The Federation of Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners’ Association is planning to increase the freight rates due to the increase in diesel price.

Lorry Freight Charges Hiked

Federation state president Mr.K Palanisamy said a decision on this would be taken at the federation’s meeting in Namakkal which is going to be held on July 13. Expressing serious reservations on the fuel price hike, he said the truck owners would be severely hit by the increase of Rs 2 per litre on diesel.

He also stated, “The transport industry is already burdened by road tax, hike in spare parts, tyre prices. Besides, the private toll gate operators on the National and State Highways are fleecing the transporters by imposing high toll fees. This hike in diesel price will cripple the already sick industry. Therefore, the truck owners feel that a 25 per cent increase in freight rates will help them tide over losses,”

Due to the increase in freight rates, it would lead to increase in prices of essential commodities, Palanisamy said that the truckers association was conscious of the public’s concern.“But with no other options left, the truck owners will demand the Centre to rollback the diesel price hike. If the government heeds the plea and effects a rollback, there will be no need to increase freight,”.