Road transport using curtain sided transit trailers (trucks equipped with covers or covered containers) in Central Asia is known as one of the main methods of moving goods between the countries of this region and neighbors such as China, Russia, Iran, and Europe. This method is of particular importance due to the long distances, climate variability, and the need to protect goods from environmental factors. The following is a detailed review of this transportation system in Central Asia:

1. Features of curtain sided transit trailers in Central Asia

Durable structure: Thick covers or closed containers to protect goods from desert dust, seasonal rains, and extreme temperatures (hot or cold).

Diverse load capacity: From light to medium-heavy trucks with a capacity of 20 to 40 tons to transport sensitive goods (such as food, electronic equipment, or industrial products).

High security: Use of advanced locking systems and GPS trackers due to the risk of theft or disruption on remote routes.

2. Key transport routes in Central Asia

North-South corridor:

Russia → Kazakhstan → Uzbekistan → Turkmenistan → Iran (connecting to Persian Gulf ports).

East-West corridor (New Silk Road):

China (Xinjiang) → Kazakhstan → Kyrgyzstan → Uzbekistan → Turkmenistan → Europe.

Regional routes:

Tajikistan ← Uzbekistan (for transporting minerals).

Turkmenistan ← Afghanistan (via the Aqina border).

3. Main applications

Transportation of sensitive goods: Agricultural products (cotton, wheat), minerals (uranium, gold), and consumer goods imported from China or Europe.

Transit trade: Transporting Chinese goods to European and Middle Eastern markets via Central Asia.

Infrastructure project support: Moving heavy equipment to build roads, railways, or power plants.

4. Road transport challenges in Central Asia

Road conditions:

Many routes are rough and worn, especially in mountainous (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan) or desert (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan) regions.

Restrictions on passage in winter due to snow and ice.

Security issues:

Risk of theft on remote routes or near borders (especially the Afghan border).

Bureaucratic challenges at customs in different countries.

High fuel and maintenance costs: Lack of reliable fuel stations on long routes.

5. Key points for transporting goods

Use reputable companies: Cooperate with companies that have a history of operating on Central Asian routes (such as Kazakh or Turkish companies).

Time planning: Avoid winter travel on mountainous or cold-weather routes.

Legal documentation: Provide transit permits, certificates of origin, and documents in accordance with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) regulations.

Comprehensive insurance: Cover losses due to delay, physical damage, or theft.

6. Transportation alternatives

Rail transport: China-Kazakhstan-Russia rail network to move large volumes of goods at lower cost.

Combined transport (rail-road): Use of rail to cross difficult terrain and road for final delivery.

Air transport: For highly urgent or valuable goods (such as medical equipment).

7. Role of governments and international organizations

Infrastructure projects:

Development of the CAREC transport corridor (supported by the Asian Development Bank) to improve roads in Central Asia.

Construction of the M41 (Pamir Hub) highway in Tajikistan to connect Afghanistan and China.

Regional cooperation: Transit agreements between the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Conclusion
Road transport with curtain-sided transit trailers in Central Asia, despite geographical and administrative challenges, serves as a vital method for regional and global trade. Improving infrastructure, coordination between countries, and the use of new technologies (such as satellite tracking) can increase the efficiency of this system. In addition to road, combining rail and air transport is also proposed to optimize costs and time.