As recently as a few months ago, transporting goods from Romania to Jordan took eight weeks. Now it takes just five days.
Romanian logistics operator Simon Trucks has successfully completed a landmark transport movement from Romania to Jordan, entirely by road, using the TIR system.
By transiting through Iraq, the truck reached its destination in just five days. Traditional multimodal routes take eight weeks.
The TIR truck departed from Romania, transiting Bulgaria, Türkiye and Iraq, before reaching Jordan.
Simon Trucks owner Simon Abo Leil said, “The successful arrival of the truck from Romania to Jordan via Iraq represents a major shift in cross-border international trade and an exceptional opportunity for bilateral trade between Europe and the Middle East.
“For land transport operators like us, reducing transit time from eight weeks to five days is essential to ensure fast and safe delivery of goods to importers' warehouses.
“We are very pleased with the opportunities presented by the TIR system and look forward to expanding our operations along this route.”
IRU Senior Adviser for the Middle East and North Africa Rami Karout said, “The seamless efficiency of this operation was made possible by the harmonised recognition of the TIR system across international borders, now including Iraq.
“This new overland route is transforming trade between Europe and the Middle East, offering a faster, more reliable connection that ensures seamless border crossings and robust cargo security.”
The global TIR transit system became officially operational in Iraq on 1 April 2025.
This operation is yet another example of TIR’s efficiency via Iraq and its tangible impact on international trade and transport.
What is TIR?
The United Nations-backed TIR system, managed by IRU, enables goods to be shipped from a country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments that are controlled by customs under a multilateral, mutually recognised system.
It is the easiest, safest and most reliable way to move goods across international borders, saving time and money for transport operators and customs authorities.