Tanvi Naik is an experienced leader in the logistics industry and has previously worked with multinational freight forwarders in India and the UK. Following her decision to come back to India, she joined her family business as a management trainee, she went on to become the youngest member of the company’s board. Tanvi is licensed with Mahindra MPOWER - Empowering your Transport Business amid COVID-19 from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and has completed Professional Program in Management from SPJIMR SP Jain Institute of Management & Research.
The logistics industry has traditionally been male-dominated. From top-of-the-line leadership roles to the last piece of the puzzle, i.e. the drivers, the majority have been male. But gradually the industry is moving towards incorporating women across all roles.
To understand the evolution of the Indian logistics industry, Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine recently spoke to Tanvi Naik, a young leader in the Indian logistics space. Having had prior experience of working with freight forwarders in the UK, Tanvi came back to India and joined her family business. She takes us through her initial days as a trainee at Reema Transport, where she worked across various departments to understand the sector better. She also talks about an innovative driver training program that was implemented at the company to upskill drivers and improve service delivery.
Tanvi further outlines the key challenges and opportunities faced by the logistics industry, the importance of networking for women’s growth and much more. She sends out a resounding message to women leaders to collaborate and support one another to achieve success.
To know more about Tanvi and her take on the Indian logistics sector, read the entire conversation below.
You believe that curiosity is the most powerful tool to drive both personal and professional growth. Can you share an instance where your curiosity led you to overcome a significant challenge in the transportation or logistics industry?
Working abroad before moving to India, I noticed stark differences in logistics, from vehicle placement to pricing. In the UK, transportation costs for a 500-kilometer distance were significantly higher than in India due to intense competition. Lower logistics and manufacturing costs make India a preferred destination for setting up manufacturing plants.
When I forayed into the field of road transport—one of India's most male-dominated and stereotypically gender-biased industries—the majority of employees, including drivers, were men. Although there were women in my company, they were a minority. Times have changed, but back then, it was a challenging environment.
I’ve always believed in asking questions, a mindset instilled by my father. As a management trainee, I worked across departments and visited branches to understand ground-level challenges. When I joined a decade ago, truck drivers, mechanics, and cleaners were often viewed as unpolished labourers, their job seen as merely transporting goods. In contrast, courier service employees, like those from DHL or FedEx, were perceived as more professional. This sparked the apprehension that truck drivers, too, should be groomed and trained to gain respect and be taken seriously in the industry.
At Reema Transport, we have transformed driver training over the years. Previously, their suggestions were often flouted, but with time, they now receive regular training, including GDP and CT-PAT certifications, to ensure they understand cargo handling, documentation, and compliance. While loading trucks isn’t their direct responsibility, they are trained to be aware of packaging, handling, and transportation protocols, particularly in temperature-controlled logistics.
One major challenge was getting drivers and staff to take training seriously. Trucking company offices often had a rough culture, far from a corporate work environment. It was difficult to instil professionalism—getting employees to wear proper uniforms, carry ID cards, undergo background checks, and maintain a well-groomed appearance. However, over time, these efforts have led to visible changes. Today, truck drivers look more polished, drive better vehicles, and have a more professional approach, reflecting the positive transformation in the industry.
As a woman entrepreneur in the transportation sector, what unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered while establishing and scaling your business?
Operational challenges exist for everyone, regardless of gender. One major issue is the shortage of skilled workers in the transport industry. Many prefer corporate or IT jobs over working for a transport company. The sector is not seen as lucrative, though perceptions are gradually changing as companies adopt a more corporate approach.
Finding the right workforce, especially drivers, is a significant challenge. Transportation is the lifeline of the country—during COVID, while people stayed home, cargo movement continued. However, attracting new truck drivers is difficult. Many truck drivers' children, being more educated, seek office jobs, viewing truck driving as a low-status profession. Changing this perception is a major challenge.
