Monsoon Effect on Logistics

As monsoon season engulfs the country, the sights of water-filled potholes, dancing peacocks, and swaying trees fill us with joy. But, as the heavens open, one thing often slows down - our deliveries. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why is my order late?“, read on as we unveil the mystery behind monsoon and its impact on logistics.
‍

The Monsoon Effect

Heavy rains during the monsoon season can wreak havoc on roads, bridges, and infrastructure, making the journey of transport trucks an ordeal. Potholes multiply, roads flood, and bridges become unsafe. But it's not just about the weather; it's about the cascading effect it has on trucking and logistics.
‍

Did you know that heavy rainfall can increase trucking prices by up to 15%? According to national data, the Northern region faces a delay rate of 25% during monsoons, whereas the Southern region experiences a 40% increase in transportation time.

‍

Unveiling the Journey: A Driver’s Tale

Meet Ramesh, a truck driver, who’s been navigating these challenging terrains for over a decade. “During monsoon, we face flooded roads, landslides in hilly areas, and potholes that appear out of nowhere. We have to be extra careful to ensure we deliver the goods safely. Sometimes, that means delays,” he explains.On his latest trip from Delhi to Mumbai, a journey that typically takes 3 days, Ramesh had to combat heavy downpours and even take a detour due to a landslide, extending his journey by an extra day. That’s one day of delay for every three - a significant percentage in delivery delay.

‍

How Transport Companies Respond

Transport companies and logistics companies in India face a herculean task during monsoons. From rerouting trucks to constant monitoring and coordination, the challenges are many. But innovation and proactive planning can alleviate some of these issues.

At Raaho, we have observed a 20% reduction in delay rates through real-time tracking and dynamic planning. The secret? Understanding the problem and finding smart solutions.

‍

1. Real-Time Tracking and Coordination - Logistics companies use advanced tracking systems to monitor weather conditions and road status. Real-time coordination helps in rerouting and planning, minimizing delays.
2. Warehousing and Distribution Centers - Strategically placed warehousing helps in quicker distribution. During monsoons, having goods stored closer to key locations can help overcome unexpected roadblocks.
3. Specialized Packaging - Using waterproof and secure packaging to protect against rain and humidity is a common practice. Special care is taken for goods that are particularly sensitive to moisture.
4. Driver Training and Wellbeing - Training drivers for monsoon driving and ensuring their well-being is a key strategy. Happy and well-trained drivers ensure safer and more efficient deliveries.
5. Collaboration and Partnerships - Many logistics companies collaborate with local authorities and other transporters in India to share information and resources. This helps in creating a support system that can respond quickly to changing conditions.
6. Contingency Planning - Planning for the unexpected is crucial. This includes having backup plans, additional resources, and funds allocated to handle the challenges posed by heavy rains.
   ‍

How Can You Help?

While businesses do their best to ensure timely deliveries, as consumers, we can also help in the process. How?

1. A Dash of Proactive Planning: You can create a "monsoon Wishlist" in advance, ensuring you have all your essential purchases lined up before the rains struck.
2. The Joy of Tracking: By using a logistic company's tracking services, you can follow your package's journey, turning the waiting game into a thrilling adventure.
3. Embracing Patience: Even amidst the monsoon's whims, the dedicated logistics team works tirelessly to ensure every package reached its destination.
   ‍

Monsoons bring a unique set of challenges to the logistics industry, from road damage to the increased cost of operations. The unseen heroes of this industry – the planners, drivers, and support staff – work tirelessly with innovative solutions, strategic planning, and collaboration to overcome these obstacles.

The next time your delivery is delayed during the monsoon season, remember the hidden battles being fought behind the scenes. Companies like Raaho are continually evolving and finding new ways to ensure that the wheels of our daily lives keep turning, even when the skies open up.

‍