Unforgotten Brands: VRL
The success story of Vijay Sankeshwar has served as an inspiration to countless others. Starting his logistics company in the 1970s with a single truck was a huge leap of faith, who came from modest origins.
VRL was founded in 1976 by Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar in Gadag, a small town in North Karnataka, with a single truck and a vision that was ahead of its time. The company gradually expanded its services to other parts of the country
Born into a small business family in Gadag, Vijay Sankeshwar’s family owned a printing press for dictionaries, Kannada literature books, and school textbooks. After assisting in the family business for a while, he decided to venture out on his own. Noticing that the goods transportation business was largely unorganized and unreliable, young Sankeshwar saw a significant opportunity. However, his family opposed his business idea, and financial assistance from them was out of the question. Determined, he borrowed Rs 1.20 lakh from friends and purchased his first truck in 1976, even driving it himself for long deliveries to give his driver rest.
The early years were tough, with Sankeshwar incurring significant losses. Despite these challenges, his resolve remained unshaken. His commitment to customer service, coupled with faster deliveries at lower costs, gradually grew the business. By 1983, he incorporated the company as Vijayanand Roadlines Private Limited. The company faced various business cycle ups and downs but emerged stronger each time.
Vijay’s journey was fraught with financial obstacles. Each hurdle only strengthened his resolve. In 2006, he rebranded the company as VRL Logistics. From its modest beginnings, VRL has grown into a nationally renowned logistics and transport company, currently the largest fleet owner of commercial vehicles in India with over 6000 vehicles. The Limca Book of Records recognizes VRL as the largest fleet owner of commercial vehicles in India in the private sector. Vijay Sankeshwar’s son, Anand Sankeshwar, has now joined the company, bringing in new strategies to further drive its growth.
Over the years, VRL has pioneered a safe and reliable delivery network in parcel service and expanded into courier services, priority cargo, and passenger transport by air to meet the demands of its growing customer base.
VRL’s 3PL and warehousing solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of its diverse customers. With the largest goods transportation network in India, VRL’s parcel service is crucial for many corporate houses. This extensive network spans the country, supported by strategically located transhipment hubs. VRL operates through a network of 1209 branches and franchises, continually expanding its reach to even the remotest locations in the country.
His life story was also depicted in the Kannada-language biographical film “Vijayanand,” released in 2022.
Vijay Sankeshwar’s journey is a testament to resilience and vision, indicating that his story is far from over.
