Potential – the Convoy from Beijing to Brussels

One of the most exotic experiences that we have had during the course of our business activity, which is also a testimony of recognition and trust placed in our fleet and drivers, was the invitation of IRU and the Association of International Road Carriers to represent Poland in the Beijing to Brussels convoy in autumn 2005.

At the end of the 3rd IRU European and Asian Conference, held in Beijing between 26th and 17th September, a convoy took on a route of 12 thousand kilometres to Europe. The goal of this convoy was to promote land route from China to Europe, the oldest transcontinental trade route – i.e. the so called Silk Trail, thus showing that road transport can be a profitable and time effective alternative for transporting of Asian made goods to markets in Europe and CIS, as well as even further, to the coast of North America.

Participants of the convoy included carriers from Kazakhstan, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, represented by Mercedes Actros 1844 of DIREX’s fleet. The convoy being an effect of cooperation between numerous IRU member associations, which was under preparation for several years, was very positively received by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the UNESCAP and the American Chamber of Commerce. The success of this convoy showed that road transport will constitute an important cooperation and trade development factor in this part of the world, as it is significantly quicker than sea transport and more cost effective that air transport on long distances.

However extreme road conditions and various formal and organisational requirements accompanying such projects make any transport to far east a real challenge that only the best, most experienced and best equipped will cope with. Thanks to the experience gained in this convoy, DIREX’s mechanics developed innovative technical solutions, thanks to which we are able to run regularly and all year round on these routes, while the several years of our presence on Asian routes of Russia and Kazakhstan guarantees that our fleet and drivers will always arrive safely at required designations.