When operational, Afghanistan's postal and package services such as FedEx, DHL and others make deliveries to major cities and towns. Newer automobiles have recently become more widely available after the rebuilding of roads and highways. As of 2012, vehicles older than 10 years have been banned from being imported into the country contributing positively for the increase of road worthy vehicles.
Transport Associations and Unions
Afghanistan has a national transport union whose office is located in Kabul. The union has around 760 transport companies and associations who are registered with the Ministry of Transport as its members. The chairperson of the union is elected annually by the members. In addition to the Transport Union office in Kabul, the union has 22 branches throughout major cities in Afghanistan including at border crossing points. Local union representatives are nominated by local transport associations and companies who operate in those areas. An annual fee of 1000AFN/truck is required to renew a transport license registration.
The Transport Union is used as a platform to raise issues and challenges that disrupt the transport sector. Ministry of Transport regulation dictates that a minimum of 15 trucks are required to register as a local transport company. As a result, individual truck owners form associations to be able to form a company. There is no maximum limit on the number of trucks per association. On the other hand, a foreign company will require a minimum of 30 trucks to be registered as a transport company in Afghanistan and compete in the local market. It is a complicated and long process for Afghan transport companies to obtain a permit to be able to operate in neighbouring countries.
There are no official transport brokers in the country registered with the Ministry of Transport. But there are individuals who work as traditional brokers to connect supply and demand. If a transporter for example needs to subcontract other transporters, usually this transporter goes to a local broker to get information.
Overall transport business has decreased after the withdrawal of the international coalition force from the country. In the past, additional transport capacity was brought into the country when the demand for transport was high. Most companies have no intention of investing in the transport sector as the current political situation is unpredictable and also due to restrictions on the financial sector.
The National Transport Union does not engage on transport tariff setting as this is against the transport regulation. The Ministry of Transport only sets transport tariff for the public transport sector. All transport companies are required to abide by axel limitations set by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works along major highways.
Common Challenges
Due to dynamic security environments, certain areas are not reached by all transporters. In some cases, a transshipment of cargo to local trucks might be needed.
Remote locations located in mountainous areas are not reachable by average commercial trucks.
During summertime mainly in South region trucks availability can be scarce due to seasonal fruit harvest.
