According to Russian Railways, in January–August 2025, 5 million 26 thousand containers in twenty-foot equivalent (TEU) were transported along the Russian railway network. This figure is 3.9% lower than last year's result for the same period, but container transportation remains one of the most significant areas of cargo logistics in the country.
The total volume of cargo shipped in containers amounted to over 53.4 million tons. The main nomenclature groups were chemicals and soda (528.8 thousand TEU), timber cargoes (401.8 thousand TEU), as well as chemical and mineral fertilizers (300.8 thousand TEU). These categories continue to form the basis of railway container traffic.
The decrease compared to last year is attributed to the general adjustment of the logistics market, as well as changes in export and transit flows. Nevertheless, it is container transportation that ensures the versatility of transportation, allowing you to work with both domestic and international supplies.
Rail transport remains competitive compared to road and sea transportation due to its high capacity and resistance to external factors. According to experts, despite the temporary reduction in volumes, the container transportation segment will retain its status as a key driver for the development of railway logistics in Russia.
Growth is expected in the coming months due to preparations for the peak season and increased shipments to export destinations. Russian Railways emphasizes that the company continues to invest in infrastructure development, which will increase the efficiency and flexibility of container transportation.
