Paints, varnishes and solvents: the logistics of a shipment across two continents
Managing an overland transport from Central Europe to the Persian Gulf requires the integration of complex logistics flows, cross-border transit formalities and full compliance with international dangerous goods regulations.
In this case study we present the operational management of an FTL Overland shipment to the Gulf Countries, with a double pick-up in Germany, a Ro-Ro sea leg from Trieste to Mersin and final delivery in Dubai.
Operation details and ADR cargo management
The shipment involved industrial chemical products (paints, varnishes and solvents) subject to ADR regulations, handled through an optimised logistics sequence:
- Double pick-up at origin: collections scheduled at two separate production plants in Germany, with the cargo consolidated on a single semi-trailer.
- ADR compliance: advance check of hazard class compatibility for mixed chemical loads, and alignment of transport documents with the entry requirements and any ADR exemption regimes specific to the Arabian Peninsula.
- Incoterm and delivery point: DAP Dubai, with full responsibility for the leg up to delivery at the consignee’s warehouse.
The route: overland and Ro-Ro sea leg from Trieste to Mersin
The goods travelled along the Europe–Gulf axis, combining road transport with a sea crossing between Italy and Türkiye:
Germany ➔ Austria ➔ Italy (loading port: Trieste) ➔ Türkiye (discharge port: Mersin) ➔ Syria ➔ Jordan ➔ Saudi Arabia ➔ United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
The route includes one port passage and the related border crossings. Each of these points has its own procedures, operating hours and documentary requirements, and for dangerous goods every checkpoint requires access and transit paperwork fully aligned with the cargo.
DAP Dubai delivery
The shipment was handled under DAP (Delivered at Place) terms: we managed the entire journey up to delivery at the consignee’s warehouse in Dubai. For the customer this means a single point of contact from pick-up in Germany to final delivery, with unified control over timing, documents and communications.
Transit time
Total transit time, from pick-up in Germany to delivery in Dubai, was approximately 30 days. This includes the road leg to Trieste, the sea crossing to Mersin, overland transit through Türkiye, Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and border and port operations, which take longer for dangerous goods than for general cargo.
A structured service for the Gulf Countries
This shipment is a concrete example of the service we offer for connections between Europe and the Middle East. If you are planning a transport to the Gulf Countries, including dangerous goods, learn more about our FTL Overland service to the Gulf Countries or contact us for an assessment of your shipment.
