Born into a customs broker family, Shantanu Bhadkamkar seamlessly embraced the legacy, establishing an inspiring saga of success. His father laid the groundwork for a dedicated customs brokerage business. The founder’s relentless commitment to clients and stakeholders left an indelible mark on Shantanu. From an early age, he witnessed the intricacies of the industry through attending official and social events, forging connections that would prove invaluable in the future.
Tragedy struck when Shantanu’s father passed away, thrusting him into leadership at the young age of 26. Armed with his inherited knowledge and a determined spirit, he ushered the company into a new era. The 1980s saw clients with remarkable governance standards, propelling Shantanu to offer solutions through technical and legal representation to customs and DGFT. This prowess led to competitive advantages and elevated customs brokerage fees.
Eager to evolve, Shantanu transformed the company into a full-fledged freight forwarder, establishing a pan-India presence and a global network. Timed perfectly with India’s trade liberalisation in 1991, this transformation marked a new phase of growth.
Shantanu reflects on the intriguing facets of the EXIM logistics industry. From its international character to its engagement with multiple stakeholders, the industry offers constant learning opportunities. Yet, it’s not without challenges. Regulatory complexities, operational risks, and intense competition are just some of the hurdles. The profession’s underrated nature means professionals must navigate narrow margins and extend unsecured credit for extended periods.
Through his journey, Shantanu Bhadkamkar has remained a beacon of resilience and innovation. By embracing his legacy, he has paved the way for others to thrive in the ever-evolving world of logistics.
Leadership chronicles
Shantanu Bhadkamkar’s tenure as the Chairman of the Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) is a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the freight forwarding industry. Bhadkamkar’s decades of experience in esteemed trade associations marked a journey at the helm of FFFAI filled with transformative achievements, leaving an indelible mark on the logistics landscape.
FFFAI holds a unique position, steering national policies in international trade, customs regulations, and taxation. Bhadkamkar’s chairmanship during the Golden Jubilee year saw a strategic focus on expanding FFFAI’s reach, empowering members with knowledge, and fostering stronger connections within the industry. He demonstrated his determination to highlight the pivotal role of freight forwarding in the Indian economy through engagements with Her Excellency Prathibha Devisingh Patil, the then President of India.
Under his guidance, FFFAI played a significant role in key initiatives. Notably, the successful execution of the dry run on the International North-South Corridor showcased Bhadkamkar’s ability to navigate complex government collaborations. The launch of the Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders’ Training program and the publication of the ‘Handbook for Freight Forwarders’ underscored his commitment to enhancing professional capabilities.
Bhadkamkar’s leadership extended beyond the industry’s confines. FFFAI’s engagement with global forums like IFCBA and FIATA highlighted his dedication to matters of international significance. His active involvement in streamlining customs regulations and KYC rules demonstrated a commitment to protecting the interests of importers, exporters, and customs brokers.
However, Bhadkamkar’s legacy reaches further. His emphasis on youth and women’s empowerment, along with CSR initiatives, exemplified his holistic approach to leadership. The launch of the ‘FFFAI Bulletin’ showcased his vision for effective communication and outreach.
As he passes the torch to the next generation of leaders, Bhadkamkar’s legacy remains a source of inspiration. His tenure exemplifies how strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication can transform an organisation, leaving a lasting impact on an entire industry.
Stakeholder synergy
Navigating the intricate landscape of diverse stakeholders, Shantanu Bhadkamkar championed effective collaboration during his tenure. Prioritising alignment, his leadership embraced adaptability to ever-changing dynamics, ensuring strategies evolved in sync with stakeholders’ needs. This flexibility fostered better engagement and solutions.
Moreover, he spearheaded innovative platforms, like the ‘Maritime Forum’, uniting EXIM logistics stakeholders across associations. This collaborative hub facilitated insightful exchanges, sparking industry-wide growth. Another notable success was the ‘GRF’ (Grievance Redressal Forum), expertly resolved disputes through conciliation.
Bhadkamkar’s overarching goal, driving India’s import-export growth, resonated deeply, bridging diverse interests. The shared vision acted as a cohesive force, transcending individual agendas and propelling collective collaboration. His legacy showcases how fostering unity amidst diversity can yield a thriving industry landscape.
Industry outlook
Shantanu Bhadkamkar’s perspective sheds light on the evolving landscape of cargo, forwarding, and logistics in India. He emphasises adaptability as a cornerstone of success, given the industry’s constant transformation to maintain competitiveness.
Bhadkamkar identifies pivotal trends shaping the future: the rise of contract logistics, the integration of digital technologies, evolving business models, including those of digital forwarders, and changing financial structures within the freight forwarding realm. He also notes the growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
With India’s $5 trillion economy goal, Bhadkamkar highlights the logistics sector’s indispensable role. As a key driver of growth, it encompasses transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. Recognising the sector’s high growth rates and FDI appeal, he underscores its significance in achieving India’s economic aspirations. Amidst these shifts, Shantanu Bhadkamkar’s insights offer a compass to navigate the dynamic logistics landscape.
Timeless wisdom
Shantanu Bhadkamkar, a stalwart in the freight forwarding industry, shares invaluable advice for young professionals seeking success in this dynamic field. With a career marked by transformation and growth, Bhadkamkar emphasises the excitement of the challenges and opportunities that define the industry.
His advice suggests that spending at least two years working for customers before moving into freight forwarding is important. It helps you really understand the work. Being able to communicate well and work in a team are really important skills too. Bhadkamkar also says that thinking carefully and coming up with creative solutions to problems is really important in a competitive field.
Drawing from his own journey, Bhadkamkar’s advice is to persevere and pursue aspirations relentlessly. In his words, the freight forwarding world promises a thrilling journey where each day unveils fresh experiences, captivating young professionals in the rhythm of an ever-evolving industry.
Drawing from his own journey, Bhadkamkar’s advice is to persevere and pursue aspirations relentlessly
