Indian government panel suggests online freight portal for truckloads

Indian government panel suggests online freight portal for truckloads An Indian government commission has floated the idea of establishing an online portal that would allow truckers, consignees and insurance companies to obtain road permits and pay highway tolls via the Internet to smooth the movement of goods across the country, the Economic Times reported Tuesday.
   Logistics experts advising the commission said the portal would provide a common platform for all parties, save time and eliminate the role of middlemen who broker tolls and permits for goods movement over the road.
   “Truck owners will have to register their vehicles on the portal, and consignors will be able to request for required transport on the portal,” the report said. “At present, truckers often end up accepting the rates dictated by brokers to make the return journey. With the information up on the portal, they will now be able to choose what suits them.”