Taking advantage of its excellent connectivity across Tamil Nadu, the state-owned State Express Transport Corporation has begun a courier service, in a move to diversify its business and earn more revenue.
In a public-private partnership venture, SETC has launched the low-cost ‘7c’ courier service, which will cater to 10 city corporations in the state, apart from Bengaluru in Karnataka.
The courier charges are as low as Rs 7 for a 250 gm package for any distance, and the 1,256 buses of SETC’s fleet will be used for the service.
SETC floated a tender last year and finalised the bidder. It agreed to share its fleet for the logistics operation under a PPP model, said an SETC top official in Chennai. Chennai-based V-Speeds Logistics won the bid and rolled out an economically viable logistics option, he added.
Speaking to Express, R Ramesh, Project Manager of 7c said, “The service is aimed at utilising the SETC fleet in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Our motto is ‘same day delivery’.” Ramesh said the courier booking centres are conveniently located near SETC depots across the state.
“SETC was the obvious choice when it came to offering an economically viable courier service across the state,” said Ramesh, adding that 7c delivers consignments of up to 25 kg.
The waybills for the package are bar-coded and delivery is confirmed via SMS or e-mail, minimising possibility of loss of consignments. SETC officials said they have ensured that there is no discomfort to passengers or the crew due to courier service, as all packages are loaded on buses hours before passengers embark and unloaded only after they disembark.