First China to Europe TIR truck secures trade flow in record time
The success of the first TIR [a globally applicable international customs transit and guarantee system] journey by road from China to Europe proves the system‘s cost, time and security advantages. It is set to boost trade between China and Europe, unlocking a critical Belt and Road route and offering development opportunities across Eurasia.
The first TIR truck transport from China to Europe started its 7000 km journey at the Khorgos border, entering Kazakhstan and
This TIR transport initiative is a joint effort between IRU, the global industry association for road transport, and global leading logistics companies, including CEVA Logistics, Shanghai Jet-rail International Transportation, and Alblas International Logistics as the operator. The truck left China on 13 November, arriving at its destination in Poland without any disruption or customs issues on November 26.
IRU secretary general Umberto de Pretto says the milestone will be a game changer for
“It shows that the system is secure and also highly competitive in terms of cost and time relative to other modes of transport on similar routes. It will boost trade between China and Europe, which will help China and the countries along the Belt and Road route to reap the economic and development rewards of international road transport. It is also a wakeup call to European
CEVA Logistics Greater China EVP Torben Bengtsson said they foresaw a great future for road transport from China to Europe.
“The pilot proves that it could save up to 50% door-to-door cost compared with air, and at least 10 days delivery time compared with rail. The market is eager for the new product, we have a lot of customers waiting for the start of a regular service. During the coming
A key role was played by the Chinese branch office of Alblas in Ürümqi. Jan Alblas, CEO of Alblas (Netherlands), stated that the historical event took years of preparation.
“We are the first transport company ever that conducted a TIR transport from China to Europe. Being the only European transport company in China with an international transport
In September 2018, Kazakhstan and China opened the new border crossing at Khorgos to boost transport and trade along the new Western China to Western Europe 8,445 km expressway – part of China‘s Belt and Road project. The World Bank predicts the corridor will more than double road freight volumes between China and Europe. With this first TIR transport, operations along this corridor are now ready to deliver economic and social benefits to the whole region.