TIR shipments doubled y-o-y! ZAEZ’s ‘fourth logistics channel’ expands

Henan Daily

Zhengzhou: Since the beginning of this year, international road transport in the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone (ZAEZ) has experienced remarkable growth. From January to November, ZAEZ recorded 492 international road transport departures, with a total cargo volume of 5,872.4 tons and a cargo value of 740 million yuan, marking year-on-year increases of 2.4 times, 1.8 times, and 4.2 times, respectively. Among these, 298 departures were made under the TIR (International Road Transport) system, doubling year-on-year, according to the ZAEZ Port Administration on December 9.

Truck transport, an emerging mode of international transportation following air, sea, and rail transport, is now recognized as the “fourth logistics channel”. The truck transport sector in the ZAEZ is witnessing rapid growth, with 16 TIR-certified enterprises established from across the country. So far, 16 direct transport routes have been launched from Zhengzhou to seven countries, including Russia, Uzbekistan, Laos, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. These routes provide a safe, stable, and efficient new logistics channel for over 1,000 import and export businesses like Huawei, Yutong, and Sinotruk.

Henan TIR Assembly Center, located in the ZAEZ, is experiencing a surge in operations, including China’s first TIR shipment of fresh-cut flowers and the first TIR transport of oversized cargo. These milestones have helped Henan establish an emerging international road transport network, with routes extending north, south, and west.

As the “fourth logistics channel” continues to expand, the development of other channels in the ZAEZ is also gaining momentum.

With business booming, Zhengzhou airport ranks 6th in China for cargo and mail throughput and is among the top 40 airports worldwide. Its passenger and cargo flight network connects the three major economic regions-Europe, America, and Asia-providing access to key global markets. As of November 19, the airport has handled a total cargo volume of 707,000 tons of cargo this year, surpassing its previous record and setting a new high.

On June 30, the dedicated railway line of the Zhengzhou International Land Port was officially launched. On December 1, the train No. 75096 entered China from the Manzhouli Port in Inner Mongolia, marking the first return trip of the China-Europe freight train from Zhengzhou.

With high-speed trains racing along the tracks, the Zhengzhou-Chongqing High-Speed Rail freight service operates daily with round-trip departures. The 1,028-kilometer route offers a one-stop transit, taking only 4 hours and 30 minutes. With a maximum load capacity of 15 tons, the service efficiently supports next-day delivery of products such as fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and business correspondence.

The port construction is progressing rapidly. As part of the Zhengzhou International Land Port plan, a zone for water and port cooperation has been reserved in the north. In the future, Zhengzhou Port will be established as an international inland waterway hub, complemented by first-class port facilities and a comprehensive bonded zone.

The ZAEZ is committed to building a modern, intelligent, efficient, and multi-dimensional transportation hub for the future. With a focus on strengthening key channels, developing major ports, boosting comprehensive logistics, and supporting key industries, the ZAEZ aims to become the core engine of Henan’s hub economy, further contributing to the province’s opening-up and facilitating the dual circulation of domestic and international markets.