Freight transporters in the city have decided to increase freight charges by 25% from Monday, following escalating diesel prices and toll charges.
Addressing presspersons here on Saturday, B.V. Reddy, president, Chennai Parcel Lorry Owners’ Welfare Association said: “We have decided to hike freight charges as we are suffering severe loss due to increasing operation and maintenance cost.”
‘No other choice’
“We don’t have any choice other than to increase the charges to transport goods, as insurance premium and labour costs have also gone up by 20-30% in the last one year,” Mr. Reddy added.
On an average, lorries operate nearly 2,000 trips daily to transport goods in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Freight charges are being hiked after nearly five years.
For instance, the cost of transporting parcels would go up to ₹1,250 for one tonne.
From Chennai, goods, including hardware, plastics, foodgrains and electrical items are being transported daily. There are nearly 200 members in the association, Mr. Reddy added.
