Three Chinese TIR trucks have successfully completed a pilot project along the Middle Corridor. This marks a significant step forward for Chinese trucking companies exploring long-distance cross-border road transport along crucial trade corridors.
The three TIR trucks departed from China’s inland cities of Zhengzhou and Urumqi, before exiting China via the Khorgos-Nur Zholy border crossing.
After crossing the Caspian Sea by ferry, the trucks reached their destinations in Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The 6,600km journey took two weeks. This is the first time that Chinese trucking companies have taken this route using the TIR system.
IRU Director of TIR and Transit Tatiana Rey-Bellet said, “I am pleased to see that Chinese companies are successfully exploring new routes, benefiting from door-to-door road transport backed by the efficiency and security of the TIR system.”
“The Middle Corridor, an emerging and key trade route connecting the east and west, has seen record growth in transit volumes in recent years. Tried-and-test tools, such as the TIR system, can significantly streamline customs procedures en route, ensuring that goods flow smoothly and securely across borders,” she added.
IRU member ZZHY was one of the pilot’s transport operators. Since joining IRU in 2022, ZZHY has opened several new TIR routes connecting China and Central Asia.
This pilot project was supported by transport and customs authorities as well as road transport associations along the Middle Corridor.
What is the TIR system?
The TIR system enables goods to be shipped from a country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments that are controlled by customs via a multilateral, mutually recognised system.
It streamlines procedures at borders, reducing the administrative burden for customs authorities and transport and logistics companies. It cuts border waiting times significantly, saving time and money.
TIR is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, marking the first agreement to establish the system by eight European countries in 1949 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
The TIR system connects China with over 30 countries across Eurasia, offering more secure transport options that are over 80% faster and 50% cheaper.