Efficient ground transport gets moving in Qingdao

Two trucks loaded with protective clothing, construction materials and tires started out from the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Friday, marking the launch of the international road transport convention, or TIR, from the demonstration area.

The trucks are expected to arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in seven days after a 5,600-kilometer journey.

TIR is an international customs transit system to help save time and money for transport operators and customs authorities when moving goods across borders.

With a door-to door advantage, the TIR can cut 20 percent off the time required sea transport or 50 percent off the time for railway and air transport, said Zhang Quanwen, business director of China Transfar (SCO) International Logistics Port, a company responsible for the two trucks' delivery.