Full truckload (FTL) freight means a whole trailer is dedicated to your cargo, which travels without transhipment from the loading point to the consignee's door. BNK Logistics plans FTL trucking from Antalya, moving cargo from Turkey and China to Central Asia, Iran, the Caucasus, Russia and Europe in one truck, on your schedule.
What we handle on a full truckload
- Understand the cargo and target: product, packaging, pallet count, dimensions, weight, temperature needs and the consignee's delivery expectation.
- Choose the trailer: will weight or volume run out first, is the cargo stackable, is temperature control needed? We choose between curtainsider, reefer, mega or special trailers on that basis. Trailer types are summarised on our road freight page.
- Plan route and border crossing: transit countries, ferry links, border congestion and season. Conditions on the shipping date are confirmed at planning.
- Book the loading slot: arrival time, ramp, loading equipment and load plan agreed with the shipper. After loading the trailer is sealed and the cargo and sealed doors are photographed.
- Match the documents: invoice, packing list, CMR and, depending on the route, TIR Carnet or transit documents are checked before departure.
- Follow the journey: loading, border exit, transit and estimated delivery appear on your tracking link; unloading is coordinated with the consignee.
When a full truck is the right choice
A dedicated trailer looks more expensive in total, but as cargo grows the cost per pallet falls and transhipment risk disappears. We give FTL priority when:
- The cargo uses more than half of the trailer, or most of its weight capacity.
- The delivery date is fixed, for example tied to a production line, site or store opening.
- The goods are fragile, high value or should not share space with other cargo.
- Temperature control is needed; one product and one set point reduce risk.
- The cargo is non-stackable and would take most of the floor even as groupage.
- The lane is long with many borders; one truck and one document set keep things simple.
Full truck versus groupage
| Question | Full truck | Groupage |
|---|---|---|
| Who sets the loading date? | You | The consolidation schedule |
| How often is the cargo handled? | Only at loading and unloading | Possibly at consolidation and distribution hubs |
| Predictability of delivery | Higher | Depends on consolidation and distribution |
| Document dependency | Only your documents | Other shippers' papers can delay the truck |
| Temperature-controlled and sensitive cargo | Fully suitable | Limited |
| Pricing basis | Per truck | Space, volume or weight share |
Near the threshold we price both options. For smaller lots see groupage (LTL).
Main FTL lanes
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. From Turkey we assess the Caspian crossing, Iran transit and the northern route; from China, direct overland links. See Central Asia freight.
- Iran: Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad and transit cargo. In 2026, disruption at sea increased demand for road transport to Iran. See Iran freight.
- Caucasus and Russia: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia.
- Iraq and the Middle East: Iraq, Syria and Dubai (UAE).
- Europe: Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Belgium, France and Italy.
Transit times are approximate and vary with the route, border congestion and season; every quote includes an estimated window based on conditions at the shipping date.
Planning long multi-border lanes
On lanes such as Central Asia and Iran, preparation before loading day makes the difference. We check transit permits and driver visa requirements for the shipping date, build Caspian ferry connections and possible port waiting into the schedule, set an alternative corridor for winter conditions and agree early who handles each customs step at destination. With FTL, waiting costs fall directly on you, so this planning pays back to you.
Preparing for loading
- Loading area, forklift or ramp and staff ready when the truck arrives.
- Heavy pallets arranged so they can be spread evenly; axle weights are checked at borders.
- Cargo packed so it can be secured with straps, edge protectors or blocking.
- Packing list quantities and weights matching what goes into the truck.
- For reefer loads, goods pre-cooled to the required temperature.
Documents checklist
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Export declaration
- CMR consignment note
- TIR Carnet or transit declaration, depending on the route
- Certificate of origin; ATR or EUR.1 where applicable
- Product certificates where required
Requirements are confirmed against current regulations before each shipment. As CMR carrier liability may not cover the full value of the goods, separate cargo insurance is worth considering.
Why BNK Logistics
- Planning first: no truck is proposed before we understand the cargo and delivery expectation.
- Road, sea, rail and combined options assessed together.
- Tracking link with stages, location, estimated delivery and shared documents; everything kept in one shipment folder.
- English, Turkish, Russian and Chinese, WhatsApp, and an office in Antalya.
What we need for an FTL quote
Pickup and delivery addresses, cargo type, packaging, number of pieces or pallets, dimensions, total weight, target loading date, preferred trailer type if known, and any temperature or special handling needs. You receive a tracking code on submission, and our team follows up to agree the trailer, route and loading day.
Frequently asked questions
How much cargo do I need for a full truck?
There is no fixed minimum. A dedicated truck usually makes sense when cargo uses more than half of the trailer, is heavy, or has a critical delivery date. Near the threshold we price both FTL and groupage.
How many pallets and tonnes does a standard truck take?
A 13.6 m standard trailer takes around 33 euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) in one layer, with a payload typically around 24 tonnes. Heavy goods may reach the weight limit before the floor is full.
Do I choose the loading date?
Yes. With FTL the trailer is dedicated to you, so loading follows your schedule. Truck availability tightens in peak season, so sharing the target date early helps.
Do you run full trucks from China to Central Asia?
Yes, China to Central Asia is one of our main operating axes. Depending on the cargo and timing, we assess road FTL, rail and combined options; border conditions are confirmed at planning.
Can a full truck make several pickups or drops?
Yes, additional loading or unloading points can be planned. Loading order follows the drop sequence and documents are prepared per stop. Extra stops affect time and cost, so please mention them when requesting a quote.
