TCI Express Network Planner Interview: Rounds, Questions and Preparation

What the job involves

A Network Planner in logistics designs and optimises transportation networks to move goods efficiently across hubs, branches, and customer locations. Day to day, they analyse route data, plan schedules, allocate vehicles, and balance cost with service levels using tools like Excel, SQL, and network design software. At companies like TCI Express, the role supports express distribution and supply chain solutions across India.

Role and Technical Knowledge

1. 1

   What is a hub and spoke network, and why is it used in express logistics?

   Explain how goods move from origin to a hub, then to destination, and how it improves consolidation, reduces routes, and lowers cost while maintaining service levels.

2. 2

   How would you calculate cost per km for a delivery route?

   Cover total operating cost (fuel, driver, maintenance, tolls) divided by distance, and mention how load factor and backhaul affect the effective cost.

3. 3

   What factors do you consider when planning a new route between two cities?

   Mention demand volume, distance, transit time, road conditions, tolls, competitor presence, and availability of return loads.

4. 4

   What is the difference between first mile, line haul, and last mile in logistics?

   Define each stage: pickup from shipper, long-distance movement between hubs, and final delivery to consignee, and note their cost and service implications.

Practical Scenarios

1. 5

   A route is consistently delayed due to traffic congestion at a particular time. How would you address it?

   Suggest analysing historical delay data, adjusting departure times, rerouting, or using a different hub, and measuring impact on cost and service.

2. 6

   You need to reduce transportation cost by 10 percent without affecting delivery commitments. What steps would you take?

   Propose route optimisation, better vehicle utilisation, consolidation of shipments, negotiating with vendors, or shifting some volume to rail where feasible.

3. 7

   During peak season, demand doubles but fleet capacity is limited. How do you plan?

   Discuss forecasting, temporary vehicle leasing, prioritising high-value or committed customers, adjusting cut-off times, and communicating proactively.

4. 8

   A new e-commerce client wants same-day delivery in three cities. How would you assess feasibility?

   Evaluate distance between hubs and customer clusters, existing network reach, cost per delivery, and whether dedicated micro-hubs or dark stores are needed.

Behavioural and Situational

1. 9

   Tell me about a time you had to solve a problem with incomplete data.

   Use a STAR example, highlight assumptions made, how you validated them, and the outcome. Show analytical thinking and initiative.

2. 10

   How do you handle a situation where a driver or vendor does not follow the planned schedule?

   Show calm communication, root cause analysis, escalation if needed, and a focus on minimising customer impact.

3. 11

   Describe a time you worked in a team to meet a tight deadline.

   Emphasise role clarity, coordination, prioritisation, and learning from the experience. Keep it concise and outcome-focused.

4. 12

   Why do you want to work in logistics network planning?

   Connect your interest in problem solving, data, and supply chain to the role, and mention willingness to learn tools and ground realities.

HR and Company Fit

1. 13

   What do you know about our company and this role?

   Research the company's services, network, and recent developments. Relate the role to network expansion, cost efficiency, or service improvement.

2. 14

   Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, target-driven environment?

   Give a brief example of handling pressure, and express adaptability and willingness to learn on the job.

3. 15

   Where do you see yourself in three years?

   Show ambition to grow into a senior planner or network design specialist, and mention gaining expertise in analytics and operations.

4. 16

   Do you have any questions for us?

   Ask about tools used, training provided, or how the team measures success. Avoid questions about salary or leave in the first round.