Royan Logistic, a Tehran-based freight forwarder, plans international road freight with full truckload (FTL) and groupage (LTL) options to Turkey and Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Whether the cargo is loaded in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, Mashhad or near Bandar Abbas, we start every shipment by understanding the goods and the delivery expectation, then choose the trailer, the border crossing and the document set to match.
What we handle on a road shipment
- Cargo review: weight, volume, pallet count, stackability, temperature sensitivity and dangerous goods status.
- Model and equipment: FTL or LTL; curtainsider, reefer, mega or lowbed trailer.
- Route planning: exit border, transit countries, ferry links and road conditions on the planned date.
- Loading coordination: loading time, ramp and load plan agreed with the shipper.
- Documents: invoice, packing list with HS codes, CMR, TIR carnet and product certificates kept together in one shipment folder.
- Tracking: milestones such as border exit, transit and estimated delivery shared through your tracking link.
FTL or LTL?
The first decision is whether the whole trailer is dedicated to you or your cargo travels with other shippers' goods.
| Criterion | Full truckload (FTL) | Groupage (LTL) |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer use | Dedicated to one shipper | Shared by several shippers |
| Typical cargo | Roughly 10–12 pallets and more, heavy or bulky goods | A few pallets or cartons |
| Loading date | Set around your schedule | Follows the groupage departure plan |
| Handling | Usually door to door in one truck | Consolidation and distribution hubs |
| Transit time | More predictable | Can take a few days longer |
| Pricing basis | Per truck | Loading metres, volume or weight share |
Where the break-even point sits depends on weight, stackability and destination; when it is not obvious we price both. The two models are explained in more detail in what is full truckload (FTL) and what is groupage (LTL).
Trailer types
The standard trailer on international routes is 13.6 m long and takes around 33 euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) in a single layer. Weight, height and temperature needs decide which trailer is required.
| Trailer | Key feature | Typical cargo from Iran |
|---|---|---|
| Curtainsider (tautliner) | 13.6 m internal length, about 2.45 m wide and around 2.7 m high; side, top and rear loading | Bagged polymers and petrochemicals, tiles and stone, packaged dried fruit and pistachios, carpets |
| Reefer | Insulated body with refrigeration unit holding a set temperature | Fresh fruit and vegetables, dates, dairy products, frozen food |
| Mega | Low chassis giving about 3 m internal height and more volume | Light, bulky goods: furniture, insulation, household appliances |
| Lowbed | Low platform keeping tall and heavy units within road height limits | Construction machinery, generators, transformers, out-of-gauge equipment |
Exact dimensions vary by manufacturer, so for critical loads we confirm the actual inside measurements before loading. Heavy and out-of-gauge cargo brings extra topics such as route permits and escorts; see project cargo and out-of-gauge transport.
Reefer transport: the cold chain
Iranian fresh produce, dates and dairy need the goods pre-cooled to the right temperature, a pre-cooled trailer and no mixing of products with different set points. We write the set temperature and any recording requirement into the shipment instructions, and on long lanes we plan loading time around border opening hours. More in our reefer transport guide.
Loading and load securing
- Pallets should be sound, stretch-wrapped and free of overhang.
- Heavy items go low and are placed to balance axle loads.
- Cargo is secured with straps, edge protectors, anti-slip mats or blocking.
- Non-stackable goods must be declared in advance, as they change the loading metres used.
- The loaded cargo and the sealed doors are photographed and added to the shipment folder.
Documents: CMR, TIR carnet and HS codes
The CMR consignment note is the basic transport document on international road shipments. Iran is a party to the TIR Convention, so on routes where TIR applies the cargo can cross transit countries under customs seal with a TIR carnet. A typical checklist:
- Commercial invoice and packing list, with HS codes, weights and package counts consistent across both
- CMR consignment note
- Export customs declaration in Iran
- TIR carnet or transit declaration, depending on the route
- Certificate of origin
- Phytosanitary, veterinary, health or conformity certificates where the product requires them
How the CMR is filled in and how the TIR carnet works is covered in CMR and the TIR carnet. Document, payment and customs requirements are reviewed per shipment against current rules in Iran and in the destination country.
