Road freight beyond borders
International road freight
Reliable routes, beyond borders
A solution shaped around your cargo
Mehr Tarabar carries road freight to and from Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Central Asia, Pakistan, Russia and Europe. In international freight, the right trailer, complete paperwork and knowing your exit border decide how quickly and smoothly your cargo arrives. This guide walks you through all of it.
The Mehr Tarabar international fleet: which semi-trailer for your cargo?
International road freight is carried by semi-trailer, which offers the largest payload (about 22–25 t) and the lowest cost per tonne on long routes. The main choice is the body type:
| Body type | Best for | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Curtain-side semi-trailer | General cargo, cartons and pallets, packed materials, factory goods | Easy side loading by forklift, and the curtain protects cargo from rain and dust; the most common choice on international routes. |
| Refrigerated semi-trailer | Food, fruit and produce, dairy, meat, medicine and any temperature-sensitive goods | The temperature range must be set before loading; waiting time at the border matters more for these loads. |
| Tanker semi-trailer | Liquids such as fuel, oils and permitted chemicals | The tank must be compatible with the liquid; dangerous goods need special permits and safety requirements. |
Common land borders and approximate transit times
| Destination | Usual exit border | Approx. time from Tehran |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Bazargan | 5–7 days to Istanbul |
| Iraq | Mehran, Parviz Khan, Bashmaq | 2–5 days |
| Afghanistan | Dogharoun, Milak | 2–6 days |
| Armenia | Nurduz | 3–4 days |
| Azerbaijan | Astara, Bileh Savar | 3–5 days |
| Turkmenistan & Central Asia | Sarakhs, Lotfabad, Bajgiran | 3–12 days depending on destination |
| Pakistan | Mirjaveh | 4–8 days |
The best border depends on the origin, destination city, type of goods and current border conditions. Times are initial estimates; customs inspections, public holidays in either country and border congestion can change them.
Documents for international road freight
- International road consignment note (CMR): the core contract of carriage, recording the sender, consignee, carrier and description of goods (type, weight, number of packages), issued by the transport company.
- Commercial invoice and packing list: show the value, quantity and packing of the goods; customs clears the cargo based on them.
- Certificate of origin: required by many countries and for preferential tariffs.
- TIR Carnet (where available): an international customs transit procedure that lets sealed cargo cross several countries without being opened at each border; availability depends on the route and transit countries.
- Product-specific permits: such as health and phytosanitary certificates for food and agricultural products, or permits for dangerous goods.
Working with Mehr Tarabar, from quote to delivery
- Quote and planning: you share the cargo details, destination and ready date; we propose the route, border and trailer type.
- Paperwork: Mehr Tarabar specialists review and complete the documents needed for the destination country with you before departure.
- Loading and sealing: cargo is loaded with suitable packing and customs-sealed where required.
- Border crossing and transit: exit and entry customs formalities are handled and you are kept updated.
- Delivery: the cargo is handed to the consignee and final delivery is confirmed.
Tips for a smooth shipment
- The invoice, packing list and consignment note must match each other and the actual cargo exactly; the smallest mismatch can stop clearance at the border.
- Pack for a long journey with several handlings; palletising and strapping keep damage to a minimum.
- Before shipping, check the destination country’s rules for your product: restrictions, standards and labelling.
- Cargo insurance matters even more on international routes; choose cover in line with the value of your goods.
Times and borders are approximate and depend on current border conditions, the customs rules of each country on the route and the type of goods. For accurate planning, enter your cargo details in the quote form and the Mehr Tarabar team will propose the best route and border.
The Mehr Tarabar team is with you from paperwork to border crossing and delivery in the destination country. Request a quote for your international route today.
- Coordination from origin to destination
- Shipment status updates
- Insurance and document review
- A vehicle matched to your cargo