Faster and more cost-effective than rail and air
A new TIR route bridges the gap between China’s east coast and Central Asia and connects Uzbekistan to China’s coastal city of Qingdao. The first convoy, including Uzbek TIR trucks carrying blackcurrants, recently completed the maiden run from Samarkand to Qingdao passing Kazakhstan and the Kazakhish-Chinese border point Khorgos.
The new route provides a faster, more cost-effective and secure door-to-door delivery option compared with rail and air, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) said.
Trains typically have a waiting time of up to three months, while door-to-door delivery via road takes around ten days. Qingdao is located at the start of the Maritime Silk Road, linking the overland Belt and Road Initiative with ports and airports. (ben)