It’s a well-known saying: the early bird gets the worm. Being the first ones to explore new options means there is a higher risk, but the reward is also higher. 

The R12 is the shortest route from Thailand to the south of China and vice versa. While the route may not yet as well-equipped as its counterpart such as the R8, there may be tangible benefits of familiarising your truck fleet with this route today. 

Firstly, the route is getting attention from several developmental agencies, such as the ITD, the ACMECS, the MI, the ASEAN and the local governments along the route. It is likely that the R12 will receive the necessary funding to upgrade its facility in the coming years. Businesses that already familiar with the route will get to reap benefits before the route became widely-used, which may provide cost-saving competitive advantage in the short run.

Secondly, there are still underexploited uses of the route. For example, the refrigerated vehicles transporting fresh fruits from Thailand to the South of China on the R12 at the moment are still coming back empty. The empty vessels on the way back remains up for grabs for anyone who wants to import chilled goods from China to Thailand.

Thirdly, the short distance from Thailand to China granted by this route gives an inimitable advantage to the R12 for exporters of perishable goods. Shorter time spent on the road means savings on gasoline, wages, storage units, and time. All variable costs which will compound over time.

If you are keen to explore the advantages of the R12 route for your business, find out more in R12Connex.com,