From a humble 10×10 sq. ft. office in Bengaluru, 25 years ago, to a pan-India logistics powerhouse, Sevenseas Global Express Logistics has forged a legacy of integrity, resilience, and customer-first excellence, redefining India’s freight forwarding landscape with unwavering commitment.
Every great logistics story begins with movement, of goods, of ideas, and often, of one individual who sees possibility where others see complexity. For Sevenseas Global Express Logistics, that individual is Biju Thomas, the Managing Director, whose journey mirrors the evolution of India’s logistics sector itself.
We grew by staying true to our values, never chasing shortcuts
His early years with global shipping lines like Hanjin and Wan Hai exposed him to the immense potential of freight forwarding in a liberalising India. By 2001, he recognised a gap that few were prepared to address: the need for reliable, professional, and service-driven logistics solutions in a market dominated by multinational giants.
From a small office in Bangalore, offering only ocean freight, he began building what would become one of India’s most respected logistics companies. The early days were unforgiving; customers preferred recognisable global brands, and Indian companies had to fight harder to earn trust. But Biju Thomas relied on perseverance, consistency, and a service mindset that would eventually define the Sevenseas culture.
Today, as he reflects on more than two decades of growth, he speaks not of scale or numbers first, but of values: integrity, resilience, and the belief that the “Customer is King.”
From a single room to a pan – India network
Personal care and global capability, that balance defines our entire journey
Sevenseas’ growth story is not one of overnight leaps but of deliberate, strategic expansion. What began in Bangalore gradually extended into major Indian cities: Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Tuticorin, Cochin, and then into satellite locations that strengthened the company’s national footprint.
This expansion was not merely geographic; it was philosophical. As customers began demanding pan-India support, Sevenseas recognised that true service excellence required presence, accessibility, and local expertise.
Yet, the journey was far from easy. Talent acquisition, market development, and the sheer operational complexity of setting up new branches tested the company’s resolve. Mumbai, in particular, was both the biggest opportunity and the toughest challenge. Through persistence and credibility, it eventually became one of Sevenseas’ most successful branches, a testament to the company’s ability to rise to demanding markets.
Today, with 27 branches across India, Sevenseas stands as a logistics network built on strong foundations, not shortcuts.
A service portfolio designed for end-to-end excellence
Sevenseas Global Express Logistics has evolved into a comprehensive logistics provider offering multimodal, end-to-end solutions. Its service portfolio spans the full spectrum of freight and supply chain needs:
- Air Freight: Over 15,000 tons annually, including DGR, perishables, and time-critical cargo
- Ocean Freight: More than 35,000 containers per year across LCL, FCL, and Sea-Air solutions
- Customs Clearance: 75,000+ clearances annually through in-house CHA licences
- Warehousing & Distribution: Tech-enabled hubs in Bhiwandi, Gurugram, Bangalore, and Chennai
- Project Cargo: Expertise in ODC, break-bulk, and heavy-lift shipments
- Marine Logistics: Specialised “Door to Deck” ship-spares delivery
What makes this portfolio compelling is not its breadth but its consistency. Sevenseas has never pursued diversification for optics. Instead, it has focused on excelling in every service it offers.
Each division is led by experienced professionals, supported by regular training, cross-functional reviews, and a culture that prioritises proactive problem-solving. The result is a company that doesn’t just move cargo; it delivers solutions.
The people behind the scene
Trust, consistency, and relationships built our global network, not algorithms
In an industry known for high attrition, Sevenseas stands out for the loyalty of its workforce. Many employees who joined in the early years now lead key divisions, carrying forward the company’s cultural DNA.
This stability is not accidental. Sevenseas empowers its teams by allowing departments to operate as independent profit centres, fostering ownership and leadership. Continuous training, team-building initiatives, and a transparent work environment have created a workforce that is both motivated and deeply aligned with the company’s values.
With 550 employees across India, Sevenseas has built a talent ecosystem where individuals see long-term growth, not just a job.
Compliance, complexity, and the art of precision
Logistics is a business of details: documentation, regulations, detention risks, and compliance requirements that can shift overnight. Sevenseas manages this complexity through clearly defined SOPs, designated compliance personnel, and meticulous monitoring of every shipment.
The company’s expertise shines brightest in challenging scenarios. One example stands out: the movement of three crushing machines, each weighing around 45 tonnes, from South India to Nhava Sheva, Mumbai; a 1,300-km journey by road.
The operation demanded precise coordination between teams in the South and Mumbai, continuous monitoring, and flawless timing to meet the vessel schedule. Despite the weight, distance, and risks involved, the shipment was executed without a single issue.
This is the Sevenseas difference: preparedness, expertise, and the ability to deliver under pressure.
Balancing customisation with scalability
From a tiny room to a national force, integrity led the way
Serving over 3,500 customers annually requires more than operational capability. it demands adaptability. Sevenseas has mastered the balance between bespoke solutions and scalable systems.
A dedicated project division handles customised, SLA-driven requirements, while technology enables automated updates, digital documentation, and real-time visibility. Over time, customer support has evolved from single-person handling to dedicated teams assigned to specific customer clusters, ensuring personalised attention even as the company grows.
