Freight and logistics dues are recovered on the consignment note (LR), proof of delivery, e-way bill and freight invoice, which together prove the service and the amount. FundRaksha's advocate sends a notice within 24 hours, uses the carrier's lien where goods are still in custody, Section 138 for bounced cheques, MSME Samadhaan for Udyam-registered operators, and a summary suit otherwise. 30% fee on recovery, nothing upfront.
Why logistics dues are chronically late
Freight is a cost the consignor has already passed on to its customer, so there is no urgency to pay it. Many consignors pay freight only after a monthly or quarterly reconciliation, dispute detention and loading charges as a matter of habit, and deduct for alleged shortages or damage without documentation. Smaller fleet owners and brokers, dependent on a few consignors for loads, do not push back. The result is an industry where 90 to 120 day receivables are normal and write-offs are common.
The legal position is better than the commercial one. A completed consignment with a signed POD is a proven service, and the law provides several levers.
The levers available to a carrier or logistics provider
- Lien. A carrier may retain goods in its custody until freight on those goods is paid. Exercised carefully and with notice, it produces immediate payment. Not available once goods are delivered.
- MSME Samadhaan. Transport, warehousing and forwarding are services; Udyam-registered operators get 45-day payment terms and interest at three times the RBI bank rate by statute.
- Section 138. Many consignors pay by cheque. A bounce triggers the criminal remedy if notice is sent within 30 days.
- Summary suit. For freight bills under a transport contract or rate agreement, with POD and LR as the written record.
- GST leverage. Consignors who claimed input credit on your freight invoice must reverse it if unpaid after 180 days.
Dues we recover for the logistics sector
| Due | Proof | Typical dispute |
|---|---|---|
| Freight (FTL, PTL, express) | LR, POD, e-way bill, rate contract | Rate difference, shortage claims |
| Detention and halting charges | LR terms, gate-in and gate-out records | "Not agreed"; answered by the rate contract and trade practice |
| Warehousing and handling | Storage agreement, inward and outward records | Inventory reconciliation |
| Freight forwarding and customs clearance | Shipping bill, airway bill, disbursement receipts | Pass-through costs disputed |
| Container and equipment charges | Carrier invoices, EIR | Attributing delay |
How FundRaksha recovers logistics dues
- Free consultation: send the freight bills, LRs, PODs, rate contract or emails, and the consignor's messages. We compute the recoverable amount including interest.
- Legal notice within 24 hours, itemising each consignment and charge, with POD references, and citing the applicable remedies.
- Negotiation. Consignors usually settle after a reconciliation that the advocate drives on documents; detention disputes are narrowed and the undisputed balance paid first.
- Filing: Samadhaan, Section 138, or a summary suit, with the advocate appearing; execution if needed.
Fee: 30% of the amount recovered, nothing upfront. For consignors who pay late but reliably, payment reminder automation through FundRaksha Collect at 1% is the cheaper fix.
Logistics hubs we serve
FundRaksha works with fleet owners, 3PL companies, freight forwarders and warehouse operators across India, including Mumbai, Nagpur, Chennai and Ludhiana. See the logistics industry page and exports for forwarders. Book a free consultation with your outstanding statement; we will tell you what is recoverable and how fast.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-08. Information for Indian businesses; not legal advice.