Alashankou and Khorgos still maintain high efficiency with the average handling time from 3 to 7 days, and very few containers are reported to be detained at Altynkol for 9 days; reloading at Erenhot can be done within 7 days at the earliest, with a longest record of 16 days; The fastest transshipment at Manzhouli is 8 days, and it takes more than 15 days in congested situations. According to feedback from some agents, the limited capacity at destinations has also hindered the efficiency of port . For example, the long queue of trains at the  Elektrougli has led to an long-time waiting at ports.

In general, rail transport in the European direction runs well, with trains dispatched from domestic terminals arriving in Mala in 12-13 days and Duisburg/Hamburg in 16-24 days. The express trains still stands out with T/T stabled at 15 days. As to the Russian-bound routes, trains arrived at terminals of Moscow in 21-25 days and St. Peters burg 24-26 days. The snowy weather may continue in the following week, and we  should make arrangements and communication in advance appropriately.  

The supply of spaces and freight rates for each route are as follows:

European route:

Westbound trips - Towards the end of 2023, most platforms have cut their plans and tightened capacity, resulting in a limited supply. Spaces on trains to Mala, Warsaw, and Lodz in Poland are almost locked, with only a few left in the market by the end of November.

Eastbound trips - In December, the prices for return trains have not been announced except for Chengdu. The number of slots on each route varies: freight trains from European stations to Dalian and Jinan have sufficient slots and are expected to depart on the 18th and 25th; Freight trains from European stations to Changsha and Chongqing are expected to depart on the 17th and 24th, with tight supplies. Compared to the outbound route, cargo volume at the returned trip are insufficient and the plans will be made in adjustment to the demand.

Russian route: 

The supply is relatively sufficient, and capacity for Nov. at major stations have not been fully filled. It is quite unusual that the platforms such as Xi'an, Chongqing, and Chengdu have raised their booking prices, with increases ranging from 300 to 500 US dollars. There are reliable sources that the main reason for that is the shortage chassis at the Russian section. It can be foreseen that there will be a general growth in freight rate on the Russian route in December, with a magnitude exceeding 15%.

Central Asia route: 

Supply are relatively sufficient in November, and they are open for booking in Nov. There has been a slight adjustment in freight rates - Xi'an has canceled its bonus for customs declaration . Xi'an-Tashkent and Xi'an-Almaty have increased by 1200 yuan; Zhengzhou-Tashkent rose by 2500 yuan.

Article source: Cargo Talk