While this is an industry-wide issue rather than a gender-specific one, there is also a lack of women truck drivers. The sector is becoming more organized, but women drivers remain rare. Seeing a female taxi or rickshaw driver still evokes surprise, highlighting the need for a shift in perception.
Earlier, gender bias was evident in meetings and industry events, where men were dominant, and conversations were not as open with women. This limited the information women received compared to their male counterparts. However, times have changed, thanks to women leaders across industries. Women now hold leadership positions in transport, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and other sectors, making gender diversity more common in workplaces.
What does the future hold for women in the logistics industry? How can we ensure greater representation and leadership opportunities for women in the years to come?
Firstly, when a woman speaks, people pay attention. We should leverage that to drive positive change, especially in the logistics industry. Times have changed, and the future holds opportunities for everyone—men and women alike. India’s logistics sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by government support for manufacturing, infrastructure, and road networks.
As women in the industry, we focus on mentoring and supporting other women leaders. Many organizations, schools, and colleges encourage women to join logistics and supply chain management. Networking platforms and industry events bring women together to inspire and support each other. One such initiative is AITWA (All India Transport Welfare Association – Womens wing), where my partner and I participate, fostering collaboration and addressing challenges faced by women in logistics.
Beyond transport, women leaders across various sectors mentor and uplift others, often informally. In my own organization, the number of women in operations and maintenance roles has significantly increased over the past decade. Earlier, women were restricted to desk jobs such as Administration, HR or accounting, but today, they are taking on more challenging roles. Our goal is to ensure better representation and greater opportunities for women in the industry.
Going ahead, how can the logistics industry evolve to better support the growth and development of women in leadership and technical roles?
Many colleges now offer specialized logistics and supply chain courses, including government-affiliated programs like the CII School of Logistics. When I was exploring this field, such options were limited. Today, institutions provide expertise in areas like cold chain logistics, compliance, and taxation related to transportation, such as GST and E-Way Bill.
I encourage young professionals, especially women, to enrol in these courses. Additionally, don’t hesitate to connect with industry leaders on LinkedIn or other platforms. Networking is invaluable—I actively seek advice from pioneering women leaders myself. The logistics industry thrives on collaboration, not just competition.
If you need guidance, reach out to experienced women leaders. They are key decision-makers and are often willing to help. In our organization, we actively support this approach, and I encourage all women to take advantage of these opportunities.
As a leader and entrepreneur in a demanding industry, how do you approach work-life integration, especially as a woman balancing family, business, and community responsibilities? How can other women in the industry cultivate a similar balance?
Balancing family and work is a challenge every woman faces at different stages of life. Personally, I have recently had a baby and returned to work less than a year ago. I am fortunate to be part of a company that supports and encourages my transition back into my role. Motherhood brings significant physical and mental changes that men do not experience in the same way. While parenting is a shared responsibility, the impact on women is profound. However, it is not impossible to manage both. Women are naturally skilled at multitasking and capable of much more than is often perceived.
To navigate this balance, building a strong community and team at work is essential. Automating tasks and working smarter rather than harder can make a significant difference. For instance, upskilling in tools like Excel or ERP through short training sessions can help complete tasks more efficiently. Small improvements in skills can lead to significant time savings.
Being vocal about work-life balance is also crucial. Open conversations with managers and leaders about professional commitment and personal needs can lead to better support and flexibility. At my organization, I encourage women to grow in their careers while managing their responsibilities, ensuring neither is compromised. Asking for help, prioritizing effectively, and fostering open communication with the team are key strategies.
Time management is essential for everyone, not just women. Leveraging technology and continuously learning how to optimize tasks is the way forward. The key is to work smarter, which is something I am also learning along the way.
Message for Readers
To all the women out there working—read more, collaborate more, and connect with fellow women leaders. We need to support and uplift each other. Times are changing, and women have made a strong mark across industries. Network more and foster a healthy environment where we can grow together. I hope this conversation inspires the youth to explore opportunities in transportation, logistics, or supply chain. If anyone has questions or needs advice, be open, seek opportunities, talk to people, and challenge yourself.
