With the rapid expansion of TIR in China, inland Zhengzhou and coastal Qingdao have emerged as pioneers for international road transport connectivity. With TIR, both cities are boosting their key roles in regional trade networks.
Zhengzhou, strategically located in central China in Henan Province, and Qingdao, a major port city in the eastern Shandong Province, have both experienced rapid growth in TIR operations this year. Together they account for over 50% of TIR operations conducted by Chinese hauliers.
During recent visits to both cities, IRU and local governments discussed measures to further unlock the potential of TIR. IRU also held roundtables with Chinese hauliers in both cities to better understand how they can be supported in their efforts to explore and optimise international road corridors.
Zhengzhou eyes Eurasia
Since 2023, Zhengzhou has made notable progress in expanding its TIR networks. The city, a fast-growing metropolis on the Yellow River, about 700km southwest of Beijing, has opened ten international road transport routes and established routine TIR operations along key regional corridors linking China with Central Asia and the Caucasus.
A highlight was the recent TIR pilot along the Middle Corridor, a 6,600km journey from Zhengzhou to Georgia completed in just two weeks by Chinese hauliers, demonstrating TIR's substantial time and cost-saving benefits.
IRU member ZZHY, a Zhengzhou-based logistics company, exemplifies the robust growth of TIR transport. Originally focused on domestic transport, ZZHY recognised the significant benefits of TIR and began expanding into international road transport in 2023.
With nearly 50 trucks now operating under TIR, ZZHY has become a pioneer in the field, while also helping diversify international trade routes connecting Zhengzhou to many Central Asian and Eurasian countries.
Qingdao on the move
Qingdao, a port city midway between Beijing and Shanghai, is the site of the China-SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Local Economic and Trade Demonstrative Area (SCODA). The city has leveraged its strategic geography to develop international logistics corridors, promoting interconnection among SCO member countries.
SCODA has been recognised as a national level logistics hub, offering one-stop services covering trade, customs clearance, logistics and finance. Its role in global transport is further enhanced by developing TIR operations.
Since the launch of TIR in Qingdao in 2023, around 100 operations have been completed, driving more secure and efficient cross-border trade.
Cars, chemicals and cold chain
The TIR system is becoming increasingly popular among Chinese traders thanks to the tangible benefits it brings.
There is also a growing demand for integrated one-stop services at both the departure and destination points of TIR transport. This can be seen, for example, with the first TIR Logistics Hub accredited by IRU that recently opened in Kashgar, Xinjiang Province, in far Western China.
Chinese hauliers are expanding their capacities for TIR transport to meet growing demand, especially in transporting specific types of products such as cars, e-commerce deliveries, dangerous goods and cold chain products such as fresh and frozen food.
They are also keen to strengthen cooperation with international partners to jointly advance the development of road corridors between China and countries along these routes.
