Customs must be available 24*7 to move cargo’

As a bonded trucking operator, carrying export and import transshipment cargo, is a challenge because of unavailability of custom clearance services 24*7, says Dileepa BM, CEO Bonded Trucking, Shreeji Transport Services. “As a freight forwarder, we can’t move the cargo on custom holidays and weekends. If the cargo arrives on Friday night, we wait till Monday to move the transshipment cargo. We need 24*7 services available for moving, export and import transshipment cargo in all airports in India. Another challenge is in the US and Europe, bonded trucking is common. In India, the Bonded trucking activity is permitted only from one airport (from where cargo loading is done) to the destination airport. For example, if cargo is planned to move from Delhi to Bangalore via bonded trucking service, we can’t load the cargo from any other airport which will come on the route towards Bangalore Airport. But in the US, or Europe it is not like that. We need that facility in India, to simplify the process, simplify the movement of transshipment cargo. Thirdly – Dual handling charges are very high.”