The 100th truck under the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) transport model departs from Yiwu, Zhejiang province, on Dec 1. [Photo/Tide News]

A truck laden with clothing, household goods, and hardware under the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) transport model departed on Dec 1 from Yiwu, a county-level city in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, and is expected to reach Russia in eight days.

This marks Yiwu's 100th TIR transport truck and highlights the regular operation of this "new Silk Road on wheels", a significant advancement in Yiwu's international trade reforms.

The TIR transport model offers advantages like convenient customs clearance, efficient turnaround, and door-to-door delivery.

Since launching Zhejiang's first "TIR and Cross-Border E-commerce" export service in February, Yiwu has expanded TIR operations to include general trade and market procurement, and opened a cross-border TIR return channel, meeting diverse market demands.

Liu Jiayuan, general manager of Yiwu Shuanglong Supply Chain Management Co, noted rapid growth in recognizing the TIR model. Initially infrequent, the route now offers weekly departures with cargo valuations exceeding one million yuan ($141,418.02) per container.

Yiwu Customs has implemented an efficient monitoring system for TIR operations, providing all-day customs clearance appointment services and ensuring smooth transit through seamless coordination and dynamic tracking at exit ports.

The TIR network from Yiwu now provides five routes to Moscow and Tashkent, making it a crucial channel for exporting commodities to Russia and Central Asia.