Truck Freight Rates in Metros – A Closer Look at the Recent Surge and the Factors

According to information from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), this incremental rise in freight rates underscores the complex interplay of various factors impacting the transportation sector. Considering that the trucking sector plays a significant role in meeting domestic freight demand – accounting for 70% of the total in 2022 – a surge in freight rates may become a point of concern.

The CMIE analysis, which calculates expenses on a per-kilometer basis for transporting goods using 15-tonne capacity trucks, revealed that freight rates from Delhi to various metro destinations, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Chennai, have seen a significant year-on-year rise in prices.

• The per kilometer cost of transporting goods from Delhi to Mumbai to Rs 42.4 in February, up from Rs 40.5 a year ago (4.7% increase); Similarly, rates from Delhi to Kolkata increased to Rs 42.9 (3.1% increase), while the cost to Bangalore rose to Rs 42.2 (1% rise); Chennai witnessed a substantial surge with rates reaching Rs 94.8 from Rs 91 a year ago (rising by 4.2%).

Furthermore, this upward trend was not confined to major metros alone and smaller trade centers also experienced increases in trucking rates. Delhi to Patna rates were up by 8%, Delhi to Guwahati by 1%, and Delhi to Hyderabad by 2.1%. Notably, the Delhi to Sirsa route witnessed a significant surge of 14.5%.However, contrary to this increase, some routes witnessed a decline in rates. Bhopal, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhubaneswar, and Jaipur recorded declines, while rates in Ahmedabad and Dehradun have remained unchanged.The surge in trucking rates comes against the backdrop of recent disruptions in the sector. These factors range from increased demand for transportation services to regulatory changes and supply chain disruptions. For instance, in January, truck drivers initiated protests against the penalties mentioned for hit-and-run cases under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

As elucidated by industry experts, including Mr. Chirag Katira (General Secretary – Maharashtra, AIMTC and Director, SNGT) these dynamics are reshaping the logistics ecosystem, presenting both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders. Chirag’s analysis sheds light on the intricate web of factors contributing to the surge in freight rates. Increased demand, driven by factors such as e-commerce growth and globalization, has strained the supply chain. This demand surge has led to a rise in fuel costs, as transportation companies grapple with higher expenses to keep their fleets operational. Additionally, the industry is facing a shortage of drivers, exacerbating the challenges in meeting the growing demand for freight services. Furthermore, regulatory changes have also played a role in the upward pressure on freight rates. Stringent emission standards and safety regulations have increased the operational costs for transportation companies, which are passed on to customers in the form of higher freight rates. These factors collectively contribute to the complex dynamics of the freight industry…Coming to the question of why the trend is being noticed specifically in metro cities, it can be safely said that urban centers experience a more pronounced change in freight rates due to their higher population density, increased economic activity, and greater demand for goods and services….We asked Chirag if the month of February holds a certain significance on the timeline. He said that the surge in this month is influenced by seasonal factors such as heightened demand post-holiday season and adverse weather conditions. “Ongoing supply chain challenges, recent regulatory changes, and impending accounting year closing also contribute to the upward trend in freight rates during this period,” he added.

The surge in trucking rates underscores the need for continued dialogue and collaboration between industry players and policymakers to ensure the smooth functioning of the logistics sector.