Germany to Tbilisi via the Middle Corridor
The heavy haulage transport from Germany to Tbilisi runs via the Middle Corridor: through Austria, the Balkans and Turkey, then across the border at Sarp or Türkgözü into Georgia and onward to the capital, Tbilisi. The distance is around 3,900 km. At the same time, Georgia is a hub for onward lanes to Azerbaijan and – via the Caspian ferry – to Central Asia.
Permit chain Balkans–Turkey–Georgia
The German section is applied for as an abnormal load via VEMAGS under StVO §29. The national special permits of the Balkan states, Turkey and Georgia then follow. The approach through Eastern Anatolia is mountainous; gradients, tight curve radii and clearance heights at tunnels and bridges must be surveyed in advance. We check the route for load capacity and clearance before the equipment plan is fixed.
Customs clearance: T1 and TIR
Since several non-EU countries are crossed, the consignment moves under a transit procedure – as T1 from the EU external border and/or under a TIR carnet. TIR reduces checks at the intermediate borders; import clearance takes place in Georgia. We align the documents with the border posts in advance so that no standing times arise at Kapıkule and Sarp.
Equipment selection and load securing
For the mountainous sections, steered axle lines and sufficient ground clearance are important. Heavy single pieces are loaded onto low-bed or modular axle trailers and secured by positive and frictional locking in line with recognised engineering standards – lashed, chocked and propped against tipping. In case of excess width or height, we escort the transport with escort vehicles up to BF3/BF4 escort.
Georgia as a corridor hub
Tbilisi is the logistics node of the South Caucasus: from here, lanes branch off to Baku (Azerbaijan), Yerevan (Armenia) and onward towards the Caspian Sea. This connectivity makes Georgia a cornerstone of our international heavy haulage transports. Country details can be found on the page on heavy haulage to Georgia.
Feasibility study and axle load concept
Every Tbilisi lane starts with a technical assessment: the weight, length, width, height and centre of gravity of the cargo determine the axle load distribution and the vehicle type. For the mountainous approach through Eastern Anatolia, gradeability, curve radii and ground clearance are evaluated with particular care. The route is driven virtually in order to identify critical bridges, tunnels and town passages at an early stage.
Time windows and border coordination
The lead time to Tbilisi depends largely on the driving time requirements of the transit countries and the opening hours of the Kapıkule and Sarp borders. We interlock night driving bans, weekend restrictions and border service hours so that the transport does not wait at closed crossings. With a four-part permit chain, this fine planning is decisive for a smooth operation.
Oversize Transports as an independent project partner
Oversize Transports is the brand of HSNK s.r.o., based in Prague, and acts as an independent heavy haulage forwarder. For Georgia lanes we bundle feasibility, routing, permits, escorting and customs in one hand. Enquire about your project by phone or via the enquiry form – we check feasibility and align the permit chain along the Middle Corridor.
Surveying, escort concept and status tracking
Before departure, the cargo is measured precisely and documented photographically; the real external dimensions feed into every national permit. For the mountainous approach we define a graduated escort concept – from private escort vehicles through to an official escort where required. Along the entire route we track the status and stay in contact with the driver and the border posts so that deviations are detected early and time windows readjusted.
Insurance and risk management
Heavy cargo across the Caucasus corridor calls for suitable transport insurance and clear risk management. We align cover, value declarations and the average concept with each individual project, so that in the event of damage, responsibilities and handling are unambiguously defined.
Typical cargo types on this lane
To Tbilisi, the Middle Corridor frequently carries construction machinery, transformers, boilers, vessels and plant modules. Such goods often bring excess width, excess height or point loads, which shape the equipment selection for the mountainous approach. We match trailer, axle lines and securing equipment exactly to the piece and document dimensions and condition before departure, so that the permit data remain consistent across all transit countries.
Whether a single oversize machine or a complete plant delivery: we calculate every Caucasus lane individually and accompany it from the first feasibility study through to unloading in Tbilisi – as part of our international heavy haulage transports via the Middle Corridor.