DHL launches new multimodal route to move heavy cargo between Asia and EU

DHL Global Forwarding has launched TRUCKAIR, a new multimodal service aimed at providing a cost-efficient and reliable option for moving large-volume and bulky cargo between China and Europe.

The TRUCKAIR service combines road and air transport to balance speed and cost. Shipments are collected inland in China and moved by truck to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, before being flown to Istanbul and then transported onwards to other European destinations using various modes. DHL said the total transit time from China to Türkiye is around nine to 11 days, compared with four to seven days using only air freight.

According to DHL, customers using the tailor-made TRUCKAIR solution have reported savings reaching six-digit figures over two months when compared with traditional air freight. The service is designed to offer more predictable lead times while reducing exposure to short-term market volatility.

Aditi Rasquinha, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Greater China, said demand for flexible and cost-efficient logistics solutions is increasing, supported by continued growth in China–Europe and wider Asia–Europe trade. She added that DHL’s latest market update shows tight capacity and rising rates ahead of the Chinese New Year, with a demand peak expected in early February 2026.

Rasquinha also noted that China’s total imports and exports of goods rose 3.6% in the first eleven months of 2025, while trade between China and the European Union increased 5.4% year on year to RMB 5.37 trillion, making the EU China’s second-largest trading partner in 2025.

Designed for high-volume general cargo, TRUCKAIR is positioned as an alternative to conventional air freight for retail and other time-sensitive industries. DHL said customers can also combine the service with its wider forwarding portfolio to create customised, end-to-end supply chain solutions.

Rasquinha said the route reflects China’s role as a global trade hub, supported by its extensive logistics network, infrastructure and adoption of smart technologies. She added that TRUCKAIR is intended to help businesses manage supply chain challenges and improve connectivity between Asia-Pacific markets and Europe.