Top Strategies That Can Help India Combat Higher Logistics Costs

India is a hub of both communication and trade and the Indian logistics industry is a highly dynamic one with the potential to transform into a $100 billion business by 2025. The sector has been growing at a fast pace, thanks to increased demand for electronics goods, automobiles and other consumer goods. However, high logistics costs for businesses remain a key challenge for the sector.

When shipping products to customers in India, there are additional expenses that must be taken into account. Analysts predict that it would take India a few decades to absorb its demographic dividend. In its bid to achieve industrialization at a faster pace, it is essential that the government focuses on logistics cost-saving measures.

These include customs duties, duty-free margins, packaging materials, etc. How do you combat these global costs? It’s essential to have well-researched strategies to combat the rising logistics costs. Let’s go through some of the challenges and tips to reduce the logistics costs.

key challenges faced by the Indian logistic sector, that have been contributing to higher costs

The Indian logistics sector is currently facing a number of key challenges that are contributing to higher costs. These include:

1. Lack of integrated logistics infrastructure India is a country with a population of over 1 billion, but currently lacks a comprehensive and integrated logistics infrastructure, which leads to inefficiencies and higher costs. Moreover, it has huge potential for growth and development. However, logistics costs are often higher in India than in other countries due to various factors like the lack of an integrated logistics infrastructure. 

To combat higher logistics costs, India needs to better integrate its logistics infrastructure. They'll need to train workers who can help manage a wider range of goods. The government should also encourage the development of national standards for packaging, storage, and transportation.

2. Lack of skilled workforce

India's logistics industry is facing a major challenge in terms of talent. The industry has been in a state of flux with regard to its supply chain and distribution channel needs. A large number of skilled personnel are required to address these challenges and help India overcome the challenges posed by higher logistics costs. 

3. Fragmented market

The Indian market is growing at a very rapid pace and the need to develop an effective consumer base has become imperative for any company seeking to establish itself in this market. However, The fragmented nature of the Indian consumer base also leads to high logistics costs as each player has its own distribution network which makes it difficult for them to coordinate their activities properly. This leads to increased competition between players, which makes it even more difficult for them to operate efficiently at low-cost levels without compromising on quality standards or customer satisfaction level

4. Lack of skilled workforce

The Indian logistics industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled personnel to manage the complex and evolving supply chain and distribution needs. There is a lack of formal training programs and skill development initiatives to create a pool of qualified logistics professionals. This skill gap leads to inefficiencies, delays, and higher operational costs for logistics companies.

5. High dependency on road transport

The Indian logistics sector is heavily reliant on road transportation, which accounts for over 60% of freight movement in the country. Road infrastructure in India is often inadequate, with issues like poor road connectivity, traffic congestion, and lack of last-mile connectivity. This heavy reliance on road transport, which is less efficient compared to other modes like rail and waterways, increases fuel consumption, transit times, and overall logistics costs.

6. Inefficient customs procedures

India's customs clearance processes are often plagued by bureaucratic delays, lack of digitization, and complex documentation requirements. These inefficiencies at ports and border crossings lead to significant delays in the movement of goods, resulting in higher inventory carrying costs, demurrage charges, and overall logistics expenses for businesses.

7. Inadequate warehousing facilities

India faces a shortage of modern, well-equipped warehousing infrastructure, especially in the hinterlands and remote areas. The existing warehousing facilities are often outdated, lack temperature-controlled storage, and have limited automation and technology integration. This results in higher inventory management costs, product damage, and inefficient storage and distribution for logistics companies.

8. High insurance costs

The Indian logistics sector faces relatively high insurance premiums compared to other countries. This is due to factors like the perceived risks associated with the industry, lack of standardization in operations, and the fragmented nature of the market. These high insurance costs add a significant burden to the overall logistics expenditure for businesses, further contributing to the higher costs in the sector.

Read More: Logistics Unveiled: Mastering the Art of Managing, Resolving, and Preventing Freight Rejections

6 Steps to Reduce Logistics Costs

The logistics industry in India is growing at a rapid pace. However, the high cost of logistics is a major challenge for the industry. In order to combat higher logistics costs, Indian companies must adopt a number of strategies such as:

1. The government can provide financial incentives for companies that invest in efficient logistics infrastructure.

The government should provide financial incentives for companies that invest in efficient logistics infrastructure. The Indian government has already started doing this by providing tax breaks to companies that invest in modernizing their warehouses and distribution centres. This will help you reduce their logistics costs and improve their efficiency.

2. Companies can adopt innovative technologies such as ‘big data and ‘blockchain’ to improve their supply chain management.

Companies should adopt innovative technologies like ‘big data and ‘blockchain’ to keep track of the entire process from raw materials, the manufacturing process until it reaches the customer’s doorstep with maximum transparency and efficiency. With this information, companies could optimize their supply chain management by identifying bottleneck areas where they can save cost or time by adopting new technology or changing their production process accordingly (e.g., shifting from manual labour to robots).

3. Increase Supply Chain Transparency & optimize the Supply Chain Through Data-Driven Decisions

In order to reduce costs and increase efficiency, Indian companies must be more transparent in their supply chains. This means that they have to be able to access accurate, real-time data about their suppliers. By doing so, they will be able to make better decisions when it comes to purchasing materials and components for their products.

4. Streamline the Product Life Cycle & Distribution Channels

The product life cycle is a key part of any business model and plays a major role in the overall cost of production. When it comes to reducing costs, manufacturers need to streamline their product lifecycle from design through manufacturing and distribution channels to retail stores. By doing so, they can optimize the supply chain and improve profits on every step along the way.

5. Build a Strong Supplier Network

Building a strong supplier network is essential when trying to reduce logistics costs because it allows businesses to obtain products that are cheaper than those they would otherwise purchase from other vendors or manufacturers within India or abroad. By working with local suppliers, manufacturers can also ensure that their products are delivered on time and in good condition due to less transit time, which results in lower transportation costs for customers as well as

6. Higher level of automation

A well-managed supply chain needs high levels of automation so that it can be effectively managed at every stage of the production and delivery process with minimal human intervention. Automation helps companies achieve financial savings by reducing operating costs like payroll expenses, wages, fuel consumption etc., which are directly linked with transportation costs. This can also lead to reduced inventory carrying cost per container or truckload, which reduces overall logistics spend or transportation infrastructure investments required for warehousing or transportation facilities development etc., thereby helping reduce.

Additional Insights: Navigating Logistics Outsourcing: Decoding the Choice Between 3PL and 4PL

Plan Your Logistics Efficiently To Streamline Growth & Reduce Cost 

There are a number of strategies that can help India combat higher logistics costs. By improving infrastructure, increasing competition, and streamlining processes, India can reduce the cost of logistics and make it more efficient. In addition, by working with other countries in the region to improve connectivity and develop supply chains, India can further reduce the cost of logistics.