Fifteen trucks loaded with communication equipment departed from the Yinchuan Comprehensive Bonded Zone on Dec 16, marking the launch of Ningxia's first transport international router (TIR) shipment.
The convoy will exit China through the Horgos Port and travel across Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan. It is expected to take five days to complete the journey.
"We used to transport goods to various border crossings for customs clearance, where European trucks would then take over for export. Now, we anticipate reducing transportation time by 40 percent and cutting logistics costs by about 30 percent," said Wang Wei, general manager of Ningxia Xintong Logistics Technology Co.
TIR is an international cross-border road transport system based on the United Nations' Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under the Cover of TIR Carnets. Compared to traditional road transport, TIR offers a streamlined process with a single customs declaration and direct delivery. Vehicles approved under the TIR system can easily clear customs in all TIR contracting countries using a TIR Carnet.
The Yinchuan Comprehensive Bonded Zone provides one-stop customs clearance services and integrated supervision for cargo consolidation, storage, and customs declaration.
Yang Jiao, a Yinchuan Hedong Airport Customs representative, explained that the TIR model enables "door-to-door" transport without the need to change vehicles, offering more logistics options for cross-border trade.
The departure of Ningxia's first TIR shipment marks a new milestone in the region's efforts to promote high-quality development under the Belt and Road Initiative.