Kerry Logistics Network Limited has launched cross-border rail and trucking services from China through Kazakhstan to Caucasus and Turkey.

According to Kerry, the new services leverage the company’s existing presence in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in Caucasus. They will start from Lianyungang in China and go westbound by rail across Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea to multiple destinations in Turkey through the new Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Transit time will be 18-20 days.

To offer greater flexibility, both block-train and single-wagon services are being offered. Products expected to be transported along the route mainly include electronic parts, electrical appliances, minerals, auto parts and other industrial goods.

“We are excited about the launch of this new cross-border service,” said Edwardo Erni, managing director of China and North Asia at Kerry Logistics. “With our rail freight and trucking capabilities extending their reach to the strategic locations of Turkey and Caucasus, we will be able to grasp the immense market opportunities presented by the Belt and Road initiative with our enhanced position in the region.”

Trucking services along the same trade route from China to Caucasus and Turkey have also been launched, with an addition of 50 trucks to Kerry’s existing fleet. This alternative solution will offer a shorter transit time of around 12-14 days.

Kerry Logistics completed the first westbound rail freight charter from Yiwu in eastern China to Madrid in August 2016. The first eastbound freight train from London to Yiwu was operated in April 2017.