Heliodoras Giedrys, head of the TIR Department at Linava, the Lithuanian national road carriers' association, said that the Russian decision would be great facilitation for Lithuanian haulers.
"It means that all of our haulers who receive TIR carnets and on whom no restrictions are placed by Lithuania itself should not be subject to any additional control measures at the Russian border. Thus, our haulers will avoid delays at the border while crossing into Russia," he said.
Some 20 to 30 new haulage companies experienced problems due to extra checks every time they crossed into Russia, he said.
Until recently, Russia treated newly-established companies as ones that needed to be checked more thoroughly. Haulers estimate that border delays cost them around 700 litas (EUR 203) daily. Because of this, part of smaller haulers were wary of going to Russia.
