Illustrative engagement. A representative scenario showing how we approach this kind of work in transport & logistics. It does not describe a specific client; outcomes are described qualitatively.
Industry overview
What is shaping transport & logistics
Transport, logistics and mobility businesses serve passengers, shippers and fleet owners, and depend on drivers. Reliability, safety and cost decide loyalty.
- Passengers expect real-time information and safety
- Driver retention is a constant challenge
- Shippers value reliability over lowest price
Client background
A logistics firm, working in India. This is an illustrative engagement: a representative scenario showing how we approach this kind of work, not a named client project.
- Organisation
- A logistics firm
- Sector
- Transport & logistics
- Team engaged
- Finance & Accounts
- Services
- MIS & financial reporting, Financial modelling
Client challenge
Some routes were unprofitable.
Research objectives
- Deliver on the brief: cost analysis for a logistics firm.
- Establish accurate, reconciled numbers management can rely on.
- Put a reporting and compliance rhythm in place that runs on time.
Target audience
Scope: Analysis.
Audiences we typically reach in transport & logistics
Passengers and commutersDriversShippers and logistics buyersFleet ownersWarehouse staff
Geographic coverage
Coverage: India. Market: India.
- India
Research methodology
A structured finance engagement: review the current process, set up controls, run the routine and report.
- 1Brief
- 2Route costing
- 3Insight
We analysed costs by route.
MIS & financial reportingFinancial modelling
Sampling strategy
- Every ledger, entity and transaction stream in scope was covered, with sample-based checks during review.
Data collection
- Source documents, bank statements and ledgers were collected through a secure shared workspace.
Data quality & validation
- Maker-checker review on all entries
- Bank and ledger reconciliations
- Client approval before every filing or report
- Supporting documents kept for every figure
Data analysis
- Variance analysis against budget and prior periods
- Ratio and trend analysis
- Cash-flow view for management
Key findings
- Know your costs by route.
Recommendations
- Build on the core insight: know your costs by route.
- Re-measure after the changes to confirm the effect.
Business impact
- The firm repriced unprofitable routes.
What changed in the business as a result of the work. Impact is described qualitatively.
Deliverables & next steps
- Insight report and management presentation
- Monthly MIS pack and reconciled books
- Compliance calendar and filings
- Repeat the measure after changes are in place to track progress.
- A natural follow-on question: what do fleet owners plan to buy?