Road and Rail Freight: FTL, LTL, Rail Corridors and TIR
Road and rail offer flexible transport across neighbouring countries and the Eurasian corridor. We explain FTL vs LTL, the rail option, the TIR carnet and when land freight fits.
Road freight is a flexible and often cost-effective option, especially for trade with neighbouring and nearby countries. Using trucks, lorries and rail, goods can move straight from origin to destination without depending on a port or airport. For imports from the Far East, land transport usually comes in two ways: long-distance carriage along the rail corridor, and final delivery from the port to your door.
Full truck load (FTL) and less than truck load (LTL)
With FTL, the whole vehicle is dedicated to your cargo. It is collected at one point and goes to destination without transfers. With LTL (groupage), your goods share a vehicle with other shipments, and you pay for the space, number of pallets or weight you use.
| Topic | FTL | LTL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Per vehicle | By pallet, loading metre or weight |
| Suitable for | Large and heavy loads | A few pallets |
| Timing | More predictable | Usually longer due to collection and distribution |
| Handling | Minimal | More transfers |
A standard semi-trailer is roughly 13.6 metres long and usually takes 33 pallets of 120 x 80 cm. Payload is often around 24 tonnes, and volume depends on the trailer type. Exact limits vary by country rules and vehicle.
The rail option
Regular freight trains run between China and Europe through Central Asia. For Turkey there is also a rail route through Central Asia, a Caspian Sea crossing and the Caucasus, often called the Middle Corridor. On this route cargo crosses the Caspian by ferry and reaches Turkey via Georgia.
In terms of time and cost, rail usually sits between sea and air. Keep in mind:
- Differences in track gauge between countries may require cargo to be transferred.
- Border crossings, ferry connections and line congestion can change transit times.
- Departure frequency and capacity vary over time.
Rail is therefore an alternative worth considering for cargo that needs to move faster than by sea but cannot justify the cost of air freight. Check the current route status and rules before shipping.
What is a TIR carnet?
The TIR system is based on an international convention under the United Nations. Goods in a customs-sealed vehicle or container can cross transit countries without lodging a duty guarantee at every border and largely without being re-inspected. Customs formalities are mainly handled at departure and destination.
The TIR carnet is the guarantee document for this transport and is issued through national guaranteeing associations. To use the system, the vehicle or container must be approved and the transport must take place between countries party to the convention. Details can differ between countries, so check current practice.
When does land freight fit?
- Trade with neighbouring countries, the Middle East, the Caucasus, the Balkans and Europe.
- Door-to-door delivery to addresses far from a port or airport.
- Loads of a few pallets up to a full truck that should not be transferred along the way.
- When you need something faster than sea but air would be too expensive.
- Final delivery from the port or terminal for goods arriving by sea or rail.
Over very long distances and for large volumes, sea freight is often more economical; road stands out for speed, flexibility and direct access to the door. For many shipments, combining sea, rail and road works well.
The right option depends on the volume, weight, urgency and destination of your cargo. TurnOn Global can plan a road, rail or combined route for your shipment and coordinate customs clearance and door delivery for you. For details, reach us via WhatsApp or the contact form.
