KLN Logistics Launches 10,500-km Road Feeder Service Linking Europe to the Gulf and Egypt

KLN Logistics Group Limited has announced the launch of a new road feeder service (RFS) that will connect Europe with eight destinations in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Egypt. The 10,500‑kilometre corridor offers door‑to‑door transit times of 15 to 25 days, a figure that is considerably longer than air freight but markedly faster than ocean transport.

The service is positioned as a cost‑effective alternative to air cargo, a market that has struggled to recover from the disruptions caused by the conflict that began in 2024. According to industry data, Middle East air cargo capacity remains below pre‑war levels, and many shippers are seeking reliable overland routes that can handle dangerous goods and other specialised cargo.

KLN’s RFS is designed to handle non‑stackable palletised cargo weighing up to 23 tonnes per truck. The service accepts dangerous goods, provided that the shipper supplies complete original shipping documentation and arranges cargo insurance. The company will manage the entire journey under a single contract, covering collection in Europe, customs compliance, permits, border coordination and, where necessary, customs‑escorted transit.

"This service gives customers a viable option between ocean and air freight at a time when direct access into the region remains challenging," said Martin Stoekenbroek, managing director – EMEA of KLN. "It enables businesses to continue selling and exporting to consignees across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region while reducing reliance on a single mode of transport, including dangerous goods shipments that require a dependable overland solution."

Darren Baker, chief operations officer – EMEA, added that the complexity of moving dangerous goods across multiple borders is mitigated by KLN’s established operating process. "This service provides customers with an established operating process and a single managed solution from origin to destination, helping to maintain the reliable movement of cargo into the region despite current access challenges," he said.

KLN is a global third‑party logistics provider headquartered in Hong Kong. The company operates in 58 countries and territories and offers integrated logistics, international freight forwarding, e‑commerce and industrial project logistics solutions. With a fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles, KLN has built a reputation for handling complex supply‑chain requirements.

The new corridor is significant for the GCC and Egypt because it offers a direct overland link that bypasses maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. In recent months, shipping disruptions in these waters have prompted several companies to seek alternative routes. The RFS provides a single‑contract solution that reduces the need for shippers to coordinate multiple carriers and customs authorities.

From a commercial perspective, the service is expected to appeal to manufacturers and distributors that require a balance between speed and cost. While air freight can deliver goods in a day or two, its price point is high, and the Middle East’s limited capacity makes it an unreliable option for many. Ocean freight, on the other hand, can take several weeks and is subject to port congestion.

The 15‑to‑25‑day transit window offered by KLN’s RFS sits between these extremes. It allows shippers to plan inventory and delivery schedules with greater certainty, while still avoiding the high cost of air transport.

The launch comes at a time when the region’s logistics sector is adapting to new realities. According to IATA reports, global air cargo capacity has not yet returned to pre‑conflict levels, and many carriers are expanding fleets and investing in digital solutions to improve competitiveness. In contrast, overland freight has gained traction as a resilient alternative.

KLN’s RFS is part of a broader trend of logistics companies expanding multimodal networks to provide end‑to‑end solutions. By offering a single‑contract, door‑to‑door service that includes customs clearance and border coordination, KLN aims to reduce complexity for shippers and provide a reliable alternative to the current air‑cargo bottlenecks.

The company has not yet released pricing details for the new corridor, but it has indicated that the service will be competitively priced relative to both air and ocean freight. Shippers interested in the RFS are encouraged to contact KLN’s European sales team for further information.

In summary, KLN Logistics’ new road feeder service provides a practical, cost‑effective solution for transporting palletised cargo, including dangerous goods, between Europe and key Middle Eastern markets. By offering a single‑contract, door‑to‑door service with integrated customs and border handling, the company addresses the current gaps in the region’s freight network and offers shippers an alternative to the constrained air‑cargo market.