## Company Profile ON THE MOVE LOGISTICS PVT LTD — India-based freight forwarder (lead category: freight_forwarder). Public evidence: https://onthemovelogistics.co.in/. Likely services (typical for the category and indicated by company name): international sea and air freight forwarding, customs clearance, inland trucking, and export documentation support; may offer project cargo, warehousing and door‑to‑door logistics for agri exports. Scale not publicly listed in lead data; appears to be a local/regional forwarder serving exporters in India (especially agri/processsed foods/textiles exporters). ## Pain Points 1) Acute lane disruption and cost shock: Red Sea/Strait of Hormuz security issues (2026) mean India–Europe/MENA routes are rerouted via the Cape, producing 10–20 day longer transit times and 20–50%+ effective increases in all‑in logistics cost due to emergency/war/contingency surcharges. Forwarders must manage volatile carrier schedules, blank sailings and large, opaque surcharges that are announced with short lead times. 2) Capacity and equipment imbalance: Longer round trips reduce effective weekly capacity and cause episodic shortages of 40' HC and reefer boxes at Indian ports, forcing forwarders to pre‑position equipment, over‑book, or absorb delays and demurrage. 3) Documentation, compliance and demurrage risk for agri exports: FSSAI, APEDA/phyto certificates, destination‑country SPS/residue and US tariff actions have increased the documentation and traceability workload. Delays in inspections or incorrect paperwork are triggering container holds and demurrage exposure. 4) Price and market shifts for agri cargos (rice, spices, cashew, cotton): Buyers are reallocating demand (some shift away from US due to tariffs), and exporters need fast market intelligence and alternative buyer introductions; forwarders are asked to provide not just transport but market/risk advice and faster routing/insurance solutions. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === COMMODITY TRENDS === (India agricultural exports 2025–26; focus on rice, spices, cashew, cotton; major export‑volume shifts heading into 2026–27) **Overall agri export performance (FY 2025–26)** - India’s agricultural exports in FY 2025–26 are estimated at **USD 52.55 bn**, up **2.8% YoY** from ~USD 51.1 bn in 2024–25.([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/agriculture-exports-up-2-8-pc-to-usd-52-55-bn-in-2025-26/articleshow/130441344.cms?utm_source=openai)) - Agri & processed food products (APEDA basket subset) reached **USD 25.71 bn**, up **2% YoY**, with growth constrained mainly by weaker rice shipments.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) **Rice (basmati + non‑basmati)** - Rice remains India’s single largest agri export, accounting for **>30% of total agri export value** in 2025–26.([ncel.coop](https://ncel.coop/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/English-December-2025-NCEL-Newsletter.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - After phased removal of export bans/taxes through late 2024 (e.g., September 2024 removal of the last export ban on broken rice and reduction of export taxes to 10% on paddy, brown and parboiled rice), policy headwinds eased into 2025.([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/agricultural-policy-monitoring-and-evaluation-2025_a80ac398-en/full-report/india_a08610a6?utm_source=openai)) - Trade data and industry estimates indicate: - **2024–25**: India’s total rice exports around **21–22 MMT**, up roughly **19–20% YoY**, with **non‑basmati up ~25%** and basmati at a **record high**, following relaxation of 2023–24 controls.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/exportersindia/comments/1q8zi19/indias_rice_exports_jump_nearly_20_in_2025_after/?utm_source=openai)) - **Calendar 2025 pattern**: non‑basmati monthly exports were volatile (≈ **2.1 MMT in Jan 2025**, softening to **1.4–1.5 MMT** mid‑year), while basmati stayed relatively steady despite weather‑related quality issues in Punjab.([bigmint.co](https://www.bigmint.co/insights/detail/india-rice-exports-diverge-in-cy-25-basmati-shipments-show-steady-trend-non-basmati-turns-volatile-708875?utm_source=openai)) - **FY 2025–26 headwinds**: - In **March 2026**, rice exports by value fell **15% YoY to USD 0.99 bn**, largely due to disruptions of shipments to Gulf markets (Iran, Saudi Arabia) from Red Sea / West Asia conflict.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) - The US tariff episode (mid‑2025 to early 2026) hit some basmati flows to the US: basmati exports to the US fell from **USD 337.1 mn (2024–25)** to **USD 285.9 mn (2025–26)**.([freshplaza.com](https://www.freshplaza.com/latin-america/article/9836674/indian-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-grow-despite-u-s-tariffs/?utm_source=openai)) - **Forward‑looking (2026–27)** - Cooperative and trader outlooks suggest **“continued strong demand” and focus on quality/value‑added rice exports** in 2026–27, with expectations of another strong year if logistics stabilize.