The first successful TIR transport from Europe to China was completed last week on Tuesday after a 7,400 km journey from Germany to Khorgos, a major Chinese overland Belt and Road port, IRU reported.
Carrying 12 tons of automobile lubricant in challenging winter conditions, the TIR truck started its journey in Germany, entering Poland and travelling through Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan to China in just 12 days without disruption or customs issues.
This TIR journey follows last year’s first TIR transport from China to Europe (Khorgos – Poland, 7,000 km in 13 days), jointly conducted by IRU and global leading logistics companies CEVA and Alblas.
With TIR operational in China, the China – Europe – China road corridor offers excellent opportunity for boosting international trade, according to IRU. The conclusion of this latest successful pilot from Europe to China marks the full activation of door-to-door TIR operations between China and Europe.
According to one industry estimate, China – Europe road transport under TIR could save transport companies up to 50% on door-to-door costs compared to air, and at least ten days delivery time compared with rail.