Today, international transportation and transportation are considered one of the key industries in the world of trade. From small cargoes to large multinational holdings, everyone is aware of and masters the sensitivity and accuracy in this work. In general, international transportation in commercial exchanges is considered one of the most important and main factors of trade, especially if the transportation and movement is intercountry or even intercontinental, which is referred to as international transportation. The history of this industry can be attributed to early civilizations, when merchants accompanied caravans to deliver their goods to other places. Since then, many developments have occurred in international trade and transportation of goods, and this work has been carried out by trailers, trucks, ships, airplanes and trains, depending on the type of goods, and has its own legal procedures and expertise.
Types of methods for international cargo transportation
International land cargo transportation International rail transportation means that it is carried out through special freight trains or by road using light and heavy freight cars. This method of cargo transportation may be used more in domestic correspondence of countries, but it is also very common between neighboring and close countries. Land transportation is the cheapest and most economical method of transporting international cargo and commercial and even personal goods.
International air cargo transportation Using cargo planes, many exchanges of goods and cargo between countries can be carried out. This model of international cargo transportation is the fastest method and of course the most expensive. This method is more suitable for valuable goods, medicine, livestock and food, which delivers the shipment to its destination faster.
International sea cargo transportation Cargo ships are definitely the only means for international exchanges of commercial goods between countries. Countries that have active commercial ports are equipped with large international transportation systems for the import and export of goods and have the necessary arrangements for large movements at their seaports. This method of international cargo transportation is not as fast as air transportation, but with the emergence of free commercial ports, it has become very popular in recent years.
In (1948 AD), a treaty was signed to form international transport unions, and on that basis, this union was established in Geneva by the United Nations Economic and Social Council to collect international transport rules and establish comprehensive rules so that the countries of the world that have become allies in the transport industry can transport goods smoothly in a simple common language. For this purpose, considering the shortcomings that had arisen in the regulations, conventions governing international road transport were created. For example, as we know, a product may pass through one or more countries to reach the destination country. Considering the passage of goods through multiple customs offices, in order to ensure the safety of the goods, the customs officers had to unload and inspect the truck carrying the goods inside the customs offices. This method caused delays in the arrival of goods at the final unloading point and excessive time wastage at the customs offices of the countries of entry and exit, so in 1959, regulations were created to streamline customs relations and procedures for trucks carrying goods so that trucks carrying international shipments could easily pass through the border customs offices of the transit countries. According to these regulations, international transport companies guarantee the customs duties and taxes of the trucks by obtaining a TIR carnet for each trip. This guarantee is provided by the international transport companies to the Chamber of Commerce of the country of origin. By providing the TIR carnet, the Chamber of Commerce guarantees the transit of the relevant truck to the customs office of destination and is one of the organizations affiliated with IRU (International Road Transport Union) and is the guarantor institution of the United Nations. The Chamber of Commerce of the countries issuing TIR carnets are recognized as members of the organization. The TIR carnet booklet complies with the standards set out in the TIR Convention. Each transportation booklet has 8 to 14 pages, and trucks that travel according to the regulations of the TIR Carnet and the transportation of goods, after loading at the customs office of origin, seal the truck door with a seal that is stamped with the relevant specifications in the TIR Carnet. When the truck reaches the customs office of the country of origin, provided that the seal is intact, the truck receives permission to leave after completing customs formalities, and the truck carrying the cargo is directed to the customs office of destination.
One of the most important and main methods of maritime transport is cargo transportation, which involves the movement of goods and people by various types of ships, vessels, barges, boats, landigraphs, feeders through oceans, seas, rivers and international waterways. However, considering the long route and the time-consuming nature of traffic by ships, passenger transportation by ship is generally less common, while the largest volume of goods is transported by sea. According to surveys, more than 70 percent of goods are transported by ship.
Considering the characteristics of maritime transport, the infrastructure related to this transport has recently been widely developed, and most countries have created facilities by developing infrastructure such as ports and docks, loading and unloading equipment, and the presence of institutions such as customs and groups dealing with the import and export of goods in ports so that maritime operations can proceed more quickly, accurately and reliably and make the best use of this method of transport.
Rail transport has a long history among the methods of transport, having started its work in the 1800s by the railway lines of England and has continued until now that modern and high-quality trains have found a special place in transportation. Changes in this type of transport began in 1774 after the discovery of the steam engine, which was patented in 1800 and a number of inventors worked to improve the quality of the design. It goes without saying that before that, there were wagons that were pulled by horses on wooden rails. In the 19th century, engineers made one of the most important events in history by building the first steam engines. This movement began the construction of freight trains and then passenger trains. The beginning of this type of transport began in Europe and its development continued in other parts of the world.
Types of wagons that can be used in rail transport:
Long-edge freight trains
Short-edge
Roofed wagons
Bulk wagons
Flat wagons
Logistics Cooperation between Iran and Russia and CIS Countries Given the development of international relations and developments in global logistics, cooperation between countries in the field of logistics services is considered a key tool for accelerating economic growth and trade exchanges. Iran, as one of the countries in the region, with its convenient geographical location, access to international markets and potential logistics capabilities, can be considered as a logistics hub in the region. On the other hand, Russian countries and CIS members also have diverse logistics capacities and needs, and cooperation with Iran can help improve and develop this field in this region.
Benefits of cooperation:
1. Trade facilitation: Logistics cooperation between Iran and Russia and CIS countries can help facilitate trade and the smooth movement of goods to and from this region. The use of joint logistics infrastructure and an optimized transportation system reduces costs and promotes trade.
2. Development of transport infrastructure: Cooperation in the field of development of transport infrastructure, including roads, ports, and railway stations, helps to strengthen the regional logistics network and increases the efficiency of transport.
3. Technology exchange: Logistics cooperation is a good opportunity to exchange technology and technical knowledge. Iran and CIS countries can benefit from each other's experiences in various fields of logistics.
4. Strengthening logistics security: Strengthening security in the transportation of goods is another benefit of logistics cooperation. This can help increase confidence and trust in international trade in the region.
Challenges and solutions:
1. Harmonization of standards and laws: Harmonization of logistics standards and laws between these countries is a possible challenge. Creating a common framework and necessary agreements can solve this issue.
2. Infrastructure deficiencies: Deficiencies in transport infrastructure may hinder effective cooperation. Developing and improving the necessary infrastructure through joint investments can solve this problem.
3. Risk and security management: Risk and security management is necessary on transport routes. Establishing common information systems and cooperation on security may reduce security issues.