Sep 20 2024
Faster trade across GCC borders with global TIR transit system
Can cross-border trade in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region be more than 90% faster? Yes, transport companies from the region shared their experiences using the TIR system at our recent webinar.
The global TIR transit system is revolutionising overland trade in the GCC with simplified customs processes, express lanes and high levels of security.
TIR has grown ten-fold in the GCC in the past three years alone.
From the ground
The webinar kicked off with an overview of GDP, trade and freight transport trends in the GCC, based on IRU’s latest Intelligence Briefing.
Three leading GCC-based transport companies then shared examples of how they have cut transit times and costs with the TIR system.
Speaking on the success they have had with the TIR system, ADSO CEO Phillip Khoury said, “I think it’s due to trust. The trust and reliability provided by the TIR system.
“I believe that traders have taken it upon themselves, especially here in the region, to be involved in TIR for multiple reasons, mainly bottlenecks, which cause a loss of revenue. When you’re trading, you feel it in your pocket, that’s the bottom line.
“I also believe that in the GCC, companies engaging in cross-border trade want to be in control of their documentation. Having a streamlined and clean way of managing documentation is another great advantage.
“Furthermore, TIR allows you to achieve operational efficiency. We increased our turnaround time by approximately 60–75% on some routes, allowing us to use more drivers and trucks on the same routes.”
ELITE Co. Head of Operations Asantewaa Engmann shared her experience with the TIR system, “The turnaround moment was when we saw a lot of congestion at borders. We asked ourselves, ‘how are we going to become the differentiator and drive customer experience?’”
“That was the light-bulb moment for us with TR and how we approach cross-border transport in the region.
“We are providing services like tracking and GPS, but TIR has enhanced our capabilities with its simplified processes and documentation. This ensures that shipments are processed more smoothly and efficiently, making us more reliable. We now have customers who are suddenly interested in TIR due to its impact and benefits.
“Once you can manage customer and client expectations in this way, you are able to grow as a business. Your truck utilisation also improves. You can get more out of the same fleet.” Read more
Source: IRU