By Vijay Ajerla, Managing Director of Middle East of Hendrick Middle East Logistics LLC.
For more than three decades, the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) had not issued a TIR Carnet for a direct road freight movement from Ireland to the United Arab Emirates.
Hendrick Logistics has now changed that with a temperature-controlled shipment from Ireland to Dubai, completed under a single TIR Carnet and covering more than 8,000 kilometres across Europe and the Middle East.
According to the IRHA, it is the first movement of its kind in over 30 years, marking an incredible achievement for Ireland to UAE road freight.
An 8,000 Kilometre Journey Across Europe and the Middle East
The route stretched from Ireland through the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and finally the United Arab Emirates.
Unlike many international shipments that involve multiple transfers between vehicles or transport modes, the cargo remained on the same truck throughout the journey under the TIR system. Maintaining a single vehicle from origin to destination reduced cargo handling while preserving continuous temperature control across every stage of the movement.
The operation also highlighted another option for businesses moving temperature-controlled cargo between Europe and the GCC, particularly where maintaining cargo integrity throughout transit is a priority.
Managing Customs and Border Crossings
The route itself was only one part of the operation.
Each international border introduced another customs authority, another transit procedure, and another documentation process. Although the shipment travelled under TIR transit, clearance times varied from country to country.
Documentation progressed efficiently across much of Europe before becoming more time-consuming in Türkiye and across parts of the GCC. Working through each stage required close coordination to keep the shipment moving while complying with the requirements of every jurisdiction along the route.
One of the most significant delays occurred at the Saudi Arabian border. Although the driver had already been issued a standard tourist visa, local authorities required a dedicated transit visa before allowing the truck to continue. Obtaining the additional documentation delayed the journey by two days before clearance was granted.
Drawing on the experience from this movement, Hendrick Logistics believes dedicated priority lanes for TIR transit shipments would improve border efficiency and reduce clearance times for future international road freight operations.
Maintaining Temperature Control from Ireland to Dubai
Maintaining the cold chain remained a constant focus from departure in Ireland through to arrival in Dubai.
Using a single truck throughout the journey eliminated the need for transshipment while reducing the number of handling points across the route. Live GPS tracking also provided continuous shipment visibility, allowing progress to be monitored as the truck crossed multiple international borders.
For long-distance temperature-controlled road freight, reducing cargo handling is an important part of protecting shipment quality while maintaining consistent transport conditions over thousands of kilometres.
Expanding the Possibilities for Ireland to UAE Road Freight
International road freight continues to evolve as businesses look for transport solutions that provide greater flexibility alongside air and ocean freight.
Completing a direct Ireland to UAE movement under a single TIR Carnet demonstrates what can be achieved through careful planning, cross-border coordination, and established transit procedures.
As more businesses consider long-distance road freight across Europe and the GCC, projects like this help show that even the most ambitious routes can become practical with the right planning and operational expertise.
Article by Vijay Ajerla
Hendrick Middle East Logistics LLC, a member of Bloc Logistics Network
is an international freight forwarding company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with operations across Europe, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Asia. It provides air, sea, road freight, customs clearance, warehousing, and specialized cargo solutions supported by experienced teams and strategic depots. Hendrick serves global trade routes with reliable logistics execution.
Bloc Logistics Network is a global platform that connects logistics professionals to share opportunities and collaborate without barriers. Bloc aims to level the playing field by creating an accessible, supportive environment where professionalism and collaboration drive real results. It serves as an ecosystem designed for mutual advancement, ensuring growth, efficiency, and success across the logistics industry.
