate with multiple NGOs for fostering an inclusive and equitable society. My steadfast faith in the potency of women's empowerment propels my mission to elevate their stature within the startup realm.

“Through the strategic use of technology, mirroring the way advancements transformed transportation, our objective is to reshape the landscape of commercial logistics”

What led you to establish M Truck? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of specialization.

Motivated by an entrepreneurial spirit, I founded M Truck, a technology-driven logistics startup, in 2019. My strong determination is centered on propelling M Truck to become one of India's leading logistics companies.

My experience in an export-focused company revealed a clear truth - our reliance on local truck drivers posed risks to safety, security, and timeliness. Recognizing the lack of adept players in this field, we identified a significant gap in the logistics industry.

Our venture draws inspiration from the transformative changes seen in the taxi sector. Much like the ease of summoning a cab via smartphone, our goal is to simplify the complex logistics landscape for businesses of all sizes. By leveraging technology, like the transformation in transportation, we strive to reshape commercial logistics. This drive stems from the desire to replicate the efficiency of essential services in the business sector, a goal embodied by M Truck. This passion is the cornerstone of our firm commitment.

In your opinion what are some of the most critical challenges you encounter in terms of leading M Truck? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

A paramount challenge we encountered was educating truck drivers. Unlike urban taxi drivers who navigate cities and embrace technology, truck drivers operate in remote areas with limited internet access. Irregular schedules and modest incomes deter smartphone adoption. Grueling 24-hour shifts isolate them from family. This spurred our vision to professionalize the fragmented trucking sector. Our tech integration aimed to eliminate broker fees, providing drivers with consistent bookings and fair pay. M Truck seeks to transform the industry, offering sustainable opportunities to drivers and enhanced shipping experiences. Leading M Truck,

I confront market competition, efficiency, regulation, talent retention, and tech changes. Through innovation, collaboration, and agility, we secure success in logistics.

Tell us about the key professional milestones you have achieved over the years.

I initiated and spearheaded M Truck, achieving profitability in its second year. M Truck's participation in Google for Startups accelerator program in partnership with 91springboard was pivotal. Through inventive approaches and self-funding, I scaled the company fivefold. Heading finance for a family export enterprise underscored my strategic prowess. I envisage M Truck ranking among India's premier logistics firms. My active role in empowering women through NGO collaboration and startup mentoring highlights my commitment to social progress and professional growth.

What has been your success mantra as a business leader?

The crux of achieving triumph, be it in logistics or any domain, lies in unwavering commitment to your creation. To flourish amidst the startup landscape, one must embrace a profound truth: adaptability is key. Many startups falter as they overlook the market's pulse, believing their offerings will be embraced unconditionally. Thus far, success unfolds when you discern the true yearnings of the market and craft a solution to its needs, not your desires.

Two virtues are paramount on this demanding journey: tenacity and wisdom. Perseverance fuels the laborious grind, unshaken by meager initial gains. Beyond that crucial threshold of two to three years, the seeds sown bear fruit, marking the foundation's solidity. Resilience amid challenges and astute comprehension of market dynamics align to form this successful formula. Conquer the pivotal market juncture, wielded by an innovative, market-responsive creation, and you stand poised to claim victory.

Manya Gupta, Co-Founder, M Truck

Manya Gupta, an Economics honors graduate from Delhi University's Hindu College, fortified her academic foundation with an MBA in Finance and CFA. Her entrepreneurial journey began alongside her husband, managing finance and marketing for their family-owned manufacturing venture. Her innovation and determination culminated in the establishment of M Truck, revolutionizing the logistics industry.