Exploring DTDC's Franchise Potential

A home-grown logistics firm, DTDC is one of India’s leading express parcel service providers. Founded by Abhishek Chakraborty in 1990, the logistics behemoth has presence in 500+ district headquarters. With a network of 10,500+ franchisees servicing 10,500+ pin codes in the country and 240 international locations, DTDC handles more than 12 million shipments in a month. To forge better in-roads in the global industry, the company has recently partnered with Asendia, a joint venture between French postal service La Poste and the state-run Swiss Post.

The tie-up will give DTDC customers access to Asendia’s global cargo transportation network of 200+ countries. As per Chakraborty, with Asendia’s huge postal network there is no pin code that will be inaccessible to the company across the world. Further, in a unique initiative, DTDC has collaborated with Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore to support travellers carrying luggage beyond the total permissible weight limit. Those passengers can leverage DTDC’s widespread delivery network to send their extra baggage back home, at a fraction of the cost of excess baggage charges.

Franchise Overview

DTDC’s franchise network is built on the fundamental idea of fostering entrepreneurship; create business opportunities for people from all walks of life; and form a channel for social change. The company has a countrywide system of 10,500+ low-cost franchises which cover more than 95% of DTDC’s network and contribute to 75% of its business. The brand offers different types of franchise models including single unit franchise, covering a small territory or particular pin code requiring an investment of Rs 1.5 lakhs and an area of 250 sq. feet. DTDC also offers master franchise of an area within city limits and super franchise that covers a district or territory. Adhering to these models, DTDC has announced plans to launch 500-600 new facilities at a pan-India level by 2022 to further strengthen its network.

FRANCHISE FACTS

Established: 1990

Franchising since: 1990

Outlets: 10,500

Investment: Rs 1.5 lakh

Area: 250 sq ft

Break-even: 24 months

Expansion: Pan-India