The 30th meeting of the Logistics Private Sector Engagement Council was held on November 12, 2026, via video conference, chaired by Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Council Chairman Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih. The council is a formal dialogue platform between Saudi Arabia's public and private sectors, bringing together government entities and private-sector representatives to discuss key developments in the transport and logistics sector, review opportunities and challenges, and explore ways to strengthen integration and partnerships to enhance sector efficiency and competitiveness.
Al-Rumaih noted at the meeting that Saudi Arabia's supply chains have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in responding to current changes and challenges. He commended the coordinated efforts of government entities and the private sector to ensure continuity of logistics services and smooth movement of goods and cargo. He emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination and integration among all stakeholders to enhance the logistics ecosystem's readiness and responsiveness to regional and global developments. This statement was made against the backdrop of ongoing disruptions to shipping routes in the Middle East region, including security risks in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, making supply chain resilience a priority for Saudi Arabia as it advances its position as a global logistics hub.
A core agenda item of the meeting was reviewing mechanisms to incentivize greater private-sector adoption of double-trailer trucks. Double-trailer trucks can carry larger cargo volumes per trip, reducing the number of trips required to transport the same quantity of goods, thereby improving fleet utilization and road network efficiency. The Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services stated that this measure aims to improve road transport efficiency and operational productivity. The policy is part of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals of establishing the Kingdom as a global logistics hub.
The double-trailer truck policy has been in the pilot phase in Saudi Arabia for some time. In August 2026, the Saudi Roads General Authority launched an electronic permit service for double-trailer trucks operating outside urban areas for the first time. Transport operators and companies can apply online, and after technical review and approval, they can print permits and commence operations. The permit specifies requirements including: prohibiting the transport of hazardous materials or indivisible exceptional loads; adherence to approved routes; prohibition of operation in weather conditions that pose safety risks; mandatory stops at all weigh stations along the route; and the display of "Long vehicle" signage in both Arabic and English on the front and rear of the vehicle.
Technical specifications for double-trailer trucks include a maximum permissible weight of 60 tons, an overall length of 25.25 meters, and a height of 4.80 meters. Applicants must hold a valid freight transport license and valid operating cards for the vehicle, and the designated route must consist of dual-carriageway roads suitable for slopes, roundabouts, intersections, and bridges. Drivers must be qualified and specialized in operating double-trailer trucks. Permit validity shall not exceed the validity of the operating card or carrier license, whichever is earlier. Violations of permit conditions will result in permit cancellation and a one-year ban on obtaining a new permit for the vehicle.
In addition to the double-trailer policy, the meeting addressed logistics investment opportunities and port developments. Saudi Arabia is advancing a series of port expansion and modernization projects, including capacity upgrades at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port. The meeting also highlighted the role of special economic zones in enhancing the Kingdom's attractiveness to logistics investment. Saudi Arabia has established special economic zones in various locations, offering tax incentives and streamlined regulatory procedures, aiming to attract foreign logistics companies and manufacturers to establish regional distribution centers and value-added facilities in the Kingdom.
From a regional logistics perspective, Saudi Arabia's double-trailer truck policy reflects a broader trend in Middle Eastern countries to improve road freight efficiency. As e-commerce and non-oil trade grow, road freight demand continues to rise. The policy aims to reduce unit transport costs by increasing payload capacity, while also lowering fuel consumption and emissions per ton-kilometer of cargo. The Saudi logistics sector, under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), targets attracting approximately 200 billion riyals in logistics investment by 2030. The 30th meeting of the Logistics Private Sector Engagement Council is part of this framework, providing a mechanism for the private sector to directly participate in policy formulation and problem resolution.
It is noteworthy that the double-trailer truck policy's implementation depends on adaptation of road infrastructure. The permit system's route designation requirement indicates that not all roads are suitable for these long vehicles. The Saudi Roads General Authority is evaluating road segments to determine routes capable of accommodating 25.25-meter vehicles. For logistics operators, this means route planning and operational scheduling must incorporate permit constraints, potentially affecting transport efficiency on certain corridors. The meeting also discussed private-sector proposals and developmental solutions to address current challenges and enhance service efficiency and supply chain sustainability, though specific content of these proposals was not disclosed in the official release.