In 1993, when Shashi Kiran Shetty began his journey with a single forklift and a clear dream, no one imagined that the small logistics company he founded would one day operate across continents. What kept him moving was quiet determination, a willingness to learn every day, and the belief that an Indian company could build a global presence.

“My father’s journey has always been defined by clarity of purpose and an extraordinary belief that an Indian company could build a global footprint in logistics,” said Vaishnav Shetty (Executive Director, ECU Worldwide and Chief Digital Officer (CDO), Allcargo Group), who grew up watching this story unfold. He remembers seeing his father travel from port to port, forming relationships, finding opportunities, and taking bold decisions when the moment felt right. “His philosophy was simple: stay grounded, stay hungry, and keep building for the long term.”

Those early years shaped both the company and the next generation. Shetty recalls lessons that stayed with him long before he joined the business. “The most important lesson was that learning is a continuous process and change is constant,” he said. He watched his father face challenges with optimism, and these habits became part of his own approach to leadership.

As he stepped into his role, Vaishnav chose to blend tradition with technology. “The focus is on scaling the Group through technology and data, while staying true to the people-centric values that built the organisation,” he explained. Working with seasoned leaders helped him align long-standing strengths with new digital possibilities.

His push for digital transformation came from the changing nature of logistics. “Logistics today is driven by speed, accuracy and visibility. Technology is the only way to deliver these consistently across global networks,” he mentioned. He believes tools powered by data and AI will reshape how supply chains operate and how customers experience reliability.

Family values also guided major decisions, including the defining moment when Allcargo acquired ECU Line despite difficult circumstances. “It reflects a core family principle: look beyond short-term challenges and bet on your capabilities,” he stated.

Even as the company expanded worldwide, its identity stayed rooted. “We are an Indian-born global enterprise,” Shetty said, believing India’s growing role in global trade will shape the future.

Looking ahead, his vision remains steady. “The long-term focus is on learning continuously, building with intent, and preparing the organisation for the next phase of growth while staying true to the values that have defined our journey.”

Facts:

• Inception: 1993
• Revenue (FY 2024–25): INR 16,022 Cr
• Global Presence: Operations in 180+ countries
• Key Markets: Europe, Americas, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and India
• Employees: 10,600 (4,600 on-roll & around 6,000 off-roll/contractual)

Key International Acquisitions & Milestones

• 2005: Acquired stake in ECU Line
• 2006: Completed acquisition of ECU Line
• 2010: Acquired two Hong Kong–based entities
• 2013: Acquired Econocaribe Consolidators (USA)
• 2014: Acquired majority stake in FCL Marine Agencies, Rotterdam
• 2016: ECU Line rebranded as ECU Worldwide, unifying global presence
• 2021: Joint venture with Nordicon, major ocean freight consolidator in Nordic region
• 2022: Acquired Germany-based Fair Trade GmbH Schiffahrt, Handel und Logistik