Monsoon has already hit several parts of the country. IMD and various other sources suggest normal monsoon for this year. But, we cannot rely on these things because sometimes it is hard to predict. Sometimes it brings heavy rain and sometimes normal or very less. In this season, transportation and logistics is the sector that getsaffectedthe most. Cargo plays a crucial role in supply chain management. Any issues due to monsoon can lead to heavy cargo claims and affect many businesses across the logistics industry.

Cargo Claims in Monsoon

Logistics and transport companies across the logistics sector in India, face a major increase in cargo claims during the rainy season. Wet damage, delayed deliveries, backlog, and accidents are some of the key reasons for cargo claim. Among all these, the loss due to wet damage is thebiggest. The primary reason for this can be poor vehicle selection, poor handling methods, incorrect storage and low-grade packaging material.

Pharmaceuticals, food products and other fast-moving consumer goods are the most vulnerable to damage due to rain. Theseget destroyed or become unusable, once they become wet.Even temperature-controlled shipments may get destroyed due to delays in transit during the monsoon season.

Therefore, transport companies need to take extra precautions during monsoon season-

- First of all, do the pre-monsoon check-up of your warehousing, loading and unloading facilities.

- Check the building structure if there isany chance of water entering from outside. When was the last time you noticed water entered into your facility through roof, wallsor the flooring?

- Don’t avoid any repairing work in the storage facility otherwise, it can become the major reason for damage to your stored goods.

- Cargo storage should be well planned in covered storage facilities. This will prevent the cargo from being exposed to rainwater.

- Ensure that the cargo is packed in water-proof materials so that it can withstand the ingress of water. Leading companies in the logistics industry in India use polythene sheets, tarpaulins, poly woven bags, etc. to cover the cartons.

- Inspect the vehicle for batteries, tyres, brakes, wiring, clutch, engine, wiper and lights before loading of the items. Do the necessary repair if needed?

- For closed body trucks, check if there are any holes in the roof. Is there any possibility of water coming from outside? If so, get it repaired before the rainy season starts.

- If anyhow, water entered inside the truck during moving, immediately, separate wet goods from other itemsto reduce the losses.

- The route should be planned in a low-rainfall route so that chances for water entering the truck can be minimized.

- All wooden boxes and pallets need to be sterilized. This will prevent moisture, molds, and dampness to the boxes.

- Many businesses in the logistics sector in India ask their drivers to be aware of local weather warning systems so that they can plan according to the rain forecast.

- Cargo documents need to be properly documented and kept in waterproof bags.

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