Shandong's new logistics channel takes off

On November 14, a "Lu G" truck carrying a slogan of "TIR International Road Transport" left a logistics company in Weifang. The electronic equipment it carried is expected to arrive in Moscow, the capital of Russia, in 7 days, which saves nearly half the time compared to traditional road transport and is four times faster than rail transport.

This route enters the country via Manchuria, passes through Novosibirsk and finally reaches Moscow. In recent years, it is not uncommon to see "Lu A" heading to Moscow and "Linyi goods" traveling overseas on "Lu Q". Large-scale road transport abroad has gradually become the norm, thanks to the widespread application of the global road transport system - TIR.

TIR, the full name of which is the International Road Transport System, was founded by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) in 1949 and is a universal international customs transit and guarantee system. Vehicles with TIR logos can travel freely between countries. TIR certificates provide tariff guarantees for transit goods. TIR vehicles only need to undergo customs inspections at the origin and destination, and usually do not need to be unpacked for inspection in the countries they pass through. The system simplifies the customs clearance process, improves customs clearance efficiency, and promotes the convenience of international transportation and trade.

After more than 70 years of development, the TIR system has covered more than 70 contracting states around the world, including most of the countries along the Belt and Road. In July 2016, China became the 70th contracting state of the United Nations TIR Convention; in May 2018, the convention officially came into effect in China. Since its implementation, TIR transport has connected China with more than 30 countries in Asia and Europe, and the time limit for cross-border road freight has been shortened to about two weeks.

As the only global cross-border cargo transportation customs clearance system, TIR covers multiple modes such as roads, railways, inland rivers, and sea transportation. TIR transportation can achieve direct destination with one declaration and ensure transportation safety. According to the International Road Transport Union, after China implements the TIR system, the use of TIR certificates can save 30%-80% of the time, up to 6 days, which is a powerful tool for improving trade facilitation and transportation safety. In addition, most of the member countries of the TIR Convention are located along the "Belt and Road". TIR transportation has effectively promoted the trade prosperity of countries and regions along the Silk Road, built a new platform for international trade and investment, and injected new impetus into the "Belt and Road".

So far, five cities in Shandong Province, namely Jinan, Qingdao, Weifang, Linyi and Weihai, have successfully carried out TIR international road transportation, and this model has attracted much attention. The rapid development of TIR transportation in various cities in Shandong Province has not only improved the efficiency of cross-border logistics, but also provided more international trade opportunities for enterprises.

Looking to the future, as more cities and enterprises participate in TIR transportation, this model will play a greater role in promoting regional economic integration and global trade facilitation. Shandong is gradually building an efficient and convenient international logistics network.