A global network built on trust, not transactions
In a world where digital platforms make it easy to find overseas agents, Sevenseas has taken a different path, one rooted in long-term relationships, shared values, and mutual accountability. Over the last 25 years, the company has invested deeply in identifying and nurturing global partners who mirror its service standards.
A dedicated Route Development team, operational since inception, has been instrumental in building this network. Recognising early on that global coordination required structure, Sevenseas divided the world into four zones, each managed by a senior, experienced leader within the company.
This simple yet powerful strategy gave overseas partners a single point of contact for each region, eliminating confusion and strengthening trust. Each trade lane became a business hub, with zone heads driving growth, accountability, and personalised relationships.
The result is a global partner ecosystem that spans 100–190 countries, enabling Sevenseas to deliver consistent service across borders, an achievement few Indian logistics companies can claim with such authenticity.
Navigating challenges with agility and transparency
The logistics industry is shaped by forces far beyond the control of any single company: regulatory changes, infrastructure constraints, weather disruptions, and global events like COVID-19. For Sevenseas, these challenges have been opportunities to demonstrate resilience.
Customer acquisition remains one of the most competitive aspects of the business, yet Sevenseas has built its base of 3,500+ customers largely through referrals and a dedicated sales force. This speaks volumes about the trust it has earned.
When disruptions arise, the company’s approach is rooted in transparency and coordination. Teams stay updated on regulatory shifts, global market conditions, and operational risks, ensuring customers and partners receive timely, honest communication.
In an industry where delays and uncertainties are inevitable, Sevenseas has distinguished itself by navigating complexity without compromising service integrity.
Digital transformation: Preparing for the future
Technology has become the backbone of modern supply chains, and Sevenseas has embraced this evolution with clarity and purpose. The company believes that AI-driven solutions will redefine freight forwarding by enhancing accuracy, visibility, and operational efficiency.
Its digital infrastructure already includes:
- Secure customer and agent logins
- Real-time shipment tracking
- Digital document management
- Automated shipment updates
- Barcode-enabled warehousing
- Temperature-controlled logistics systems
- GPS-fitted fleet for inland movement
Beyond operations, Sevenseas has also built a dedicated digital team to strengthen its online presence. Through social media and digital campaigns, the company shares updates, innovations, and milestones, expanding visibility in a competitive market.
This dual focus on operational tech and digital communication positions Sevenseas as a forward-looking logistics provider ready for the next era of supply chain transformation.
Strategic objectives for the next decade
Having established itself among India’s top freight forwarders, Sevenseas is now preparing for its next phase of growth. The roadmap for the next 5–10 years includes:
- Expansion into the Middle East and other global markets
- Strengthening domestic logistics and warehousing capabilities
- Exploring new verticals such as NVOCC operations and cargo aggregation
- Investing in advanced technologies and AI-based systems
- Enhancing customer experience through specialised service teams
This vision reflects a company that is not chasing scale for its own sake but building a future rooted in capability, innovation, and customer value.
Keeping the personal touch alive at scale
Sevenseas’ tagline, “big enough to serve, small enough to care,” is not a marketing line; it is a lived philosophy. Even as the company has grown, it has preserved the intimacy of customer relationships through structured, personalised engagement.
Dedicated teams now manage specific customer clusters and overseas partners, ensuring that every client receives attention tailored to their needs. This approach has allowed Sevenseas to maintain long-standing relationships, some spanning over 25 years.
Success, for Sevenseas, is measured not just in revenue or volume but in the depth of these relationships and the trust they reflect.
Leadership philosophy: Integrity above all
For Biju Thomas and his leadership team, decision-making is guided by honesty and integrity. Logistics is a complex ecosystem involving customs, carriers, ports, airports, regulators, and global agents. Any gap in this chain ultimately reflects on the freight forwarder.
This understanding has shaped a culture where transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct are non-negotiable.
His message to young professionals entering the logistics sector is grounded in realism and optimism: This is a dynamic, fast-growing industry filled with opportunities, but success requires patience, resilience, agility, and a commitment to continuous learning. There are no shortcuts; only the willingness to evolve with the times.
A legacy built on principles, not shortcuts
Looking back at more than two decades of growth, Biju Thomas speaks with quiet pride about the journey from a small office to a comprehensive logistics provider. Sevenseas has contributed meaningfully to shaping modern freight forwarding practices in India, not by racing to be the biggest, but by staying true to its principles.
Every decision has been made after studying market conditions, understanding customer needs, and ensuring alignment with the company’s values. Sevenseas has never compromised its beliefs for rapid expansion. Instead, it has grown organically, steadily, and sincerely.
The legacy it aims to leave behind is clear: A strong, end-to-end logistics company built from the ground up, driven by integrity, resilience, and customer trust. An Indian company with a global outlook. A partner that contributed to the market, the trade, and its customers in the most genuine way possible.
The story is still being written
From a 10×10 sq. ft room in Bangalore to a pan-India network with global reach, Sevenseas Global Express Logistics stands as a testament to what vision, perseverance, and values can build.
Under the leadership of Biju Thomas, the company has grown not just in size but in stature, earning the trust of customers, partners, and employees alike.
As the logistics industry enters a new era of digital transformation and global integration, Sevenseas is poised to continue its journey with the same principles that shaped its past: service excellence, customer-first thinking, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way.
The story of Sevenseas is far from over. In many ways, it is just beginning.