([ncel.coop](https://ncel.coop/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/English-December-2025-NCEL-Newsletter.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Spices** - India remains the **world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices**, exporting **>1.8 MMT** in 2024–25 with export value **>USD 4 bn**.([newindianexpress.com](https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Feb/26/indias-spice-cycle-resets-chilli-tightens-turmeric-rebuilds-ginger-tests-global-pressures?utm_source=openai)) - In **FY 2025–26 (Apr–Jul 2025)**, spices exports were **INR 13,301 crore (~USD 1.6 bn)**, implying an annualized pace broadly consistent with or slightly above the prior year.([ibef.org](https://www.ibef.org/exports/spice-industry-india?utm_source=openai)) - By item (2023–24 latest detailed breakdown), India exported (volume, value in INR million; all FOB): pepper **34,028 t / 135,969**, turmeric **14,638 t / 15,007**, cumin **17,760 t / 79,247**, herbal spices **6,087 t / 7,043**, etc., illustrating a diversified spice basket.([dasd.cditproject.org](https://dasd.cditproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Spices-Export-import-2023-24.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - 2025–26 cycle dynamics (International Spice Conference 2026, Feb 2026): - **Chilli**: “tighter availability” → **firm prices** through 2025–26. - **Turmeric**: supply rebound after the price spike in 2023–24; markets stabilizing in 2025–26. - **Ginger**: under **pressure from rising Chinese exports**, leading to more competitive pricing.([newindianexpress.com](https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Feb/26/indias-spice-cycle-resets-chilli-tightens-turmeric-rebuilds-ginger-tests-global-pressures?utm_source=openai)) - US‑bound exports were affected by tariffs: - Spices exports to the US down from **USD 654.7 mn (2024–25)** to **USD 578.7 mn (2025–26)**, a decline of around **11.6%**; however, other destinations absorbed part of the volume, keeping **global spice exports broadly on a growth path.([freshplaza.com](https://www.freshplaza.com/latin-america/article/9836674/indian-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-grow-despite-u-s-tariffs/?utm_source=openai)) **Cashew (kernels/products)** - Cashew is highlighted among India’s better‑performing agri exports in FY 2025–26: - **Cashew exports** increased **12.21% YoY** to **USD 379.51 mn** in 2025–26.([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/agriculture-exports-up-2-8-pc-to-usd-52-55-bn-in-2025-26/articleshow/130441344.cms?utm_source=openai)) - Previous multi‑year data show India as both a major **importer of raw nuts** and **exporter of value‑added kernels**; raw cashew imports and re‑exports are part of a processing‑hub model, but the latest figures show **renewed export momentum** in finished cashew products.([jmbaximarineservices.com](https://jmbaximarineservices.com/uploads/notifications/other/AGRICULTURE.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Cotton (raw cotton, yarn, textiles)** - On the **textile side**, exports of cotton yarn, fabrics, made‑ups and handloom products were **INR 1,02,399.7 crore in FY 2025–26**, versus **INR 1,02,002.8 crore in FY 2024–25** — a **0.4% YoY increase**, essentially flat but stabilizing after prior volatility.([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/markets/capital-market-news/textile-exports-up-2-in-fy26-126042200444_1.html?utm_source=openai)) - Broader agricultural trade statistics still place **raw cotton** among India’s top agri export earners; earlier data show raw cotton exports over **USD 1.2 bn** with strong YoY growth in 2024–25, suggesting that, into 2025–26, cotton remained a key foreign‑exchange crop even if textile value‑chain exports grew only marginally.([jmbaximarineservices.com](https://jmbaximarineservices.com/uploads/notifications/other/AGRICULTURE.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Key structural and policy drivers into 2026–27** - **Normalization of rice policy**: Lifting of bans/taxes in late 2024 plus mandatory registration of non‑basmati contracts via APEDA improves policy predictability for 2025–26 and 2026–27.([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/agricultural-policy-monitoring-and-evaluation-2025_a80ac398-en/full-report/india_a08610a6?utm_source=openai)) - **Trade diversification**: EFTA‑India TEPA (March 2024) eliminates duties on **>99% of India’s exports** to EFTA, including **processed agri products**, supporting premium / value‑added segments (spices, coffee, processed foods) into 2026–27.