Land Freight from Turkey to Arab Countries — TIR Trucks and How They Work
Adel SolimanMarch 8, 2025
Land Freight from Turkey to Arab Countries — TIR Trucks and How They Work
Introduction
Not everything ships by sea. For countries that share land borders with Turkey or are geographically close, land freight offers speed and flexibility at competitive costs. Turkish TIR trucks are recognized on every international road from Europe to the Gulf.
This article covers everything you need to know about land freight from Turkey: which countries it reaches, transit times, costs, and how the international TIR system works.
What Is the TIR System?
TIR stands for "Transports Internationaux Routiers" — a UN-recognized international customs system that allows trucks to cross multiple borders with minimal customs stops. An approved truck carries a TIR Carnet that guarantees transit countries the cargo is insured and will be delivered to its destination without smuggling.
Practical benefit: Instead of opening the truck for inspection at each border, officials simply check the Carnet and customs seals. This dramatically speeds up transit.
DVN Logistics is committed to providing reliable and efficient shipping solutions. Partner with us today and benefit from our expertise in international shipping.
Arab Countries Reachable by Turkish Land Freight
Iraq (via Ibrahim Khalil crossing): One of the most active land routes. Trucks from Istanbul reach Baghdad in 3-4 days. The Iraqi market absorbs enormous volumes of Turkish construction materials, food, and clothing.
Jordan and Palestine: Via Syria or directly depending on conditions. Jordan is an important gateway to the Gulf market via Aqaba port.
Egypt: The full land route is longer but used for large shipments following the African land road.
Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran: The new land Silk Road — Turkey connects Europe to Central Asia overland through this corridor.
Land vs Sea Freight from Turkey: Comparison
Speed for nearby destinations: Iraq, Jordan, Syria — land freight arrives faster than sea by a notable margin.
Delivery flexibility: The truck goes directly to the warehouse door (Door to Door) without port complications.
Less complexity for medium volumes: No need for complicated ocean freight procedures for mid-sized shipments.
Costs are determined by: distance and destination, cargo volume and weight, full truckload (FTL) vs partial load (LTL), and special requirements like refrigeration or oversized cargo.
Approximate benchmark: A full truck from Istanbul to Baghdad ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 depending on season and demand.
International Land Freight Documents
CMR (Consignment Note): The international land transport document, equivalent to a bill of lading.
TIR Carnet: International customs transit guarantee.
Commercial invoice and packing list: Same as required for sea and air freight.
Political conditions: Some routes may be affected by geopolitical situations. We always recommend monitoring road conditions and having alternative routes ready.
Transit fees: Each transit country has its own fees that must be factored into the total cost upfront.
Make sure to choose the right container type if your goods require special conditions during overland transit.
Conclusion
Land freight from Turkey is a real strategic option for regional markets, especially Iraq, Jordan, and neighboring countries. Its flexibility and speed for medium distances make it indispensable in smart import plans.
At DVN LOG we have a network of drivers and partners on international land routes. Contact us for the best rates and timelines for your land shipment.
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