With the deepening in recent years of the “One Belt One Road” initiative, trade between China and Europe is becoming more active, while the demand for international container shipping continues to grow. Against this backdrop, thanks to its efficiency and reliability, rail transport is gradually transforming into a key logistics route connecting China and Europe.

As an important player in rail shipments between China and Europe, UTLC ERA is actively expanding its transport network and optimizing its services, providing reliable support for international trade/

Stable shipment volume growth

As of 2024, the total volume of UTLC ERA shipments reached 746,000 TEU – a record figure in the company’s entire history. That’s 10.7% higher than the same indicator for 2023. UTLC ERA continues to successfully develop container shipments along East-West routes and retains tremendous market potential in the 1520mm rail-gauge space.

In 2024, shipments between China and Europe surged by 80.3% over the previous year. Particularly striking was the growth in cargo shipment volume from China to Europe – by 131% (to 331,000 TEU). At the same time, shipments in the opposite direction – from Europe to China – declined by 26.7%, amounting to 50,000 TEU. However, it remains a sought-after route: European clients and some Chinese companies continue to use it to ship cargo from the EU to China.

The volume of UTLC ERA shipments from Belarus to China and from Russia to China more than doubled compared to the previous two years.

Key growth factors

• Delivery speed advantage

UTLC ERA rail shipments offer a significant advantage in terms of delivery speed: Chinese cargo bound for Europe is delivered in just 5.5 days, which is much faster than cargo carried by marine transport. This makes the rail route the ideal choice for goods requiring high-speed handling and delivery.

•  Infrastructure and state support

The rapid development of rail shipments between China and Europe has become possible thanks to continuous investments by participating countries and shareholders in key infrastructure. For instance, the new Dostyk TransTerminal on the border between China and Kazakhstan with a design capacity of 700,000 TEU has dramatically increased its throughput capacity. Moreover, the expansion of terminal facilities in Belarus and Kaliningrad Region has given UTLC ERA additional support by optimizing the logistics network.

• Broad route network and market share

UTLC ERA is one of the three largest container operators in Russia, dominating more than 50% of the Kazakh and Belarusian market. Today, the company’s route network encompasses more than 230 cities with a total itinerary count of over 670. This makes UTLC ERA one of the most influential rail operators across the entire Eurasian continent.

In 2024, UTLC ERA added 28 new routes, including:

• 18 routes between China and the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU);
• 4 routes from Europe to China;
• 3 routes from China to Europe;
• 3 routes from Europe to Russia.

In 2024, the new Ramenskoye cargo terminal also opened.

In 2024, UTLC ERA successfully adapted to changing market conditions, expanding its shipment geography and increasing the efficiency of its logistics solutions. As a result, the company’s clients get reliable, fast and convenient service, thereby facilitating the stable development of their business.

We invite companies to take advantage of UTLC ERA’s capacity to ensure reliable container shipments between China and Europe. Let’s develop trade ties and open new prospects for international business together!