In week 10, all ports work to improve the efficiencies of customs clearance to facilitate the operation of China-Europe freight trains. Transloading at Khorgos and Alashankou was running smoothly, the hanlding time took about 3-6 days. Due to the shortage of wagons, delays at Erenhot last more than 11 days. Generally the transit time of block trains are good – in terms of European route, the average transit time from Chengdu, Chongqing, Yiwu and other stations to Duisburg and Hamburg is 23-26 days, and best transit time from Xi’an to Malaszewicze is 13days; regarding the Russian route, the average transit time from Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Hefei, Ganzhou and other stations to Moscow is 12-17 days. The best transit time from Xi’an to Electrougli is 13 days. Due to the congestion in Bely Rast station, trains have to wait for unloading for longer time.

Industry insiders reported that the volume of goods in the Russian route has dropped significantly after entering into March, many freight forwarders need to collect goods in advance in order to fill the vacancy of spaces due to long-term agreements with major platforms. Compared the freight with February, the spot freight fell slightly by $200-300. When we come to Central Asia market, beside the entire rail transportation, rail-truck combined transportation is popular recently. Guangzhou, Shenzhou and other cities in South China have attracted more and more customers to transport goods to Kashgar by rail and then to Tashkent by trailer.

In addition, according to some freight forwarders, the Kazakhstan customs has strengthened inspection, some goods such as felts, mats, tiles, sanitary pads and diapers are more possible to be retained for inspection.

Article source: CargoTalk