TN Lorry Owners Announce 25% Freight Rate Hike from June 15
The Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners’ Association (TNLOA) has resolved to raise freight rates by 25% effective June 15, citing the continuous increase in diesel prices. The decision was announced by state president C Dhanraj following an executive committee meeting held in Namakkal on Wednesday.
During the meeting, members reviewed several concerns, including the rise in diesel costs, freight tariffs, association subscriptions, and fines imposed on trucks found to be overloaded. The association highlighted that the rising operational costs have made it necessary to adjust freight rates to ensure the sustainability of the transport sector.
GPS Monitoring Devices Add Financial Burden
Speaking to the media, Dhanraj stated that the compulsory fitting of GPS monitoring devices would place further financial pressure on vehicle owners. He appealed to the government to revoke the plan, arguing that it would increase costs for an already struggling industry.
He also noted that more than 10,000 trucks have been stopped at various checkpoints due to repeated inspections and limitations. The association urged the Union government to take swift action to address these issues and reduce the harassment faced by truck operators.
Demands for Reimbursement and Fair Penalties
Dhanraj called for the reimbursement of steep annual charges collected by the transport department on older vehicles. He emphasized that penalties for overloaded trucks should be applied strictly as per the rules, without arbitrary enforcement. Additionally, he urged the government to ensure that vehicle stickers are made available at reasonable prices to prevent exploitation.
The TNLOA expects that the freight rate hike will help offset the increased costs and provide some relief to lorry owners who are grappling with rising expenses.
