Hangzhou Customs supervised 317 TIR import and export vehicle trips in the first four months of this year, with goods valued at 430 million yuan ($63.25 million), up 12.8-fold and 20.5-fold year-on-year, respectively, according to the latest customs data.

TIR, the international road transport system, is increasingly used by Zhejiang exporters as a fourth logistics channel after sea, air, and rail transport.

Under the system, goods are sealed by customs at the point of departure, and transit countries generally do not reopen them for inspection. The goods can stay on the same truck and in the same container throughout the journey, cutting clearance time and improving cargo security.

Zhejiang is also expanding its TIR route network. The province has opened 23 export routes through ports including Manzhouli, Erenhot, and Horgos, forming the basis of a cross-border road logistics network.

The province is also linking TIR services with new trade models, including cross-border e-commerce, market procurement trade, bonded logistics, and cold-chain transport.