'Truck traffic at Jaber crossing quadruples due to eased transport regulations'

AMMAN — The Jaber border crossing between Jordan and Syria has seen a significant rise in truck traffic, driven by trade and transport facilitation measures, President of the Association of Owners of Clearance and Transport Companies Deifallah Abu Aqouleh said on Tuesday.

Abu Aqouleh noted that the number of trucks, whether departing, arriving, loaded or empty, has quadrupled since the beginning of the year compared with the same period last year, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

He also highlighted a significant increase in cargo activity, particularly vehicle shipments from Gulf countries to Syria or through Jordan via the port of Aqaba. The surge, he noted, has positively impacted Jordan’s truck fleet and strengthened several supporting economic sectors.

According to Abu Aqouleh, a total of 49,679 Jordanian and foreign trucks, either loaded, empty, or in transit, have passed through the Jaber crossing since the start of the year, a sharp increase from 12,689 trucks during the same period in 2024.

He also commended customs and security authorities at the border for efficiently managing the increased traffic, ensuring smooth transactions, and expediting crossings. He also underscored the strong coordination between the association and customs officials to swiftly address emerging challenges.

Abu Aqouleh noted that Jordan’s recent decision to exempt Syrian trucks from fees, based on the principle of reciprocity, has already bolstered the trucking industry and transit trade. The move is expected to further strengthen trade and transport ties between Jordan, Syria, and other regional markets, he added.

The Cabinet had previously approved the fee waiver as part of an agreement to harmonise tariffs for both Jordanian and Syrian trucks, reinforcing efforts to maintain balanced trade relations between the two countries.

The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the relevant authorities, announced on Monday that the Jaber border crossing with Syria will operate 24 hours a day, starting Sunday, March 23.

The decision, which was taken in consultation with Syrian officials, ensures that all logistical and security measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted operations. The change brings the Jaber crossing schedule in line with that of the Omari crossing with Saudi Arabia.

The move, which comes ahead of the Eid Al Fitr holiday, a period that typically sees a surge in travellers, aims to expedite passenger departures, facilitate the movement of cargo, and minimise waiting times.