CEVA Logistics, a provider of supply chain solutions, has announced that its Greater China division has sent the first ever Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) truck from Khorgos, China to Europe.
The trial run, which began on November 13, 2018, was successfully operated as a joint initiative between CEVA Logistics, the IRU (International Road Transportation Union) and CEVA's partners Alblas and Jet-rail.
The truck, which travelled via Kazakhstan, arrived in Poland on November 24 with no disruption or customs issues, before reaching its final destination on November 26.
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According to a statement, the new road service will deliver a cost saving of about 50% compared to air options and, with a lead time door-to-door of 10-15 days, will also be up to 50% faster than rail.
TIR, which is governed by the UN and has 74 contracting parties, is the only global customs transit system for moving goods across international borders.
In order to contribute to the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), TIR became active for the People's Republic of China in May 2018.
Kelvin Tang, Director of Road and Rail at CEVA Logistics Greater China, commented: “This is a day to remember. Together with our partners, we have trialled TIR all the way to Europe today the very first time.”
The New Highway to the West – After more than six months preparation, CEVA Logistics Greater China has sent the first ever TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) truck from Khorgos, China via Kazakhstan to Europe #CEVALogistics #Makingbusinessflow https://t.co/2UU2ifiINL pic.twitter.com/ui8YUnBJyC
— CEVA Logistics (@cevalogistics) November 27, 2018
Torben Bengtsson, Executive Vice President of CEVA Logistics Greater China, added: “Thanks to the implementation of the TIR system this year, and the great support of IRU, the Research Institute of Highway Ministry of Transport (RIOH), and the Xinjiang government, we were able to make this trial run happen together with our partners Jet-rail International Transportation in Shanghai, and Alblas International Logistics in the Netherlands.
“The trial proves that the TIR carnet issued in China is accepted in the transit countries en-route to Europe. The Government, IRU, RIOH and many other parties worked together to remove barriers and uncertainties.”
Bengtsson also revealed that CEVA Logistics is planning to commence regular operations “as early as possible in 2019”.
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