First-gen entrepreneur Shashi Kiran Shetty feels family has played a huge role in Allcargo Logistics

Shashi Kiran Shetty, chairman, Allcargo Logistics Ltd, must be beaming with pride at the empire he has built over the past two decades.

Allcargo Logistics completes 25 years this month and Shetty can look back at the journey filled with some ups and downs, and interesting milestones.

Allcargo was also one of the first logistics companies in India to go public. Today, the company is present in 160+ countries. The company recently announced its foray into the Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLP) business. And while one would think that the businessman would now decide to take a breather, Shetty is far from ready to settle down.


Moving ahead
Founding the company in 1993, in an era of tight business controls, Shetty took the challenges head on without losing his faith and ability to scout for the right opportunities and capitalise on them.

What followed later were years of courageous decision-making and bold steps by tying up with major NVOCC (non-vessel operating common carrier) companies in Europe, Asia and the US. He expanded in India by opening container freight stations and started the projects and engineering solutions division of Allcargo.

Shetty’s personal high point was when Allcargo acquired Belgium-based ECU-Line (rebranded ECU Worldwide in 2016), the company it represented as an agent in India.

In recognition for his work, Shetty was appointed the Commander of the Order of Leopold II by King Philippe of Belgium in 2015. In 2016, he consolidated his global NVOCC operations under a new brand — ECU Worldwide. And since then, he has taken Allcargo to new heights and made it the global leader in LCL consolidation.

All in the family
Like in the story of most successful businesses, family played an important role in Shetty’s success. Apart from the support she offers, his wife Arathi plays an active role and spearheads the group’s philanthropic initiatives.

While son Vaishnav, who recently joined the business, is leading some of the new verticals, daughter Shloka is pursuing her undergraduate studies from the North Western University, US. Shetty’s extended family members too have played a profound role in his journey. The businessman invests a great deal of time in nurturing relationships and continues to live by the values he has grown up with.

Giving back
Shetty believes that to move forward one must give back to society. He is actively working towards the upliftment of the underprivileged communities in tribal areas. Even before CSR was mandatory, Shetty and Arathi would offer education and medical support to the underprivileged, both in their personal capacity as well as under Avashya Foundation, the group’s CSR arm.

At this year’s World Economic Forum at Davos, he saw the vestiges of disasters caused by climate change. He has now pledged to do his bit and bring in a mindset shi ft by launching a nationwide campaign called Allcargo Greens.

The aim is to reduce carbon footprint and inspire others to adapt ways of cleaner and greener living. He also believes in conceptualising new ideas and takes keen interest in grooming the leaders of the future. At Allcargo, young talent from all over the country is closely being mentored and guided by him.

Celebrations galore
With the company officially kick-starting its silver jubilee celebrations today, Shetty believes that the next 25 years are going to be based on a foundation of strong values. According to Shetty, accumulating wealth can bring happiness, but using this wealth to create value for people and creating a sustainable future is what sets thinkers apart from businessmen.