Cloth Merchants from Markets Outside Surat React to New Parcel Weight Limits

Surat : The Surat Goods Transport Association has declared a new weight limit of 65 kilograms for parcels effective from September 1, 2024. This decision has triggered a significant response from cloth merchants in Surat and beyond, who are now demanding an increase to 70-75 kilograms.

As the news reaches markets in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and Katni, Madhya Pradesh, local merchants have expressed their concerns. Amit Gupta, a textile merchant from Kanpur, pointed out the competitiveness of the industry, noting that the freight charges from Surat are already higher compared to other markets like Balotra and Pali in Rajasthan. He explained that these markets often handle parcels up to 100 kilograms, which can include up to 40 rolls of Poplin fabric, each weighing between two to two and a half kilograms. 

"If the limit is set at 65 kilograms, it will only increase the costs, which is unjustifiable," Gupta stated. He added that laborers have traditionally managed heavier parcels, and there should be no reason Surat can’t handle similar weights. Gupta warned that if Surat's transport association remains firm on the 65-kilogram limit, businesses might need to look towards alternatives like luxury buses or trains, which have become more viable for transporting goods.

Jawaharlal Jasuja, a merchant from Katni, also voiced concerns that reducing the parcel weight limit could increase costs significantly, potentially affecting Surat's competitive edge in the textile market. He highlighted that with diesel prices being stable and other markets managing heavier loads, the rationale behind the new weight limit is unclear and could make Surat's textiles more expensive, thus impacting business.

The imposition of this new limit by the Surat Goods Transport Association is seen as a move that could reshape the logistics of the textile industry, pushing businesses to reconsider their shipping methods to maintain profitability in a highly competitive market.