Boxnbiz, a digital freight forwarder making cargo movement smooth and hassle-free for Indian SMEs, has expanded their reach with the launch of their new reefer container booking app ‘Citrus Freight’. Via Citrus, the exporters of perishables can book reefer containers with visibility into vessel schedules & container availability.
The idea behind creating Citrus Freight was to make a positive difference to the Indian perishables’ logsitics space, which is highly underserved. Being one of the top exporter of marine & fresh fruits growing at 15% CAGR logistics plays a critical role in ensuring fresh produce to reach global markets in their best conditions, said Biplob Barik, CEO, Boxnbiz
While there is a huge demand for Indian Agri produce in global markets its been an ailing pain for small FPOs to manage shipping, clearance, insurance & other activities single handily for their export business & Citrus sees a huge potential in fixing their shipping experience.”
Biplob Barik, CEO, Boxnbiz
Citrus Freight app comes with three core value props – 1. Competitive rates instantly; 2. Vessel schedules of NVOCCs & Main lines; and 3. Confirmed Delivery orders (for limited sectors at this moment)
According to Team Citrus, FPOs from Tier 2 & 3 cities of India are heavily dependent on CHAs or middlemen, who ultimately procure services from 3rd parties, making the chain long and brokerage heavy. Not only that, but the quality of consignment execution also becomes complex at times. Citrus cuts this and help FPOs to access direct rates from NVOCCs & Main lines, thereby, eliminating middlemen in between.
With this latest pivot in business model, the startup has raised an undisclosed sum as angel investment from Gaurav Sethi, MD, Intercont Freight Liners. Gaurav has joined the board as angel investor & advisor. Team Cirtus plans to leverage his significant understanding in perishable shipping business to strengthen the product further.
Intercont being one of the leading player in perishable shipping will add a great strategic value in the business, says Barik.
The fresh capital will be invested in building the right team and product that will cater to the user needs Though Boxnbiz is already present in Bangaluru and Mumbai, they plan to expand their reach to Nashik, Nagpur and a few Tier1/Tier2 cities.
With the utmost transparency among the value chain, Citrus Freight aims to acquire perishable exporters moving their cargo towards Gulf, Russia, Malasiya & Europe.