([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/agricultural-policy-monitoring-and-evaluation-2025_a80ac398-en/full-report/india_a08610a6?utm_source=openai)) - **Tariff backlash from US**: Mid‑2025–early 2026 US tariffs dampened specific lines (spices, basmati, processed F&V), but India’s **overall agri exports still grew 2.3–2.8%**, implying substitution toward other markets.([freshplaza.com](https://www.freshplaza.com/latin-america/article/9836674/indian-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-grow-despite-u-s-tariffs/?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for volume shifts across the four focus commodities in 2026** - **Rice**: volume remains high but **route‑ and market‑shifted** (Gulf & Red Sea disruption, partial pivot toward Africa / South & Southeast Asia). - **Spices**: **moderate global growth** with **product‑specific swings** (tight chilli, normalized turmeric, pressured ginger); more focus on higher‑margin oils/oleoresins.([newindianexpress.com](https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Feb/26/indias-spice-cycle-resets-chilli-tightens-turmeric-rebuilds-ginger-tests-global-pressures?utm_source=openai)) - **Cashew**: 2025–26 data show **double‑digit export growth**, suggesting cashew is among the **faster‑growing** niche agri exports.([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/agriculture-exports-up-2-8-pc-to-usd-52-55-bn-in-2025-26/articleshow/130441344.cms?utm_source=openai)) - **Cotton**: export values are **stabilizing rather than expanding**, but cotton remains structurally important as a cash crop and as input to India’s large textile export complex.([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/markets/capital-market-news/textile-exports-up-2-in-fy26-126042200444_1.html?utm_source=openai)) **Sources (Commodity Trends)**: ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/agriculture-exports-up-2-8-pc-to-usd-52-55-bn-in-2025-26/articleshow/130441344.cms?utm_source=openai)) === MARKET EVENTS === (India container freight rates 2026; Suez/Red Sea disruptions; route diversions; capacity & rate trends India–Middle East–Europe) **Exposure & disruption pattern in early 2026** - Over **50% of India’s exports** and about **30% of imports** normally transit the **Red Sea–Suez Corridor**, underscoring high exposure of India–Europe, India–East Africa and some India–US East Coast flows to that route.([livemint.com](https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-europe-trade-shipping-crisis-red-sea-impact-costs-11772437157800.html?utm_source=openai)) - As of **March 2026**, major container lines had **suspended or restricted** use of the Red Sea/Suez route due to security risks around the **Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea**, forcing widespread **rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope**.([livemint.com](https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-europe-trade-shipping-crisis-red-sea-impact-costs-11772437157800.html?utm_source=openai)) **Impact on transit times & service patterns (India–Europe / Middle East)** - India–Europe sailings via the Cape have seen transit times increase by **10–20 days** versus pre‑crisis Suez routings.([livemint.com](https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-europe-trade-shipping-crisis-red-sea-impact-costs-11772437157800.html?utm_source=openai)) - Blank sailings and last‑minute schedule changes are common; freight forwarders in India report that by **April 2026**, booking cargo **4–5 days ahead of readiness** and treating the **first available sailing as a fallback rather than confirmed slot** has become standard practice.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/freightforwarding/comments/1sqiall/poll_for_indian_exporters_what_is_your_biggest/?utm_source=openai)) **Rate levels and surcharges (early Q2 2026)** - Industry interviews in March 2026 estimate **40–50% increases in all‑in freight rates** on key **India–Europe routes** compared with pre‑disruption levels, due to longer voyages and war‑risk premiums.([livemint.com](https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-europe-trade-shipping-crisis-red-sea-impact-costs-11772437157800.html?utm_source=openai)) - Additional surcharges significantly amplify the base rate for Indian exporters in **April 2026**: - **Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS)** – up to **USD 1,100/TEU** to Europe (Maersk). - **War Risk Surcharge (WRS)** – as high as **USD 2,000/TEU** on some lanes touching conflict‑affected waters. - **Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS)** – e.g., **CMA CGM ~USD 265/TEU**. - **Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)** – Maersk announced up to **USD 1,650/ctr** to US East Coast effective **21 May 2026**. - **Inland Emergency Fuel Surcharge** for domestic legs. - Combined, surcharges can add **20–40%** to the **total shipping cost** on India export shipments beyond the underlying freight rate.