TrucksUp: The AI-Powered Solution Fixing India’s Empty Truck Problem

TrucksUp is a Gurugram-based startup leveraging AI to reduce empty truck trips in India’s logistics sector. Founded in 2024 by Sarthak Elwadhi and Aviraj Chadha, the platform connects truckers with businesses needing transportation, optimizing routes and pricing to improve efficiency. By eliminating middlemen, TrucksUp helps truckers earn up to 20% more per trip while shippers save 15% on logistics costs. The company has onboarded over 215,000 truckers and logistics firms, including 175,000 truck owners.

Its TrucksHub platform enables truckers to buy, sell, and exchange vehicles with verified listings and financing options. TrucksUp operates on a subscription-based model, generating revenue through priority load matching, fleet analytics, and transaction fees. One key challenge was convincing traditional truck owners to adopt new technology, which the company addressed by launching a pilot program and providing 24/7 human support alongside AI.

Now expanding into Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, TrucksUp aims to onboard 6 million truckers in the coming years. Currently self-funded, the startup is seeking investment to enhance AI capabilities and predictive analytics. Competing with global players like AppWeigh, AxleLoad, and Spedlite, TrucksUp remains focused on solving India’s unique trucking challenges.

TrucksUp: The AI-Powered Solution Fixing India’s Empty Truck Problem

India’s trucking industry, a vital part of its logistics network, depends on over 12.5 million trucks to transport goods nationwide. However, inefficiencies persist—many trucks complete deliveries only to return empty, wasting fuel and losing potential income. To address this challenge, Gurugram-based startup TrucksUp, founded in 2024 by Sarthak Elwadhi and Aviraj Chadha, leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to connect truckers with return-trip cargo, enhancing efficiency and profitability.

How TrucksUp Transforms Logistics

TrucksUp serves as a digital bridge between truckers and businesses. Using AI-driven algorithms, the platform matches available trucks with real-time shipping requests, optimizing routes and pricing. For example, a trucker delivering goods to Mumbai can instantly find a new load for the return trip, reducing empty miles. This system not only maximizes truckers’ earnings but also helps businesses lower logistics costs.

Sarthak, who studied supply chain logistics in Australia and worked in freight forwarding, observed how truck owners struggled to secure return loads. This experience led him to create TrucksUp. By eliminating middlemen, the platform enables truckers to earn up to 20% more per trip, while businesses save approximately 15% on transportation expenses.

Rapid Growth and Additional Features

Since its launch, TrucksUp has gained over 215,000 users, including 175,000 truck owners managing fleets. The app, which has been downloaded more than 100,000 times, facilitates the movement of 2 million tons of goods every month. In addition to cargo matching, the company has introduced TrucksHub—a marketplace for buying, selling, and exchanging trucks with verified listings and financing options. Other value-added services include GPS tracking, FASTags (electronic toll payment), insurance, and fuel cards to enhance operational efficiency for drivers.

Sustainable Business Model

TrucksUp generates revenue through business subscriptions for listing shipments, priority load-matching fees, and charges for fleet analytics and route optimization tools. Companies post shipment details—such as pickup and drop-off points, cargo type, and weight—allowing truckers to choose jobs that align with their routes. Additionally, the platform earns transaction fees on high-value freight matches.

Overcoming Technology Adoption Challenges

Initially, convincing traditional truckers to adopt digital solutions was difficult. Sarthak recognized that a direct “Uber-like” model wouldn’t be effective, as trust and reliability are crucial in the industry. To address this, TrucksUp launched pilot programs, gathering direct feedback from truckers, brokers, and manufacturers before its full-scale rollout in April 2024. The platform now integrates AI efficiency with 24/7 human support, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Future Growth and Expansion

With a team of 240 employees, TrucksUp is rapidly expanding into key industrial hubs, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The company aims to onboard 6 million truckers and increase return-trip efficiency from 65% to 85% over the next few years. Although currently self-funded, TrucksUp is seeking investment to enhance its AI capabilities, introduce predictive analytics, and expand into underserved regions.

Competition and Vision

While global competitors like AppWeigh and Spedlite operate in the logistics space, TrucksUp is uniquely positioned to address India’s fragmented trucking industry and diverse regional challenges. By building a trusted network, the startup seeks to reduce environmental waste, improve truckers’ earnings, and make logistics more cost-effective for businesses.

In summary, TrucksUp is more than just a tech-driven solution—it is reshaping India’s trucking landscape by turning empty miles into profitable opportunities, strengthening the backbone of the nation’s economy.