An experts view

Statistics show that from January to April 2022, the railroad transported 1985.8 thousand TEU of containerized cargo. This is 7.5% more than in the corresponding period of 2021. It should be taken into account that we are talking about the average indicator for the period, and this increase was at the expense of the first two months. In April, the volume decreased by 3.6% per day in relation to January, February 2022. Exports decreased by 7.4% or 0.3 thousand TEU/d, while transit decreased by 28.8% or 0.8 thousand TEU/d. Obviously, the negative dynamics will continue.

Currently, we observe that all cargo terminals around Moscow are overflowing with empty containers. And this is against the background of a shortage of container equipment. What kind of shortage are we talking about?

More and more foreign companies are announcing their withdrawal from the Russian market or suspension of operations in Russia. Yes, this changes well-established supply chains and logistical links. But “no place is empty”, especially when it comes to vacated market niches.

In 2021, 6.5 million TEU of freight was transported by Russian railroads. This is 12.1% more than in the previous year. And this is an absolute record! The most active-ly growing segment is accelerated contain-er trains. Over the past year, 35 thousand RCTs were dispatched and more than 1,000 destinations were involved. More than in the entire history of these ship-ments.

— What are the reasons for today's difficulties related to transportation? Can we now talk about a crisis in the logistics industry?

The main event affecting everything that has happened in the world this year is the ongoing pandemic. It has revealed “thin spots” in all global systems, including logistics. In 2021, a number of important trends emerged in global and Russian transportation, which will set the direction for our entire industry in the new year.

Due to the new COVID-19 outbreak in China, commercial ports are partially or completely closed. This is causing long queues, days-long delays in shipping and other negative effects on maritime trade. How can you comment on what is happening?

JML Commercial Director Andrei Mironov's view on the background and consequences of the situation with the container ship Ever Given

Almost 20% of small and medium-sized enterprises in Russia did not survive the quarantine. Buying raw materials for production in other regions, importing and exporting finished products, many of these companies needed freight transportation in one way or another. We spoke to Andrei Mironov, Commercial Director of Jam Modern Logistic, and found out how the industry reacted to the crisis, which affected every entrepreneur.