Accelerated Container Trains from China: How to Stay in Control and Optimize Logistics

In December 2024 and early January 2025, the railway transportation market between China, Russia, and Belarus demonstrated stability, albeit with certain nuances. Amid shifting tariff policies and challenges at border crossings, clients may face new obstacles. At STALOGISTIC, we’ve compiled key insights and recommendations to help you plan shipments with minimal risks.

Stability in Tariffs and Schedules: What You Need to Know

Freight turnover in December remained at November levels, with no shortage of space on China-Russia trains. During December, rail freight rates saw a gradual decrease, averaging $200–300 lower than in November. In early January 2025, rates are holding steady at December levels but are expected to rise by up to $1,000 in the latter half of the month due to preparations for the Chinese New Year. This increase is largely driven by higher domestic delivery costs within China.

According to STALOGISTIC’s December 2024 freight statistics, the average transit time from China was 30 days. Border crossings experienced increased container processing and handling times due to a previously imposed limit of two container trains per day at key checkpoints, including Semiglavy Mar (Kazakhstan) – Ozinki (Russia), Dostyk (Kazakhstan), and Altynkol (Kazakhstan).

In December, the most frequently imported goods to Russia and Belarus included clothing, footwear, equipment, and household appliances.

Average Border Crossing Times as of January 10, 2025

With Russia:

Manzhouli – Zabaikalsk: 9–20 days. The situation is improving, but there is still a shortage of platforms. Loading at Shushary can take up to 20 days.

Tongjiang – Mikhailo-Semenovskoye: Approximately 17 days.

Via Mongolia:

Erlian – Zamyn-Uud – Sukhbaatar – Naushki: 14–24 days. Transshipment in Mongolia is often chaotic, with containers arriving later sometimes handled earlier. Rail platform delays are also common.

With Kazakhstan:

Alashankou – Dostyk: 10–20 days. Customs delays are extending handling times at this border crossing.

Khorgos – Altynkol: 11–21 days.

Popular Routes and Stations

Some stations are more stable and suitable for shipments with minimal delays:

Chengdu: An optimal choice for shipments to Kolyadichi. In December, transit times for Chengdu – Kolyadichi via Khorgos-Altynkol were 12 days and 14 days via Alashankou-Dostyk — the fastest times recorded by STALOGISTIC in December. • Suzhou: A leader in shipping electronics and batteries, though occasional delays may occur due to a reduced number of trains to Russia.

Xian: Offers regular departures with predictable schedules.

Yiwu: Popular for shipments from Ningbo and Shanghai.

Chongqing: Handles some types of batteries.

Changsha: Stability depends on the train operator. December saw delays of up to two weeks. Preferred for shipping batteries from southern locations.

Datian: Provides competitive rates for goods from southern China.

Other relatively stable stations include Shijiazhuang, Shenyang, and Dalian, though transit times may increase due to factors like government project priorities or feeder vessel transport.

Zhengzhou and Zengcheng: accept cargo with gas lifts, with the former also handling rolled metals.

Some stations, like Suzhou, Yiwu, and Ganzhou, have stricter policies for FCL containers containing goods from multiple shippers without consolidation status, which may incur higher tariffs.

Less stable northern stations such as Tianjin, Qingdao, and Changchun are suitable only for mono-cargo shipments (1 HS Code per container).

Challenging Cargo and Recommendations

Shipments involving batteries, oils, and liquids remain subject to strict restrictions.

Main stations for battery shipments: Suzhou, Yiwu, Changsha, Chongqing, Hengyang. Lithium-ion batteries are only accepted at Suzhou and Changsha.

Non-hazardous chemicals require a Railway Transport Safety Report.

Some stations allow glue shipments with a Technical Description of Goods in Railway.

Cargo containing small amounts of liquid may be shipped from certain stations.

For heavy cargo over 10 tons, proper securing is essential. If shippers handle securing themselves, Chinese agents are not responsible for quality checks. Only a few stations, such as Chengdu and Shenyang, accept such shipments.

For Reliable Logistics, STALOGISTIC Recommends:

1. Plan shipments early, especially before holidays. Place orders at least two weeks in advance.

2. Choose reliable stations with fixed train schedules.

3. Factor in border crossing conditions and allow for extra transit time.

4. Be prepared for price adjustments and potential delays when opting for below-market rates.


At STALOGISTIC, we offer more than transportation — we provide strategic partnerships based on analytics and expertise. Whether you’re shipping electronics, clothing, or chemicals, we’re here to deliver optimal solutions for your logistics needs. Contact us to learn more about railway freight opportunities from China!