Iran’s Strategic Role as a Key Hub in North-South, East-West transit Routes

Transit corridors in international cargo transportation — including North-South and East-West corridors — act as vital trade highways that reduce congestion and optimize shipments movement across global, regional, and national levels. These corridors enable the seamless use of multiple transport modes such as maritime shipping, road transport, and railways to transfer goods efficiently with minimal costs and transit times.

 

As a trader, logistics provider, or transit cargo operator, you have likely encountered the term “transit cargo corridor.” Understanding these corridors is essential for optimizing supply chains and reducing transportation expenses. Iran’s geographic location positions it as a central gateway for key transit corridors connecting Central Asia, the Persian Gulf, the Caucasus, and beyond.

 

For expert advice and comprehensive services in transit cargo shipping via these strategic corridors, contact Torang Darya Shipping Company — your trusted partner in maritime and multimodal shipments transit.

 

What is a Transit Cargo Corridor?

A transit cargo corridor, also known as an international passageway in transit cargo transportation, refers to designated routes that connect different regions around the world. These corridors facilitate the efficient movement of goods and shipments between various geographic areas. Transit cargo corridors not only link different countries but also connect regions within a single country.

 

Transportation along these corridors utilizes multiple modes such as maritime shipping, road transport, and railways to ensure smooth and cost-effective cargo transit. In today’s expanding global trade environment, most traders actively seek the shortest and most reliable transit cargo corridors to optimize their supply chains and reduce transit times.

 

 

Types of Transit Cargo Corridors

There are various methods of transit cargo transportation along corridor routes. These corridors serve multiple purposes, including domestic trade, international trade, transit exchange of goods, and international transit corridors.

  • Internal Commercial Corridors

    • These corridors focus on facilitating trade and cargo movement within a country, connecting key economic regions and supporting internal supply chains.

     

    Types of Transit Cargo Corridors

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      Internal Commercial Corridor

      This corridor is used for transit cargo transportation within the country, utilizing the internal road networks to move goods efficiently across regions.
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      International Commercial Corridor

      This corridor facilitates the movement of goods for export outside the country or import into the country, playing a vital role in international trade logistics.
    •  

      Transit Exchange Corridors

      These corridors are designed for the transfer of cargo and passengers through border crossings of neighboring countries, enabling smooth cross-border trade and transit.
    •  

      International Transit Cargo Corridors

      This type of corridor consists of a global network of transit routes, including roadways, railways, and maritime paths. These corridors are critical for international transit cargo transport, connecting multiple countries and continents. In this article, we focus on introducing key corridors in international transit cargo transportation.

     

    If you are planning to ship goods to India, you can also refer to our article on Shipping Cargo to India for detailed guidance.

     

    For merchants and traders seeking expert advice and comprehensive services related to transit cargo transportation using international transit corridors, please contact our experienced team at Torang Darya Shipping Company.

    North-South International Transit Cargo Corridor

    The North-South International Transit Cargo Corridor was established on September 12, 2000, in St. Petersburg through a collaboration between Iran, Russia, and India to promote transit cargo cooperation among member countries. This transit corridor connects the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf via Iran to the Caspian Sea, then through Russia to St. Petersburg and Northern Europe.

     

    Spanning approximately 7,200 kilometers, the North-South Transit Cargo Corridor includes road, rail, and maritime routes. It facilitates the movement of goods and cargo between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asian countries, and several European nations, making it a strategic and efficient trade route for international transit cargo transportation.

    East-West International Transit Cargo Corridor / The Ancient Silk Road

    The East-West Transit Cargo Corridor, also known as the Ancient Silk Road, serves as a vital route for transporting transit goods from China and Central Asia in the east and northeast through Iranian territory to the Caucasus, Western Asia, and the Mediterranean region. Conversely, it also enables the transit of goods produced in these regions to the markets of Central Asia and China. Moreover, all these countries are interconnected with Europe and Africa via this international transit corridor.

    Iranian Transit Routes in the East-West Corridor / Ancient Silk Road

    • Northeastern Borders of Iran:

      • Dogharoon, Sarakhs, Bajgiran, Lotfabad, Incheh Borun

    • Western and Northwestern Exit Borders:
      •  

      Jolfa, Bazargan, Sarv, Razi, Tamarchin, Bashmaq, Khosravi, and vice versa

       

      Railway Access on the Silk Road

      The railway route extends from Sarakhs to Razi, spanning 2,008 kilometers with a cargo transport capacity of two million tons, enhancing efficient transit along the Silk Road corridor.

       

      South Asia Transit Cargo Corridor

      The South Asia Transit Cargo Corridor starts from Southeast Asia, passing through the Indian subcontinent. It enters Iranian territory via Mirjaveh at Iran’s southeastern border. The corridor then exits Iran through northwestern border crossings, including Bazargan, Razi, and Khosravi at the borders with Turkey and Iraq, extending toward Europe and the Mediterranean region.

