Ukrzaliznytsia is studying the results of a test piggyback transportation to Poland, during which trucks blocked at the border were transported to Slawkow, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

piggyback transportation in Ukraine

Oleg Yakovenko, the head of Ukrzaliznytsia’s strategy and transformation department, shared this information. In early December, Ukrzaliznytsia conducted a test shipment of trucks to Poland by rail, bypassing blocked border crossings. The trucks traveled from Sknyliv in the Lviv region to Slawkow in Poland.

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The main challenge lies in the lack of established mechanisms on both sides, especially in customs, and the streamlining of document flow. During the test shipment, these mechanisms were worked out on the Polish side.

Whether Ukrzaliznytsia continues with such shipments depends on their economic viability and demand. The logistics of the test shipment were relatively expensive, so Ukrzaliznytsia is working to optimize pricing by collaborating with all parties involved.

The price comprises two components: the domestic transportation part by Ukrzaliznytsia and the international transportation part (payment for access to railway infrastructure, locomotive traction in the neighboring country, terminal operations).

Ukrzaliznytsia also plans to launch trains from Klaipeda and Kaunas (Lithuania) and has successfully tested this route. However, containers need to be transferred between broad gauge (Lithuania) and standard gauge (Poland) and again to broad gauge (Ukraine) during the journey from Lithuania.

Regarding other borders, consultations are ongoing for various directions, with test transportations already conducted for semi-trailers on the Kyiv (Lisky)–Chop–BILK terminal (Budapest) route.

Yakovenko mentioned that there is a constant influx of requests from shippers to Ukrzaliznytsia, as the market has seen the potential of such transportation.

He added that the increase in the number of container trips will be influenced by locations where cars can be loaded.

Currently, loading points are available in Ukraine at the “CTS Lisky” terminals, particularly in Kyiv and Sknyliv, and they are exploring additional loading points.

Ultimately, economic factors will decide the course of action. If transportation proves beneficial for both businesses and Ukrzaliznytsia, such trips will continue.

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