GST: Chaotic tax overhaul bad news for truckers, cross-border trade

GST was expected to yield gains by easing onerous red tape at state borders and help make India resemble a single market for the first time

Trucking firms like Caravan Roadways Ltd., which has more than 500 brightly-painted vehicles crisscrossing India, were meant to see immediate benefits from the biggest tax reform in India’s modern history.

But the chaotically-implemented goods and services tax is derailing the government’s revenue target and hasn’t much improved trade within Asia’s No. 3 economy. "Suspicious states" -- anxious to retain pre-GST earnings -- are stepping up vigilance at their borders, according to Crisil Ltd., and there’s little in the legislation to deter officials seeking bribes.

"The people who were earlier on the check posts, who were getting money, they are getting