Jordan’s freight transport industry

Jordan’s freight transport industry

Jordan’s freight transport industry plays a vital role in supporting the country’s economy, serving as a regional logistics hub due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa. The industry includes road, rail, air, and sea freight, with road transport being the dominant mode. Most goods in Jordan are transported by trucks, which connect industrial zones, ports, and border crossings. Major highways like the Desert Highway and the Amman-Aqaba corridor are heavily used for cargo movement. The country’s land transport system is essential for trade with neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, and Palestine.

The Port of Aqaba is Jordan’s only seaport and a key node for maritime freight. Managed by the Aqaba Development Corporation and operated under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), it handles the majority of Jordan’s imports and exports, including containers, bulk cargo, and vehicles. The port supports industries such as phosphate mining, fertilizers, and containerized goods. Aqaba is linked to inland areas via highways and the railway network, enabling efficient freight transfer.

The Jordan Hijaz Railway Corporation and Aqaba Railway Corporation are involved in rail transport, although the rail sector is underdeveloped compared to other modes. Most railway freight focuses on transporting phosphate from mines in the south to Aqaba Port. Plans for a new national railway network and regional integration projects have been proposed to enhance freight capacity and reduce dependence on road transport.

Air freight is handled primarily through Queen Alia International Airport near Amman. Although smaller in volume compared to road and sea freight, air cargo is important for high-value and time-sensitive goods, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce. Jordan’s free trade agreements with countries around the world, including the United States and European Union, also boost freight activity.

The government and private sector are investing in logistics and infrastructure to modernize the freight industry. Projects include logistics centers, dry ports, and customs facilitation programs. Challenges facing the sector include high fuel costs, aging infrastructure, and regional geopolitical instability. Despite these obstacles, Jordan continues to position itself as a key logistics player in the Middle East, with a growing emphasis on trade facilitation and regional connectivity.