Georgia is both a market in its own right and the main gateway from Turkey to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia and the Caspian crossing to Central Asia. Loads for Tbilisi and Batumi, trucks continuing to Baku, shipments reaching Armenia via Georgia and cargo heading across the Caspian usually start at the same gate: Sarp. We therefore plan Caucasus freight as one connected route network rather than country by country.
What we do on Caucasus shipments
- Match destination and route: for Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Baku, Ganja, Yerevan or a trans-Caspian address, we decide which gate and which transit countries to use.
- Choose the model: full truck, groupage, or an intermodal plan with rail and ferry legs.
- Check dimensions: for high or near-limit loads we review bridge and underpass height restrictions on the route in advance.
- Share progress: loading, border exit, transshipment and delivery dates, plus CMR and invoices, in one tracking link.
Border gates and routes
| Gate / crossing | Other side | Direction and use |
|---|---|---|
| Sarp (Artvin) | Sarpi, Georgia | Batumi, Tbilisi and all of Georgia; main entry for Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia. Open year-round. |
| Türkgözü (Ardahan) | Vale, Georgia | Shorter link to Tbilisi via Akhaltsikhe; a mountain road that can close in winter. |
| Red Bridge (Georgia–Azerbaijan) | Azerbaijan | Tbilisi to Ganja and Baku; the main crossing for Azerbaijan freight. |
| Dilucu (Iğdır) | Nakhchivan | Direct delivery to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. |
| Alat port (near Baku) | Aktau / Turkmenbashi | Caspian ferry to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. |
Gate and route are confirmed during planning based on border and weather conditions on the shipment date.
Freight to Georgia
Loads enter at Sarp and are delivered around Batumi, Kutaisi and Tbilisi. With a short distance and a year-round gate, this is the most predictable Caucasus lane for regular shipments. Some bridges and underpasses have height restrictions, so we check routes for high vehicles and loads beforehand.
Freight to Azerbaijan
Cargo for Baku and Ganja transits Georgia and enters Azerbaijan at Red Bridge, so a Tbilisi–Baku run covers two countries in one trip; a TIR carnet speeds up the Georgian transit. Nakhchivan is served directly via Dilucu. For containers and heavy cargo, the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway is also an option.
Freight to Armenia
The Turkey–Armenia land border is closed to freight, so loads for Armenia are routed through Georgia: Sarp, Tbilisi, then the Georgia–Armenia border to Yerevan. We follow developments on a possible reopening and will update route options if the situation changes. Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, and clearance follows its rules; requirements are confirmed against current regulations.
Gateway to the Caspian and Central Asia
Trucks crossing Georgia and Azerbaijan board ferries at Alat near Baku: cargo for Kazakhstan goes to Aktau, cargo for Turkmenistan to Turkmenbashi. Ferries sail according to demand and weather, so a few days of port waiting are built into the plan; roughly 9–14 days to Central Asia are typical on this corridor. See our Central Asia freight page for the full comparison.
Northern route to Russia
Cargo for Russia and northern Kazakhstan also enters Georgia at Sarp and crosses into Russia at Verkhniy Lars. This pass is known for congestion and winter closures, so in winter we keep an alternative corridor ready.
Document checklist
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Certificate of origin in the form required by the destination country
- Export declaration
- CMR consignment note
- TIR carnet for transit crossings
- Product-specific conformity, health or ADR documents
Requirements are confirmed against the destination country's current regulations.
Why BNK Logistics
- Planning-led work that considers the Caucasus together with Central Asia, Russia and Iran.
- Road, rail and Caspian ferry combined in one plan.
- Communication in English, Turkish, Russian and Chinese, including WhatsApp.
- A tracking link per shipment and all documents kept in one file.
- Face-to-face meetings at our office in Antalya.
For a quote, send addresses, cargo type, packing, pallet count, dimensions, weight and target date. More on our international road freight service.
Frequently asked questions
Which gate is used for freight from Turkey to Georgia?
The main gate is Sarp, open year-round. Türkgözü in Ardahan offers a shorter link to Tbilisi but can close in winter. The gate is confirmed during planning.
How is freight shipped to Azerbaijan?
Cargo for Baku and Ganja enters Georgia at Sarp, passes Tbilisi and crosses into Azerbaijan at Red Bridge. Nakhchivan is served directly via Dilucu. Rail via Baku–Tbilisi–Kars is an option for containers.
Can you ship to Armenia?
Yes, via Georgia. Because the Turkey–Armenia land border is closed to freight, loads travel Sarp–Tbilisi–Yerevan. If the border status changes, we will update route options.
How long does Tbilisi–Baku freight take?
It depends on congestion at Sarp and Red Bridge, the season and where clearance takes place. We give an estimated range for your specific load and date.
Can I reach Central Asia through the Caucasus?
Yes. Trucks cross Georgia and Azerbaijan and take the Caspian ferry from Alat to Aktau or Turkmenbashi. Including ferry waiting, roughly 9–14 days are typical, depending on weather and port conditions.
