Jeddah truck hub to speed cargo movement

Saudi Arabia has opened a 1 million-square-metre truck marshalling area at Jeddah Islamic Port to improve truck movement, reduce congestion and increase cargo handling efficiency. The new facility will serve as the first stop for trucks heading to Jeddah Islamic Port before they move to gates 4-9. The organised truck flow is expected to reduce waiting times, improve gate operations and support faster cargo movement through one of the Kingdom’s busiest ports.

Transport and Logistics Services Minister Saleh Al-Jasser said the project will strengthen logistics operations and help Saudi Arabia handle changing global shipping patterns. He added that the logistics sector has been able to redirect cargo between the Kingdom’s eastern and western coasts when needed, helping maintain trade flows.

Al-Jasser said the new truck marshalling area was developed in coordination with transport authorities, customs, security agencies and the private sector. The facility is also expected to provide a safer and more organised environment for truck drivers while reducing traffic congestion in Jeddah, where thousands of trucks enter the city every day.

On the sidelines of the inauguration, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) signed seven agreements worth more than SR1 billion (US$266.9 million) to develop new logistics zones and expand existing facilities. The projects include the expansion of Maersk’s logistics zone at Jeddah Port, two new investments by China's GD Logistics, and several logistics centres for import, export and maritime services.