Key facts:
- The new service connects Europe with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Egypt.
- Door-to-door transit takes between 15 and 25 days.
- Each truck can carry up to 23 tonnes of non-stackable palletised cargo.
- The service can also transport dangerous goods.
- KLN manages the entire transport process under a single contract, including customs clearance, permits and border-crossing coordination.
The new service is designed to offer an alternative to sea freight and air cargo. Road transport is slower than air freight, but is expected to be more cost-competitive while offering shorter transit times than some sea-based solutions. KLN says the launch comes as air cargo capacity to the Middle East has not yet fully recovered to previous levels following the outbreak of conflict in the region.
A 10,500-km corridor serving several Middle Eastern markets
KLN’s new road corridor links collection points in Europe with consignees in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Egypt.
According to the operator, door-to-door transit takes between 15 and 25 days, depending on the origin and destination markets.
KLN manages the entire transport chain under a single contract, from collection in Europe to delivery in the Middle East. The service includes customs formalities, permits, border-crossing coordination and, where required, transit under customs escort.
Up to 23 tonnes per truck, including dangerous goods
The service is available for non-stackable palletised cargo weighing up to 23 tonnes per truck. Dangerous goods can also be transported.
Transporting such shipments across several countries requires careful management of administrative procedures. KLN highlights the need for complete documentation, the relevant permits, customs compliance and adherence to local regulations in each market.
Before transport can begin, the complete set of original shipping documents must be available at the place of origin. Cargo insurance remains the sender’s responsibility.
Road freight positioned between air and sea
KLN presents the new connection as an option for companies seeking to maintain cargo flows to Gulf Cooperation Council states and neighbouring Middle Eastern markets despite ongoing access challenges in the region.
Martin Stoekenbroek, managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at KLN, says the route gives customers an additional option alongside sea and air freight while direct access to the region remains difficult.
The operator also points to the opportunity to reduce reliance on a single mode of transport, particularly for shipments requiring a more predictable land-based solution.
Darren Baker, KLN’s operations director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, highlights the complexity of moving dangerous goods across multiple borders. Such shipments require coordinated management of documentation, permits, customs procedures and local regulations.
Shippers seek alternatives as air capacity remains constrained
According to KLN, the new service comes as air cargo capacity to the Middle East has not yet fully recovered following the outbreak of conflict in the region.
The road corridor cannot match air freight on speed, but it may appeal to shippers who do not need delivery within a few days. For these customers, cost, continuity and the ability to manage the entire route under one contract may be more important.
KLN operates as a global 3PL logistics provider, with a presence in 58 countries and territories. Its services include integrated logistics, international freight forwarding, e-commerce and industrial project logistics.
