With the economy expanding fast, trucks are expected to continue as the key transport mode. Currently moving about 70 per cent of India’s freight, the number of trucks could increase rapidly as the country gears up to become a major global manufacturing hub.
However, given the condition prevailing in the freight sector, its sustainability could be a major concern in the future. Though trucks make up less than 10 per cent of the vehicular traffic on the road, they guzzle about 28 per cent of the country’s diesel and emit 63 per cent of the CO2. Hence the urgent need to take proactive steps to make this sector greener.
One way to do this is by minimizing ‘empty miles’ resulting from trucks moving without load. This is pure wastage because, despite fuel consumption and emissions, there is no corresponding movement of goods. This situation arises because once trucks have transported goods there is no organized system to help them locate goods that can be carried on the journey back home. Empty miles are estimated to be as high as 40 per cent of the total trips.
A technology platform to bring truckers and truck users together could greatly benefit the freight sector and the environment. Which is why, freightbazaar.com, the web-based freight portal in India, has evoked good response from the stakeholders. This is a robust verification process, and truckers and truck users need to meet stringent guidelines in order to become registered users of the portal.
Clean Air Asia has supported freightbazaar.com make some very strategic additions to widen its reach and efficacy. Features such as a mobile app, USSD services, etc., have been made to provide greater flexibility to users. The upgraded services also include an enhanced algorithm for load and truck matching.
The platform helps bring down the operating costs as well as emissions. Online freight exchanges can greatly eliminate empty trucks from the roads. With the same amount of fuel, trucks can now carry 50-80 per cent more goods.
With the integrated services, the aim is to make the truck hiring process a positive experience along with increased profitability for both truck suppliers and users.