Dangerous goods (ADR)
Paints, chemicals, some petrochemical products, aerosols and batteries may count as dangerous goods under ADR. For these loads the UN number and class, safety data sheet, packaging and labelling, an ADR-equipped vehicle and a trained driver are planned together. We check with you, using the safety data sheet, whether your cargo falls under ADR. See dangerous goods transport (ADR) for the general framework.
What drives the price
- Origin and destination, route and number of transit countries
- FTL or LTL; for LTL the loading metres, volume and weight used
- Trailer type: reefer, mega or lowbed equipment
- Backhaul availability and season
- Ferry, road toll and border costs
- Waiting time at loading, at the border and at unloading
We quote on the conditions valid for your shipment date.
Main road corridors from Iran
| Direction | Main border crossings | Approx. transit time |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey and Europe | Bazargan–Gürbulak, Razi–Kapıköy, Sero–Esendere | Tehran → Istanbul approx. 5–7 days; Europe depends on destination |
| Caucasus | Astara and Bileh Savar (Azerbaijan), Jolfa (Nakhchivan), Norduz–Agarak (Armenia) | Confirmed per quote |
| Central Asia | Sarakhs and Lotfabad (Turkmenistan) | Confirmed per quote |
| Iraq | Haji Omaran, Bashmaq, Parviz Khan, Mehran, Shalamcheh | Confirmed per quote |
| Afghanistan | Dogharoun (Islam Qala), Milak | Confirmed per quote |
| Pakistan | Mirjaveh–Taftan | Confirmed per quote |
Transit times are approximate and vary with the route, border congestion and season.
- Turkey: see Iran–Turkey road freight.
- Europe: Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Germany, Italy and more via Turkey transit. See road freight to Europe.
- Caucasus: Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. See Caucasus freight.
- Central Asia: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. See Central Asia freight.
- Iraq: the Kurdistan Region and central and southern Iraq. See Iraq freight.
Border and route conditions are confirmed at the planning stage for every shipment. When road alone is not the best fit, we compare it with sea freight and rail freight.
Why Royan Logistic
- Planning first: we discuss the cargo, the addresses and the delivery expectation before proposing a truck.
- Multimodal view: road, sea, rail and combined options assessed together.
- Tracking link: shipment stages, estimated delivery and shared documents such as the CMR and invoice in one place.
- One folder: CMR, invoice, packing list and loading photos of each shipment kept together.
- Five languages: Persian, English, Russian, Turkish and Chinese.
Request a quote
Send us the pickup and delivery addresses, cargo type, packaging, number of pieces or pallets, dimensions, total weight, target shipping date and any special handling needs. You receive a tracking code (for example RYN-…) when you submit the form, and our team follows up to agree the model and route.
Frequently asked questions
How many pallets fit in a standard truck?
A 13.6 m standard trailer takes around 33 euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) in one layer. With industrial pallets (120 × 100 cm) the number is lower. Weight limits are checked separately.
When should I choose FTL instead of LTL?
FTL usually makes sense once your cargo fills a large part of the trailer, is heavy or cannot share space, or when the delivery date is critical. For a few pallets, groupage is normally more economical. We can price both options for you.
How long does road freight from Iran to Turkey take?
As an approximate guide, a truck from Tehran to Istanbul usually takes about 5–7 days, depending on the border crossing, congestion and season. Every quote includes an estimated window for your shipment date.
Do you use the TIR carnet?
Iran is a party to the TIR Convention. On routes where TIR applies, we plan the shipment with a TIR carnet so the cargo can cross transit countries under customs seal; otherwise a transit declaration is used.
Do you carry temperature-controlled cargo?
Yes, we plan reefer transport for fresh fruit and vegetables, dates, dairy, frozen food and other temperature-sensitive goods. The set temperature and any recording requirement are written into the shipment instructions.
Does CMR insurance cover the full value of my goods?
CMR insurance covers the carrier's liability within the limits of the CMR Convention, which may be below the actual cargo value. Separate cargo insurance is worth considering for full-value cover.