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/freightforwarding/comments/1srjnwf/five_surcharges_indian_exporters_are_paying_right/?utm_source=openai)) **Lane‑level trends & scenarios for 2026 (context from global outlooks)** - S&P Global’s 2026 ocean freight outlook expects **softer average global rates** versus the 2021–22 peak, but emphasizes **ongoing volatility** depending on whether the Suez corridor fully reopens or disruptions persist: - **Reopening scenario**: gradual easing of Asia–Europe rates and normalization of round‑voyage times. - **Prolonged disruption scenario**: structurally higher rates on **India–Europe and India–Med** lanes due to Cape diversions and re‑positioning inefficiencies.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **India–Middle East specifics** - For **India–Gulf / Middle East**, the combination of Red Sea risk and US–Iran tensions has triggered: - **Conflict surcharges up to USD 4,000/ctr** on some Gulf‑bound cargo (e.g., CMA CGM emergency conflict surcharge).([livemint.com](https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-europe-trade-shipping-crisis-red-sea-impact-costs-11772437157800.html?utm_source=openai)) - Higher premiums for ships transiting near the **Strait of Hormuz**, squeezing capacity and occasionally prompting carriers to reduce calls or consolidate services.([livemint.com](https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-europe-trade-shipping-crisis-red-sea-impact-costs-11772437157800.html?utm_source=openai)) **Capacity utilisation & equipment position** - Longer voyages around Africa lead to: - **Higher vessel days in transit**, effectively reducing available weekly capacity on India–Europe loops even when nominal fleet size is unchanged. - **Equipment imbalances**: slower container turn‑around times → intermittent **shortages of empties** at Indian ports, especially for 40’ HC and reefer boxes, reported by forwarders in early 2026.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/freightforwarding/comments/1sqiall/poll_for_indian_exporters_what_is_your_biggest/?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for Indian agri exporters in 2026** - For **rice, spices, cashew, cotton** exporters: - Delivered cost to Europe and parts of MENA is currently **materially higher** (often **+30–60% total logistics cost** vs mid‑2023 baselines once surcharges are included).([livemint.com](https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-europe-trade-shipping-crisis-red-sea-impact-costs-11772437157800.html?utm_source=openai)) - Longer transit times particularly affect **perishables and high‑value/temperature‑sensitive** cargo (fresh grapes, onions, some spice oils, cashew kernels in summer months), raising risk of quality claims and the need for more robust cold‑chain and insurance cover.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) **Sources (Market Events)**: ([livemint.com](https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-europe-trade-shipping-crisis-red-sea-impact-costs-11772437157800.html?utm_source=openai)) === PROBLEM FRAMING === (Indian freight forwarders’ challenges in 2026: capacity, documentation, FSSAI/export compliance, demurrage, containers) **1. Peak‑season capacity & schedule reliability** - Forwarders report that in 2026, especially post‑Red Sea disruption, **blank sailings, last‑minute schedule changes, and roll‑overs** are frequent on India–Europe and India–US lanes.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/freightforwarding/comments/1sqiall/poll_for_indian_exporters_what_is_your_biggest/?utm_source=openai)) - Standard operating behavior has shifted to: - Booking **4–5 days before** cargo readiness. - Treating the **first available sailing as a backup** rather than a firm commitment.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/freightforwarding/comments/1sqiall/poll_for_indian_exporters_what_is_your-biggest/?utm_source=openai)) - Effective capacity on certain corridors is **lower than 2023 levels**, because of longer voyage times and service rationalization, even if nominal vessel deployments are similar.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **2. Rate volatility & opaque surcharges** - Indian forwarders cite **“war/contingency” and “emergency” surcharges** as major pain points because they are: - Announced with relatively short lead times (days to a few weeks). - Layered on top of base ocean rates and bunker adjustors, often pushing total logistics cost **20–40% higher** than quoted base rates.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/freightforwarding/comments/1srjnwf/five_surcharges_indian-exporters_are_paying_right/?utm_source=openai)) - Airfreight is not a simple relief valve; community discussions reference **air rates up 60–80%** compared with pre‑crisis levels, limiting mode‑shift options during peak season.