Trucking from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan: Permits and Costs

Why Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is one of Uzbekistan's larger trade partners, and the transit route to Russia and Europe runs through it. So for international carriers this direction offers large volume.

It is one of the simplest international routes. The distance is relatively short, and the language and paperwork are familiar. That is why many carriers make their first international run here.

Still, this is not a domestic trip. International haulage needs a separate permit, documents, and border procedures. Leaving unprepared can hold the truck at the border.

Permits

International road haulage needs a permit under a bilateral agreement. Uzbek Government Resolution No. 114 of March 25, 2026 sets the permit procedure: bilateral and transit, third countries, and universal categories.

According to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport (Sputnik Kazakhstan, September 14, 2026), 20,000 additional permits were allocated for 2026. The option of unlimited exchange of electronic permit forms will be studied by the end of 2026.

The number of permits is limited, so apply in advance. Check the permit type and its validity period. You cannot cross the border with an expired or wrong-type permit.

Mark your stops in advance and park only in safe places, and keep the cargo documents with you at all times. Agree the unloading place and time with your partner in Kazakhstan in advance, since each hour of waiting costs money.

Documents and the border

Before the trip, check truck and driver documents: driver license, vehicle registration, insurance, consignment note, and permit. Clarify insurance terms for international cargo separately.

On the consignment note, state the cargo name, weight, and sender and recipient details precisely. The customs declaration depends on cargo type and is usually handled with a freight forwarder. A mistake raises waiting time at the border.

Allow for queue time at the border. Waiting hours stretch the trip and affect the driver's working time. You need a partner in advance for a return load.

Trip costing

Take a distance of about 800 km one way. With an empty return, that is 1,600 km. Example (assumption): cost is 7,200 UZS per km. Trip cost is 1,600 times 7,200, which is 11,520,000 UZS.

This sum does not yet include the permit, border payments, and waiting costs. Add them separately. When you quote a price, find out whether a return load exists, otherwise the price must cover twice the distance.

If a return load is found, the price can come down. That is why a two-way contract and a regular forwarder pay off. After each trip, update the calculation with real figures.

Truck preparation

Before a long international trip, have the truck checked at a service center. Check brakes, tires, oil and filters, battery, and lights. A breakdown at the border or on the road is very costly.

Keep to the service schedule: first service at 2,500 km, then every 10,000 km. On long trips 10,000 km piles up fast, so plan the service date in advance. The warranty is 3 years or 100,000 km.

To book service, use faw.uz/en/services/. For choosing a truck and leasing for international runs, see faw.uz/en/dealers/. Recheck document requirements with official sources before each trip.