DHL Global Forwarding has introduced TRUCKAIR, a new multimodal service designed to enhance logistics between China and Europe. This service, launched on 22 January 2026, combines road and air freight to provide a cost-efficient solution for large-volume shipments, addressing the increasing demand for flexible logistics amidst changing global trade dynamics.
TRUCKAIR begins with inland pickup in China, where goods are transported by lorry to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. From there, they are flown to Istanbul and subsequently distributed across Europe. This approach allows customers to save significantly—reportedly six-digit figures—compared to traditional air freight. The transit time from China to Türkiye is approximately 9 to 11 days, only slightly longer than the 4 to 7 days typical for air freight alone.
The service is particularly timely as demand for agile logistics solutions rises, with tight capacity and rate increases anticipated around the Chinese New Year. Aditi Rasquinha, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Greater China, noted that TRUCKAIR was developed to meet the growing need for flexibility and predictability in cross-border shipments, enabling businesses to manage costs without sacrificing speed.
Designed for high-volume general cargo, TRUCKAIR offers a viable alternative to air freight, maintaining delivery timelines suitable for industries like retail. Customers can also integrate TRUCKAIR with DHL's broader services for customised supply chain solutions.
DHL's strategic design of TRUCKAIR underscores China's role as a global trade hub, leveraging its logistics infrastructure and technology adoption to maintain strong international market connectivity. This service helps businesses navigate supply chain challenges and serves as a gateway for Asia-Pacific markets to access Europe efficiently.
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