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/freightforwarding/comments/1sqiall/poll_for_indian-exporters_what_is_your-biggest/?utm_source=openai)) **3. Documentation & regulatory compliance (incl. FSSAI)** - Indian agri exports must comply with a layered documentation regime: APEDA/MPEDA certifications, **FSSAI regulations for food safety**, phyto certificates, and increasingly stringent destination‑country rules (EU Green Deal, residue norms, etc.). - In 2025‑26, exporters and forwarders have highlighted: - **Port‑level documentation errors (incomplete FSSAI or phyto documents, mis‑declared HS codes)** leading to containers being held up for clarification. - **Inspection and sampling delays under FSSAI / plant quarantine**, especially for high‑risk categories (spices, nuts, processed foods), which can **push dwell times beyond free‑time windows**, triggering demurrage.([anantamias.com](https://anantamias.com/current-affairs/india-farm-exports-us-tariffs-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - The 2026 farm‑export commentary notes that compliance with **US and EU SPS and labelling norms** has tightened, requiring more **batch‑wise lab tests and traceability**, adding cost and cycle time for exporters and their forwarders.([anantamias.com](https://anantamias.com/current-affairs/india-farm-exports-us-tariffs-2026/?utm_source=openai)) **4. Demurrage, detention & dwell‑time risks** - With longer transits, more schedule changes, and regulatory checks, freight forwarders report: - Greater risk that **customs/FSSAI clearance is not completed within line free time**, leading to **terminal demurrage and line detention charges**. - For reefer cargo (e.g., grapes, onions, some spices, frozen products), any delay or reefer plug‑point constraint at terminals further raises exposure.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) - Where containers are rolled or rescheduled due to blank sailings, inland transport and warehouse coordination must be redone; if the port remains congested, **re‑stacking and storage charges** can accrue quickly for forwarders who have taken on rate and space risk.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/freightforwarding/comments/1sqiall/poll_for_indian-exporters_what_is_your-biggest/?utm_source=openai)) **5. Container and equipment availability** - The Cape diversions extend round‑trip time for boxes and contribute to **episodic container shortages** at major Indian gateways, especially for: - **40’ HC dry** used for textiles, rice, and other bulk agri exports. - **Reefers** for fruits, vegetables, seafood, and some temperature‑sensitive spice products.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) - Forwarders in April 2026 describe having to **pre‑position equipment** and “over‑book” some carrier allocations to hedge against non‑availability and roll‑overs, which can strain relationships with both carriers and shippers.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/freightforwarding/comments/1sqiall/poll_for_indian-exporters_what_is_your-biggest/?utm_source=openai)) **6. Compliance risk from destination‑country rules (overlaying FSSAI)** - Beyond India’s FSSAI and export documentation: - **US tariffs (mid‑2025–early 2026)** on a wide list of Indian agri products forced re‑evaluation of HS classifications, origin documentation, and pricing structures on US‑bound shipments of **rice, spices, processed F&V, seafood**.([freshplaza.com](https://www.freshplaza.com/latin-america/article/9836674/indian-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-grow-despite-u-s-tariffs/?utm_source=openai)) - EU’s evolving regulations (e.g., on pesticide residues, deforestation‑linked commodities) add to the documentation burden for commodities like **spices, coffee, and possibly cotton and cashew,** raising the bar on traceability that forwarders must help coordinate.([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/agricultural-policy-monitoring-and-evaluation-2025_a80ac398-en/full-report/india_a08610a6?utm_source=openai)) **7. Operational complexity for forwarders handling agri cargo** - For commodities like **rice, spices, cashew and cotton**, Indian forwarders in 2026 are effectively juggling: - **Space‑constrained and volatile ocean networks** (Cape diversions, surcharges, roll‑overs). - **Stricter food‑safety and trade‑remedy regimes** (FSSAI plus US/EU SPS and tariff measures). - **Higher working‑capital needs**, as freight and surcharge exposure must often be pre‑financed while shippers face longer cash‑conversion cycles due to longer transit times.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) **Sources (Problem Framing)**: ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/freightforwarding/comments/1sqiall/poll_for_indian_exporters_what_is_your-biggest/?utm_source=openai))