Since the launch of the first logistics hub for international road transport under the Tir regime in China in May 2024, the number of these facilities has grown rapidly, now totalling six. The latest two, accredited by the Iru, have opened in the cities of Chengdu and Linyi, reinforcing China’s role in international trade and road transport. The first hub is located in the Economic Development Zone of Longquanyi District, in the southwestern province of Sichuan. Chengdu is already a key transport hub in the region, and this new facility will further strengthen its integration into global road transport networks.
Tatiana Rey-Bellet, Director of the Tir & Transit Department at Iru, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that Chengdu has already developed important international logistics corridors, providing a solid foundation for cross-border trade. With the support of the local government, transport authorities, customs officials, and operators, the Chengdu Tir hub serves as a central platform for international cooperation in the sector, contributing to the growth of transport and trade in the Sichuan region. The centre also provides integrated transport services, including customs clearance, warehousing, cargo management, and route development, offering greater efficiency for industry operators.
On the other side of China, in Shandong province, lies the new Tir logistics hub of Linyi. This city is one of the country’s main goods distribution centres, and the new facility is expected to further boost international trade. The primary objective is to enhance the efficiency of import and export operations, facilitating trade flows with global markets. Tatiana Rey-Bellet emphasised that this hub is likely to attract an increasing number of businesses along the supply chain, creating new development opportunities. In Linyi as well, the centre will provide essential services for transport and logistics companies, helping to establish an efficient and interconnected ecosystem for international trade. By the end of 2024, Chinese Tir centres had already attracted forty transport, freight forwarding, and logistics companies, contributing to the expansion of Tir routes towards Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Caucasus.
