China → Georgia by truck: what to know

Truck freight from China to Tbilisi follows the Middle Corridor, passing through Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea, and through Azerbaijan before entering Georgia. The route covers approximately 6,000 km overland plus the Caspian ferry crossing. Transit time is typically 20–28 days from eastern China to Tbilisi. Georgia serves as both a final destination and a regional distribution hub — many shipments arriving in Tbilisi are subsequently distributed to Armenia, or continue to Turkey. Georgia's free trade agreements with China, CIS countries, and the EU make it an attractive logistics base for the entire South Caucasus region.

The route passes through four key checkpoints: (1) Khorgos (China–Kazakhstan border) — the primary entry into Central Asia, expect 1–3 days. (2) Aktau port — Caspian ferry departure, allow 1–5 days for ferry availability. (3) Alat port — Caspian ferry arrival in Azerbaijan, customs processing takes 4–8 hours. (4) Red Bridge / Tsiteli Khidi (Azerbaijan–Georgia border) — efficient crossing, typically 2–4 hours for customs. Georgian import procedures at the border are streamlined and digitized, making this one of the fastest border crossings in the region. From the Red Bridge, Tbilisi is just 30 km away.

Georgia has one of the most business-friendly customs regimes in the region. Required documents for import: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, CMR waybill, Certificate of Origin (recommended for preferential tariffs under China–Georgia FTA), and a Customs Declaration filed through Georgia's electronic system. Georgia applies a flat 12% import VAT on most goods and 0–12% customs duty depending on the product category. Many industrial goods and raw materials enter at 0% duty. The customs clearance process in Tbilisi typically takes 1 business day. Georgia does not require import licenses for most goods, making it significantly simpler than many neighboring countries.

For reliable delivery, plan your shipment 4–5 weeks before the required delivery date in Tbilisi. This accounts for the 20–28 day transit plus potential Caspian ferry delays. FTL rates from eastern China to Tbilisi range $10,000–$15,000, slightly higher than Baku rates due to the additional Azerbaijan–Georgia transit leg. LTL rates are $110–$180 per CBM. To minimize costs, consolidate goods in Urumqi and time your shipment to avoid Chinese holidays and Caspian winter weather delays. Work with a forwarder experienced in the Middle Corridor who has partnerships with Caspian ferry operators and Georgian customs brokers.