Pushpank Kaushik of Jassper Shipping on Building Trust-Led Logistics, Expanding Global Shipping Services, and Scaling EV-Based E-Commerce Distribution

StartupTalky presents Recap'25, a series of exclusive interviews where we connect with founders and industry leaders to reflect on their journey in 2025 and discuss their vision for the future.

In this edition of Recap’25, StartupTalky speaks with Pushpank Kaushik, CEO & Head of Business Development (Subcontinent, Middle East, and Southeast Asia) at Jassper Shipping, who shares insights on building an end-to-end shipping and logistics company grounded in reliability, real-time visibility, and operational trust. He reflects on how the shipping ecosystem in India has evolved rapidly with stronger port infrastructure, faster turnaround times, and increased focus on sustainability—supported by government initiatives like Sagarmala and global green corridor collaborations.

Kaushik explains how Jassper has expanded across liner and NVOCC services, ship agency and management, dry bulk and project cargo, and global fuel supply—while also entering the e-commerce logistics segment through an expanding EV fleet. The conversation explores how technology-enabled tracking, customized EDI integrations, and strong on-ground networks are helping Jassper stay efficient across regions, as well as how the company is mapping hundreds of distribution locations beyond Tier 1 markets. He also shares key learnings from 2025, opportunities emerging from India’s growing trade activity and global partnerships, and Jassper’s long-term focus on sustainable logistics and service excellence.

StartupTalky: What service does your Jassper Shipping provide? What was the motivation/vision with which you started?

Pushpank Kaushik: At Jassper Shipping, we provide end-to-end shipping and logistics solutions, including liner and NVOCC services, ship agency and management, dry bulk and project cargo through Neo Ship Brokers, and global fuel supply via Jassper Fuels. Simply put, we make sure cargo moves smoothly across borders—and our customers are always updated.We started Jassper in 2004 with one clear goal: to build a shipping company that people could trust to deliver on its word. What truly sets Jassper apart, though, is our people.

Shipping is a demanding business, and it takes a calm head, strong teamwork, and mutual respect to succeed. Our team brings all of that every day. It’s this collective effort that keeps us moving forward and brings us closer to being recognized as one of the most reliable and respected names in the shipping industry. Over time, that vision has evolved to focus on the future of logistics as well. Today, we’re also actively investing in sustainable logistics by integrating electric vehicles into our e-commerce distribution network across India.

StartupTalky: What new services have been added in the past year? What is/are the USP/s of your service?

Pushpank Kaushik: We provide multiple services, which include commercial services like chartering, customs clearance, and stevedoring; maritime services, where we help with vessel maintenance support; and ship management services like insurance, bunkers, and commercial operations & post fixtures. And last year we also ventured into the e-commerce space with our EV fleet. ​We’ve already mapped over 380 locations across multiple states, not just in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, but also in smaller towns that often get overlooked. We’ve already mapped over 380 locations across states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, NCR, and more, and this footprint will only keep expanding. And our EV fleet has grown from 58 to 150 vehicles since.

StartupTalky: How has the industry you are in, changed in recent years and how has Jassper Shipping adapted to these changes?

Pushpank Kaushik: The shipping and logistics industry has evolved a lot in recent years. Earlier, India had limited port options and slower operations. Today, ports are far more efficient, turnaround times have improved significantly, and infrastructure is much stronger. Sustainability and shipbuilding are also getting real attention now, along with global collaborations like the green corridor between Indian ports and Rotterdam. Government initiatives such as Sagarmala, Amrit Kaal 2047, and the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy have pushed the industry in the right direction, making India more competitive and future-ready.

At Jassper, we’ve adapted by moving with these changes, not resisting them. We’ve strengthened our network, embraced technology with real time updates to their cargo. Customised software with capabilities to interface with various EDI and other software used by principals, and invested in sustainable solutions like EVs in ecommerce logistics operations. Our focus has always been to stay efficient, responsible, and ready for what’s next—while continuing to deliver reliable service to our customers.

StartupTalky: What opportunities do you see for future growth in your industry in India and the world? What kind of difference in market behavior have you seen between India and the world?

Pushpank Kaushik: I see strong growth ahead for shipping and logistics, both in India and globally. India’s trade relationships are expanding fast—free trade deals like the recent one with New Zealand and the sharp rise in exports to China show that cargo movement is only going to increase. When trade grows, logistics grows with it, and that creates real opportunity for our industry. What’s encouraging is that India is also looking inward. Proposals like the collaboration with Korea to modernize Indian shipyards are a big step.

If we can build more vessels locally and keep costs within the country, India becomes far more competitive and starts closing the gap with established maritime nations. In terms of market behavior, India is still very price- and relationship-driven, while global markets move faster and are more process- and compliance-focused. That said, India is catching up quickly, especially with technology and sustainability. Overall, the direction is positive, and the potential for growth is huge.

StartupTalky: One tip that you would like to share with another Service company founder?

Pushpank Kaushik: In shipping or in any service industry – assets, technology, and scale matter, but they don’t mean much if clients don’t trust you to deliver when it counts. At Jassper, we focused early on having the right people on the ground, strong local networks, and teams who actually understand the business end-to-end. That’s what allowed us to grow across regions and industries. Also, don’t wait to adapt. Whether it’s moving toward sustainable logistics like EVs or expanding into new verticals, staying ahead of change keeps you relevant and resilient. 

Explore more Recap'25 interviews here.