      This transit cargo route along the Mirjaveh–Razi axis spans approximately 2,496 kilometers and has a cargo transport capacity of up to three million tons, facilitating efficient trade and transit between South Asia, Iran, and Europe.

       

      TRACECA Transit Cargo Corridor

      The TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) transit cargo corridor program was launched in May 1993 during a meeting of transport and trade ministers from eight member countries—five Central Asian republics and three Caucasus republics—in Brussels. This corridor establishes a key east-west transit route through the Black Sea, Caucasus region, Caspian Sea, Central Asia, and Europe.

       

      Main objectives of the European Union for the TRACECA corridor include:

      • Providing political and economic support for the independence and capacity building of member republics by improving access to European and global markets via multiple transit routes.

      • Enhancing regional cooperation among member countries.

      • Using TRACECA as a catalyst to attract support from international financial organizations and the private sector.

      • Connecting TRACECA to the Trans-European Transport Network.

      • Promoting TRACECA as the most cost-effective and time-efficient route linking Central Asian republics to global markets and European ports.

       

      Member countries of the TRACECA transit cargo corridor:

      Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine.

      Asian Highway (AH) Transit Cargo Corridor

      Another major transit corridor passing through Iran is the Asian Highway Network, also known as the AH corridor. This project is a collaboration between Asian countries and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). Established in 1992, the AH corridor aims to improve connectivity between Asian countries and Oceania while minimizing the need for new highway construction.

      The AH corridor includes both highways and railways, significantly facilitating land-based transit cargo transportation.

      Members of the AH transit cargo corridor:

      The Asian Highway Network spans 32 signed countries, including Iran. Significant funding for this corridor has come from China, South Korea, and Singapore.

      Benefits of Using Transit Corridors for International Cargo Transport

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        Cost reduction

        Transit corridors shorten the distance between origin and destination, lowering overall transportation expenses.

      •  

        Time savings

        These corridors enable faster transit times by providing direct and optimized routes.

      •  

        Enhanced connectivity

        They improve trade links between countries and regions, boosting economic cooperation.

      Why Choose Torang Darya Shipping Company?

      Torang Darya is the top Iranian company specializing in international transit cargo shipments via the North-South, East-West, and other major transit corridors, offering:

      • Skilled and experienced management team in international transit cargo corridors

      • Expert specialists dedicated to corridor transit operations

      • Commitment and accountability in service delivery

      • Extensive global network covering all major countries and container ports

      • Specialized transport equipment, including various container types, bulk carriers (liquid and dry), and RO-RO vessels

      • Trusted offices and representatives throughout Iran

      • Quick and responsive customer service for inquiries and needs

      • Professional consultation on international transit cargo corridor operations worldwide

      • A CRM unit dedicated to identifying and resolving potential issues

      • Strong customer engagement and support throughout the transit process

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        What Methods Are Used for Cargo Transportation in Transit Cargo Corridors?

        In transit cargo corridors, various transportation methods can be utilized to move shipments efficiently with the shortest possible time and lowest cost. These methods include road transport, rail transport, and maritime shipping.

        What Is the Purpose of Transit Cargo Exchange Corridors?

        Transit cargo exchange corridors are established to facilitate the transfer of passengers and goods across neighboring border countries. They play a key role in regional cooperation and cross-border trade.

        How Many Corridors Does the AH (Asian Highway) Transit Cargo Corridor Include?

        The AH transit cargo corridor comprises three main corridors: South, North, and Central routes, providing extensive coverage across Asia.

        What Are the Main Routes and Directions in International Transit Cargo Corridors?

        The primary routes and directions for international transit cargo corridors include:

        • East-West corridors and their reverse routes
        • North-South corridors and their reverse routes
        • Intermediate routes between transverse (latitudinal) and longitudinal corridors

        These diverse pathways facilitate efficient and flexible transit cargo transport across regions.

         

        Contact Us

        Dear traders and businessmen, for a full range of services and expert consultation on international transit cargo transportation using major global corridors, please contact our experienced team at Torang Darya Shipping Company.

        021-42034000

        Conclusion

        Transit cargo corridors or international transit routes are dedicated pathways designed for the passage of ships, trains, and trucks. The establishment of transit corridors increases the speed of cargo transportation and reduces costs in international trade.

         

        Given Iran’s strategic geographic location, the country serves as a key hub for transit cargo corridors. Iran connects the West and North to Europe and Russia, the North to the Caspian Sea littoral states, and the South to the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and East Asia, including China.

         

        Iran lies along five major transit cargo corridors:

        • North-South Transit Corridor
        • TRACECA Transit Corridor
        • East-West Transit Corridor (Silk Road)
        • South Asia Transit Corridor
        • Asian Highway (AH) Transit Corridor

         

        This prime positioning makes Iran a crucial gateway for international transit cargo and global trade.