The Caucasus is one of Iran's closest export markets. Iran shares land borders with Azerbaijan, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Armenia, and Georgia is reached through Armenia or Azerbaijan. Loads for Baku and Ganja, deliveries to Nakhchivan, trucks running directly to Yerevan and transit trips on to Tbilisi, Batumi or Poti are all parts of one regional network. We therefore plan Caucasus freight as a connected set of routes rather than country by country.
What we do on Caucasus shipments
- Match destination and route: for Baku, Lankaran, Ganja, Nakhchivan, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi or Poti, we decide which crossing and which transit countries to use.
- Choose the model: full truck, groupage, or an intermodal plan with a rail leg.
- Check dimensions and roads: for high or near-limit loads we review mountain roads, bridges and underpasses on the route in advance.
- Share progress: loading, exit from Iran, transit crossings and delivery dates, plus CMR and invoices, in one tracking link.
Border crossings and routes
| Crossing | Other side | Direction and use |
|---|---|---|
| Astara (Gilan) | Astara, Azerbaijan | Lankaran, Baku and northern Azerbaijan; start of the INSTC road route towards Russia. |
| Bileh Savar (Ardabil) | Bilasuvar, Azerbaijan | Central Azerbaijan, Ganja and Baku; an alternative to Astara. |
| Jolfa (East Azerbaijan) | Julfa, Nakhchivan | Direct delivery to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. |
| Norduz (East Azerbaijan) | Agarak (Meghri), Armenia | Yerevan and all of Armenia; onward link to Georgia. |
| Bagratashen–Sadakhlo | Armenia–Georgia | Yerevan to Tbilisi; for cargo reaching Georgia through Armenia. |
| Red Bridge | Azerbaijan–Georgia | Baku and Ganja to Tbilisi; for cargo reaching Georgia through Azerbaijan. |
Crossing and route are confirmed during planning based on border and weather conditions on the shipment date.
Freight to Azerbaijan
Cargo for Lankaran, Baku and northern Azerbaijan usually leaves Iran at Astara and follows the Caspian coast; Bileh Savar in Ardabil province is a practical alternative for central Azerbaijan, Ganja and Baku when Astara is congested. Trucks travel with CMR and, for onward transit, a TIR carnet. Astara is also where the INSTC road and rail routes towards Russia begin; for that lane see our Russia freight page.
Freight to Nakhchivan
The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is served directly through the Jolfa crossing on the Aras river. The short distance from northwest Iran makes it a quick lane for building materials, food and consumer goods.
Freight to Armenia
Iran and Armenia share a direct border at Norduz–Agarak, near Meghri. From there trucks follow the mountain road through Syunik province to Yerevan and the rest of the country. The road is steep and the Meghri pass can slow down or close briefly in winter, so we plan buffers in the cold season. Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and clearance follows its rules; requirements are confirmed against current regulations.
Freight to Georgia
Georgia has no border with Iran, so loads reach it in transit: via Armenia through the Bagratashen–Sadakhlo crossing, or via Azerbaijan through Red Bridge. We pick the line based on the destination (Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi or Poti), the season and border conditions. Some bridges and underpasses have height restrictions, so we check routes for high vehicles beforehand. The Black Sea ports of Poti and Batumi can also serve as a sea link for onward shipments.
Onward to Russia
Cargo for Russia crosses the Caucasus either via Azerbaijan to the Samur crossing into Dagestan or via Armenia and Georgia to Upper Lars. Upper Lars is known for congestion and winter closures, so in winter we usually prefer the Azerbaijan route. Details are on our Russia freight page.
Process
- Request: you send cargo details via the quote form or WhatsApp and receive a tracking code.
- Planning: destination, crossing, transit countries and model are fixed.
- Document check: invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, TIR carnet and CMR are checked before loading.
- Loading and border: loading photos and documents go into the shipment folder; crossings are updated in the tracking link.
- Delivery: door delivery closes the shipment.
Document checklist
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Certificate of origin in the form required by the destination country
- Export declaration
- CMR consignment note
- TIR carnet for transit crossings
- Product-specific conformity, health or ADR documents
Requirements are confirmed against the destination country's current regulations. See also CMR and TIR carnet.
Planning points
- Winter conditions: the Meghri pass in Armenia and Upper Lars can close temporarily; we give wider time ranges in winter.
- Transit countries: for Georgia, Armenia or Azerbaijan is the transit country; a correct transit declaration and TIR carnet directly affect border waiting.
- Driver and vehicle requirements: entry rules and vehicle permits differ by country; we settle them before the loading date.
- Delivery terms: stating Incoterms such as DAP or EXW clearly in the sales contract decides who pays destination customs costs.
Which cargo and for whom?
We plan for Iranian producers and exporters supplying distributors in Baku, Yerevan and Tbilisi: building materials such as cement, tiles and stone, fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, polymers and packaged food. For temperature-sensitive cargo we plan vehicle and temperature separately (refrigerated transport). For small volumes see how groupage works.
Why Royan Logistic
- Planning-led work that considers the Caucasus together with Russia and Central Asia.
- Road and rail combined in one plan where it helps.
- Communication in Persian, English, Russian, Turkish and Chinese, including WhatsApp.
- A tracking link per shipment and all documents kept in one file.
For a quote, send addresses, cargo type, packing, pallet count, dimensions, weight and target date. More on our international road freight service.
Frequently asked questions
Which crossings are used for freight from Iran to Azerbaijan?
The main crossing is Astara in Gilan; Bileh Savar in Ardabil is an alternative for central Azerbaijan, Ganja and Baku. Nakhchivan is served directly via Jolfa. The crossing is confirmed during planning.
Can you ship directly to Armenia?
Yes. Iran and Armenia share a direct border at Norduz–Agarak near Meghri, and trucks continue through Syunik province to Yerevan. In winter we add a buffer for the mountain pass.
How does freight from Iran reach Georgia?
In transit, either via Armenia through the Bagratashen–Sadakhlo crossing or via Azerbaijan through Red Bridge. We choose the line based on destination, season and border conditions.
How long does freight from Iran to Baku or Yerevan take?
As a rough guide, Tehran–Baku takes about 2–4 days and Tehran–Yerevan about 3–5 days, depending on border congestion, season and where clearance takes place. We give an approximate range for your specific load and date.
Can cargo continue to Russia through the Caucasus?
Yes, via Azerbaijan to Samur and Dagestan, or via Armenia and Georgia to Upper Lars. In winter we usually prefer the Azerbaijan route because Upper Lars can close temporarily.
