Trucking Onions, Potatoes & Tomatoes from Iran to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
Iranian exporters deliver onions, potatoes, and tomatoes to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan primarily via overland trucking routes through Iran's land borders. This guide details the logistics, product specifications, and export processes for B2B buyers sourcing these fresh vegetables. It covers the operational framework of Raiva Food, a specialized exporter operating since 2010, and explains how to structure container or pallet shipments for regional distribution.
Iranian Vegetable Exporters
Profile of Raiva Food
Raiva Food is a specialized fruit and vegetable exporter based in Yazd, Iran, with a secondary office in Muscat, Oman. Operating since 2010, the company focuses on business-to-business sales, supplying importers, wholesale distributors, and food manufacturers. The company does not sell retail quantities; all transactions are conducted by the container or mixed pallet load. This B2B focus ensures that buyers receive consistent volume and standardized grading suitable for industrial processing or retail distribution.
Product Range and Grading
The export portfolio includes a wide array of fresh vegetables. For onions, the company supplies white, yellow, and red varieties. Potatoes are available in fresh form, while tomatoes are offered in field, greenhouse, and cherry types. Each product is graded according to strict quality parameters. For example, onions are graded by size and color, while tomatoes are classified by ripeness and brix levels. The agreed grade and specification are restated in writing on the proforma invoice before the buyer makes payment, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of disputes upon delivery.
Quality Control and Documentation
Quality control is a critical component of the export process. Raiva Food controls quality at every stage, from selecting and grading at harvest to sorting and cleaning before packing. Pre-shipment inspection is available through the buyer's nominated inspection agency, providing an additional layer of assurance. Export documents are issued per shipment, including phytosanitary certificates, health certificates, and certificates of origin where the destination country requires them. These documents are essential for clearing customs in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Onion, Potato, and Tomato Export Logistics
Logistics for fresh produce require careful planning to maintain product integrity during transit. For destinations like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, overland trucking is the primary mode of transport. Raiva Food ships by sea from Bandar Abbas and overland by truck and rail through Iran's land borders. The choice of route depends on the destination, volume, and required delivery timeframe.
Overland Trucking Routes
Trucking from Iran to Iraq typically involves crossing the border at Shalamcheh or other designated checkpoints. The journey to Baghdad or Basra can take several days, depending on traffic and border processing times. For Afghanistan, trucks often travel through the western provinces of Iran before crossing into Mazar-i-Sharif or Herat. The route to Pakistan usually passes through the eastern borders of Iran, entering via Torkaman or other checkpoints. These routes are well-established and supported by a network of logistics providers.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Fresh vegetables are sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Onions, for instance, require a transport temperature of 0 °C to 1 °C and a relative humidity of 65% to 70% to prevent sprouting and decay. Potatoes are typically transported at 4 °C to 6 °C with 90% to 95% humidity. Tomatoes, being more perishable, require 10 °C to 12 °C and 90% to 95% humidity. Reefer trucks are used to maintain these conditions throughout the journey. The shelf life in transit varies by product; onions can last 6 to 8 weeks, potatoes 4 to 6 weeks, and tomatoes 1 to 2 weeks under optimal conditions.
Packaging and Loading
Packaging is designed to protect the produce during handling and transport. Onions are often packed in 10 kg mesh bags or cartons. Potatoes are supplied in 10 kg cartons or bulk. Tomatoes are packed in 10 kg cartons or crates. Pallet configuration is floor-loaded, with palletised loading available on request. Container loadability is approximately 20 MT per 40ft HC reefer, which translates to around 2,000 10 kg cartons. This standardization allows for efficient loading and unloading at the destination.
| Product | HS Code | Transport Temp | Relative Humidity | Shelf Life in Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onion | 0703.20 | 0 °C to 1 °C | 65% to 70% | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Potato | 0701.00 | 4 °C to 6 °C | 90% to 95% | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Tomato | 0702.00 | 10 °C to 12 °C | 90% to 95% | 1 to 2 weeks |
Key Takeaways
- Raiva Food is a B2B exporter operating since 2010, specializing in fresh vegetables and fruit.
- Overland trucking is the primary logistics method for delivering produce to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
- Quality control includes pre-shipment inspection and detailed documentation such as phytosanitary certificates.
- Specifications are restated on the proforma invoice to ensure buyer confidence.
- Temperature and humidity controls are critical for maintaining shelf life during transit.
- Standard packaging includes 10 kg cartons or mesh bags, with palletised loading available.
- Minimum order quantities are typically by the container or mixed pallet load.
- Prices are quoted per enquiry based on grade, packing, and destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order quantity for onions, potatoes, and tomatoes?
The minimum order quantity is typically one 40ft reefer container or a mixed pallet load. Raiva Food does not sell retail quantities; all sales are business-to-business.