PJSC TransContainer of Delo Group has launched its first regular block train from Irkutsk to China via Dostyk-Alashankou border-crossing point between Kazakhstan and China.

The first train of 62 containers was dispatched from TransContainer’s terminal at Batareinaya station in Irkutsk, then it passed Dostyk-Alashankou border-crossing point and arrived at the destination point in Qingdao. Transit from Irkutsk to border-crossing point at Dostyk station takes 10 days.

The service is aimed at transportation of timber, and it enhances logistics opportunities for the Russian exporters. Within the service TransContainer provides its own equipment and arranges for railway transportation through the territories of Russia and Kazakhstan. Transportation through China can be arranged either by the customer or TransContainer's agents.

“This is TransContainer's first regular route from Irkutsk to China via Dostyk border-crossing point in Kazakhstan. In the context of the increased load at the Russian inland border-crossing points, it will allow the exporters to choose the best transportation option in terms of speed and cost. We are going to dispatch up to three trains per month within the service and consider the possibility to increase the number of shipments and expand the geography of delivery in China,” said Nikita Pushkarev, Sales and Customer Service Director of TransContainer.

The service will complement TransContainer's existing routes from Batareinaya station to China via Zabaikalsk and Naushki inland border-crossing points. Moreover, there are multimodal services to China via the terminal of Vostochnaya Stevedoring Company (VSC, part of Global Ports, co-controlling shareholder of which is Delo Group).