AN ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES FACED BY FREIGHT FORWARDERS IN CHENNAI

The freight forwarding industry plays a vital role in facilitating international trade by coordinating the
movement of cargo across borders on behalf of exporters and importers. In India, freight forwarders face
significant operational, regulatory, technological, and competitive challenges that affect their efficiency,
profitability, and service quality. This study titled "An Analysis of Challenges Faced by Freight Forwarders
in Chennai" aims to identify and analyze the key challenges confronting freight forwarding professionals
in India. The study is guided by a conceptual framework linking three variable groups — Independent
Variables representing Logistics Operational Barriers, Mediating Variables representing Management
Strategies, and Dependent Variables representing Business Performance outcomes.
Primary data was collected from 60 logistics and freight forwarding professionals through a structured
questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses including One-Way ANOVA, Chi-Square
Test, Pearson Correlation, and Simple Linear Regression were conducted using SPSS and MS Excel. The
findings reveal that poor infrastructure, port congestion, customs clearance delays, rising transportation
costs, skilled manpower shortage, and intense market competition are the most critical challenges. All
statistical tests confirmed non-significant results, establishing that these challenges are systemic and
equally experienced across all professional groups in the Indian freight forwarding sector. The study
concludes with practical recommendations for freight forwarding companies, government bodies, and
industry associations to improve operational efficiency and business performance.
Keywords: Freight Forwarding, Logistics Operational Barriers, Management Strategies, Business
Performance, Port Congestion, Customs Clearance,Supply Chain Management, India