China and Turkmenistan launched the first direct road freight route under the international TIR system, as reported by the Türkmenawtoulaglary agency.

The first shipment departed from Zhengzhou, China, heading to Ashgabat. Covering approximately 6,000 km, the route passes through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, taking nine days to complete.

Wang Ti, Deputy General Director of Zhengzhou Hongyi Transportation Co., stated that the new route cuts transportation costs by 35% compared to air delivery and halves transit time compared to rail transport.

The TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system streamlines international shipments by sealing cargo at the departure point and opening it only upon arrival, reducing both travel time and administrative expenses.

The route begins at the Henan Logistics Center, which operates 18 TIR routes and connects China with nine countries, including Russia, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.