The other day, a TIR-labeled transport vehicle slowly set off from the customs supervision area of China Chuanhua (SCO) International Logistics Port, heading for Moscow, the capital of Russia. Carrying a 40HQ reefer container loaded with 24.2 tons of such fresh fruits as kumquats, the vehicle was the first TIR-labeled one dispatched from the SCO Demonstration Area (SCODA), marking the first TIR cold chain transport channel in the SCODA has been officially put into operation.

“As the transport of fruits is demanding in terms of temperature and timeliness, it is very difficult to keep fruits fresh by conventional means of transportation. Subject to no change for new vehicles, overstowage and unloading in the whole process, the TIR transport model can provide door-to-door or point-to-point cold-chain logistics services for local merchants and is better suited for the export of fresh goods.” noted Zhang Quanwen, the general manager of Chuanhua Shanghe (Qingdao) International Trade Co., Ltd.

The SCODA will accelerate efforts to launch new TIR transport routes such as ones from China to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan and build a TIR-featured logistics channel between China and other SCO member states, with an aim to helping more local products and brands tap into overseas markets.  (Wang Meng)

The TIR-labeled reefer container vehicle heading for Russia.