5 Common Logistics Mistakes That Are Killing Your Profit Margins

Are you making these costly shipping errors? Discover the top 5 logistics mistakes Indian businesses make and how Cargoyaan’s tech-enabled solutions can help you fix them.

Sahil Sheoran

1/16/20263 min read

Blog Post: 5 Common Logistics Mistakes That Are Killing Your Profit Margins

URL Slug: /blog/common-logistics-mistakes-india Meta Description: Are you making these costly shipping errors? Discover the top 5 logistics mistakes Indian businesses make and how Cargoyaan’s tech-enabled solutions can help you fix them.

Introduction

In the competitive Indian market, a delay of just one day can cost you a customer forever. While many businesses focus heavily on product quality and marketing, they often neglect the backbone of their operation: Logistics.

According to a report by NITI Aayog, India’s logistics cost is about 14% of GDP, which is much higher than the global average. Why? Because many businesses rely on outdated practices.

Whether you are a manufacturer in Gujarat or a retailer in Delhi, avoiding these common mistakes can save you lakhs in the long run. Here is how to identify these errors and fix them with Cargoyaan.

1. Relying on Manual Documentation

In 2025, if you are still filling out physical challans and relying on phone calls to track drivers, you are slowing down your own business. Manual paperwork is prone to errors—a single wrong digit in an invoice can get your truck stuck at a checkpoint for hours.

  • The Fix: Switch to digital documentation. Ensure your E-Way bills are generated correctly through the official E-Way Bill System.

  • How We Help: When you book with us, we help digitize the process. Our tech-enabled services ensure that your documentation is streamlined, reducing the risk of border delays.

2. Choosing the Wrong Vehicle Type

One of the most common ways businesses waste money is by booking a truck that is too big for their load (paying for empty space) or too small (requiring multiple trips).

  • The Fix: accurately assess your load volume.

  • The Solution: At Cargoyaan, we offer a wide variety of vehicle options. Check our Fleet Page to compare open trucks, container trucks, and trailers to find the perfect fit for your specific cargo needs.

3. Ignoring Insurance Coverage

Many small business owners skip transit insurance to save a few hundred rupees. However, Indian roads can be unpredictable. Accidents, theft, or damage due to bad roads can result in losses that far exceed the cost of insurance.

4. Lack of Real-Time Visibility

"My phone is switched off" or "Network issue" are excuses every logistics manager has heard from drivers. Not knowing where your goods are creates anxiety for you and your customers.

  • The Fix: Work with a partner that offers GPS tracking.

  • Cargoyaan’s Advantage: We prioritize transparency. Our platform allows you to track your shipment in real-time, so you can give your customers accurate delivery updates without making ten phone calls.

5. Focusing Only on "Cheapest" Instead of "Efficient"

We discussed this in our previous guide on reducing shipping costs: the cheapest truck often comes with hidden costs—delays, damages, and lack of support.

  • The Fix: Look for value, not just the lowest price. A slightly higher rate from a professional company often includes better service, timely delivery, and safety.

  • Why Trust Matters: The [suspicious link removed] emphasizes that reliability is key to reducing overall logistics costs.

  • Our Promise: Read more About Us to understand how we balance competitive pricing with premium service standards.

Conclusion

Logistics doesn't have to be a headache. By avoiding these five mistakes—manual paperwork, wrong vehicles, skipping insurance, poor tracking, and "cheap" hiring—you can turn your supply chain into a competitive advantage.

Don't let logistics hold your business back. Contact Cargoyaan today and let us handle the heavy lifting for you.