The West Bengal is facing a serious crisis as the Federation of West Bengal Truck Operators Association (FWBTOA) has called for a 72-hour truck strike starting on September 11, 2024. This truck strike, just ahead of the Durga Puja season, could disrupt the supply chain of essential commodities, including perishable goods such as eggs, fish, and medicines, causing delays in delivery across the state.
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Overloading and Its Impact
One of the central demands of the truck strike is a ban on overloading. Overloading trucks not only damages roads and vehicles but also increases the risk of accidents. A recent incident in Greater Noida West exemplifies this danger: a truck overloaded with iron pipes overturned at Ek Murti Chowk, resulting in the death of a 25-year-old helper. The driver fled the scene, leaving behind a tragic reminder of the risks associated with carrying excess weight. This accident caused major traffic disruptions and has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of overloading regulations.
Overloading also leads to unfair competition, forcing some truck owners to accept lower fees for transporting more goods. The truck strike reflects the frustrations of many truckers who feel their livelihoods are at risk due to these unfair practices.
To further understand the risks, penalties, and precautions of truck overloading, check out our latest video:
Impact on Perishable Goods Supply
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the truck strike is the potential shortage of perishable goods. Nearly 500 trucks carrying essential items like fish, eggs, and vegetables have been stranded at inter-state border points. This is particularly concerning just days before Durga Puja, a major festival when demand for these items peaks in both retail and wholesale markets.
Corruption in the Transport Industry
The FWBTOA has also highlighted corruption in the industry. Political pressure has led to truck operators being forced to overload goods for profit. Local leaders and officials are accused of coercing truckers to exceed safe axle loading limits. In some districts, weighbridges are charging illegal fees of Rs 236 per truck to allow overloaded trucks through. It is also stated that approximately 3 lakh out of the estimated 7 lakh trucks in the state are out of service because of low cargo volume.
How FR8 Tackles Overloading
At FR8 we take extra precautions when it comes to overloading. Whenever a truck is loaded, we send a message to both the truck owner and the customer, which includes the tonnage specified in the RC. We also remind them to keep the load within this limit. If the load is heavier than allowed, we send a warning about the risk of huge fines. This practice helps us maintain safe, efficient operations while protecting both our customers and truckers from fines or accidents.
Conclusion
The truckers’ strike in West Bengal highlights serious challenges in the logistics industry, including overloading and political pressure. With essential goods stranded during the festive season, the urgency for safe transportation practices is clear. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure efficient operations and protect the livelihoods of those in the industry.
Yoga Laxmi
Sometimes English is just silly. That's what got me hooked on writing in the first place. Why on earth can't "grateful" be spelled "greatful"? Here's the thing, I love untangling the knots of language just as much as I love untangling the complexities of logistics. In my blog posts, I'll do both! No "greatful" mistakes here, just good info and a smooth journey through the world of shipping.
