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New overland route cuts Türkiye–Jordan shipping time by over 80%

The first shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq under the TIR system, completed on August 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the International Road Transport Union - IRU)
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The first shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq under the TIR system, completed on August 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the International Road Transport Union - IRU)
By Newsroom
August 09, 2025 12:30 PM GMT+03:00

Turkish logistics operator Kizgin and its Jordanian partner Al Wafi announced the successful completion of the first direct overland cargo shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq, using the International Road Transport (TIR) system.

The journey took just five days, compared to the traditional maritime route, which used to take up to five weeks.

This significant time saving (over 80%) opens the door to faster, more efficient and more reliable trade, unlocking new development opportunities for Turkish, Iraqi, and Jordanian markets.

The TIR system that had been used in the transportation, backed by the United Nations and managed by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), allows goods to be transported from their country of origin to their destination in sealed load compartments under customs control, within a multilateral and mutually recognized framework.

The first shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq under the TIR system, August 5, 2025. (Photo by International Road Transport Union (IRU) )
The first shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq under the TIR system, August 5, 2025. (Photo by International Road Transport Union (IRU) )

Regarded as the easiest, safest, and most reliable method for moving goods across international borders, it saves time and costs for both transport operators and customs authorities.

Iraq’s activation of the TIR system on April 1, 2025, has paved the way for the creation of that road between Türkiye and Jordan, which is considered the fastest commercial land corridor linking them.

The first shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq under the TIR system, completed on August 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the International Road Transport Union - IRU)
The first shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq under the TIR system, completed on August 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the International Road Transport Union - IRU)

Iraqi and Jordanian authorities view this development as a major breakthrough in logistical efficiency, significantly reducing transit times and unlocking new opportunities for more flexible and expanded trade across the region.

According to media reports, Bestami Kizgin, General Manager of Kizgin Group, stated, “We’re proud to be the first company to successfully test the Istanbul–Amman corridor via Iraq under the TIR system. The results exceeded our expectations. Fast, secure, and reliable transport made this journey truly exceptional.”

The first shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq under the TIR system, completed on August 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the International Road Transport Union - IRU)
The first shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq under the TIR system, completed on August 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the International Road Transport Union - IRU)

On the other side, Hamza Khaled, General Manager of Al Wafi Land Freight, expressed his pride in the route, saying, “For years, trade along this corridor has been hindered by lengthy and complex procedures. The successful arrival of this shipment is not just an operational milestone; it marks a major shift in international trade and a unique opportunity to strengthen commercial ties between Türkiye and Jordan. We deeply appreciate IRU and the TIR system for making this possible.”

The first shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq under the TIR system, completed on August 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the International Road Transport Union - IRU)
The first shipment from Istanbul to Amman via Iraq under the TIR system, completed on August 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the International Road Transport Union - IRU)

This new overland corridor represents a significant step forward in enhancing trade integration between Türkiye, Iraq, and Jordan. By offering fast, safe, and reliable transport solutions, it paves the way for expanded trade opportunities and sustained economic growth across the region.

August 09, 2025 01:37 PM GMT+03:00
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