From handwritten ledgers to digital dashboards, Vipin Vohra has steered Continental Carriers through five transformative decades in logistics. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and leadership rooted in legacy and vision.
True leadership emerges when crisis strikes and roadmaps disappear completely
Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers, has dedicated an incredible 50 years to logistics. His journey began under his father, the late Shri T.N. Vohra, who introduced structured freight forwarding to India. “The early days taught me discipline, ethics, and customer trust,” he recalls. A key turning point was navigating Continental Carriers through India’s economic liberalisation in the 1990s, fostering global partnerships. More recently, establishing India’s first Greenfield Air Freight Station (AFS) stands as a defining milestone, overcoming regulatory and infrastructural hurdles to align with national goals like PM Gati Shakti. These challenges reinforced his belief in adapting to change while staying rooted in service excellence.
Winds of change
Vohra has witnessed profound industry transformation. He vividly recalls the shift from “mountains of paperwork” to today’s seamless digital systems. “This evolution from physical files to e-documentation has been a game-changer,” he asserts. Logistics has matured from simple freight forwarding to a sophisticated, multimodal ecosystem. India’s focus on integrated infrastructure and digitisation is unlocking immense efficiencies. He’s excited about the sector’s future role in boosting India’s manufacturing growth and achieving 10 million metric tonnes of air cargo by 2030, driven by technology, green logistics, and supply chain transparency.
Crisis command
During the COVID-19 crisis, Vohra focused on two priorities: “ensuring the safety of our workforce and keeping essential logistics, including EXIM trade, moving smoothly.” There was constant coordination with government agencies, who provided crucial support. Prioritising timely movement of medical supplies and humanitarian aid reinforced his leadership philosophy. “The pandemic reaffirmed that leadership is about swift action, responsibility towards society, and supporting the economy during its toughest times,” he states.
Voice for the sector
In roles across bodies like FFFAI, ACAAI, SEPC, and MoCA groups, Vohra has consistently championed freight forwarders as “vital pillars of global trade.” Simplifying compliance, reducing high transaction costs, and strengthening air cargo infrastructure are causes close to his heart. He believes in collaborative dialogue between trade and government for policy improvements. The next phase, he insists, must focus on capacity-building, skill development, and fair recognition of logistics players in India’s economic growth story.
Passing the baton
For young logistics entrepreneurs, Vohra’s advice is clear: “Logistics today is about agility, innovation, and resilience.” He urges them to adopt technology early, be transparent, and build trust. Leadership, he concludes, is about creating value for customers while nurturing your team. He’s proud of his sons, Vaibhav, Managing Director, and Viraj, Director, who are blending tradition with transformation at Continental Carriers. “The sector is vast; those with vision, courage, and ethical business practices will always find their place in it,” he assures.
