In this edition of Apollo in the Spotlight, we are excited to feature Pramila Bhimpure, co-founder of Grampus Shipping & Logistics Pvt. Ltd., based in Pune, India.
Pramila shares her journey of over two decades in the logistics industry, her approach to adapting to rapid changes, and her thoughts on building flexible, customer-centric supply chains. Don’t miss her unique insights and experiences in tackling industry challenges and embracing innovation.
How did you get started in the logistics industry, and what has your journey been like up to this point?
It’s been more than 20 years in the logistics industry. I did my post-graduation in International Business and Logistics from Pune, India. For me, it was more of an air freight journey. I handled air freight and shipment management in companies like FedEx, British Airways World Cargo, Delta Airlines, Oman Air, and Ethiopian Airways.
I am a co-founder at Grampus Shipping & Logistics Pvt. Ltd., and it’s been an amazing journey to witness the shift from manual processes and limited automation to the evolution of technology—offering insights, tracking services, and solutions to challenges in the logistics industry.
Sustainability is a hot topic in logistics. How is your organization approaching eco-friendly practices?
To meet the climate targets, we make small efforts on our part. Through green fuels, eco-friendly packaging, robust recycling protocols, and load consolidation to reduce mileage, we strive to support Mother Earth.
What do you enjoy most about the logistics industry, and what makes your role particularly fulfilling?
I think what makes the logistics industry so exciting is its complexity and the direct impact it has on the global economy. The seamless flow of goods, services, and information across the world is fascinating—it involves so much coordination, from inventory management to transportation and everything in between. It’s like a massive puzzle where every piece needs to fit perfectly for the system to work efficiently.
For me, it’s fulfilling to simplify or improve processes—whether it’s optimizing routes, forecasting demand, or providing real-time updates to make decision-making easier. Logistics is all about problem-solving and adaptability, and every day brings new challenges, keeping the work dynamic and rewarding. It’s also incredibly satisfying to see how even small improvements in logistics can lead to significant cost savings or better customer satisfaction.
How does your team approach risk management, and what’s one piece of advice you’d give to others about mitigating risks?
We try to analyze past experiences or delays to identify patterns and recurring risks. We also engage with partners, suppliers, and internal teams to understand their concerns and the potential risks they foresee.
One key piece of advice is to focus on building flexibility into your logistics processes. Risks are inevitable, but having contingency plans, multiple supplier and transportation options, and adaptive supply chain structures allows you to pivot quickly when needed. The more adaptable you are, the less likely a single risk will disrupt your entire operation.
Could you describe a difficult moment in your career that shaped the way you work today?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, like everyone else, I faced the stress of social isolation and external pressures. Balancing work-life challenges and managing increased workloads due to shifting business dynamics, especially adapting to rapid change and uncertainty, was particularly challenging.
Flexibility and responsiveness emerged as key takeaways from those times.
What’s the biggest myth about logistics that you wish you could debunk?
The myth of “just move it faster and cheaper” is one I wish I could debunk. While speed and cost-efficiency are important, logistics is far more complex than just these two factors. It requires balancing multiple considerations, including inventory management, demand forecasting, route optimization, regulatory compliance, sustainability, and customer service, to name a few.
People often overlook how crucial it is to ensure products are stored properly, transportation routes are optimized for both cost and environmental impact, and that there’s enough flexibility to handle unexpected disruptions, like weather events or geopolitical issues.
In short, it’s not just about speeding up delivery or cutting costs—it’s about building an efficient, adaptable, and customer-centric supply chain.
What do you like most about being a member of Apollo network?
We are relatively new to this network group, but we appreciate the initiative taken by the Network team to introduce new communication ideas, such as interviews and more.
We look forward to building long-term relationships and contributing to the collective efforts to keep things moving seamlessly.
When you’re not focused on logistics, how do you like to unwind and enjoy your free time?
I like drawing & painting during my free time…
What’s the funniest or strangest item you’ve ever had to transport?
It may not be the funniest item, but we once exported a unique marble plant holder called Tulsi (Holy Basil) Vrundavan (the planter).
Since we primarily handle engineering goods and not personal effects, this was a unique experience for us. From carefully packing to safely delivering this fragile item without any damage, it was truly a memorable task. Attached is a photograph of the planter for reference.
Thank you, Pramila, for sharing your insights and inspiring journey!