In today’s logistics environment, predictability, security, and the ability to scale shipments without compromising service quality have become increasingly important. This is especially true for Central Asia, which has emerged as one of the key trade and transport corridors connecting Europe and Asia.

Together with Alena, Head of Multimodal Transport Operations, we answer the most important questions about rail freight transportation, the role of BGT Group’s own transshipment terminal, and cargo consolidation.

Why does rail transport play such an important role in Central Asian logistics?

Rail transport is one of the key pillars of international supply chains, particularly on routes connecting Europe and Asia. This is largely due to the region’s geography: the countries of Central Asia are landlocked, making rail the natural—and often the most efficient—mode of international transportation.

In practice, rail forms the backbone of the region’s logistics infrastructure. It enables the transportation of large cargo volumes over long distances while ensuring stable and predictable transit times.

Rail freight is also less vulnerable to many of the disruptions commonly associated with maritime shipping, such as port congestion or limited capacity along sea routes.

Another significant advantage is sustainability. Rail transport generates considerably lower CO₂ emissions per tonne-kilometre than road or air freight, making it an increasingly important choice for businesses seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

What makes rail freight competitive compared to road transportation?

The primary advantage of rail is its efficiency in transporting large volumes of cargo over long distances. It is particularly well suited for heavy, bulk, and high-volume shipments.

Rail offers an optimal balance between transportation costs and delivery times. For destinations such as Central Asia, where distances are measured in thousands of kilometres, it is often the most practical and cost-effective solution.

Another key benefit is scalability. Companies can start with smaller shipments by using cargo consolidation services and gradually transition to shipping full rail wagons as their business grows—without having to redesign their logistics model.

Why are more customers choosing rail freight?

One of the main reasons is reliability. Rail services operate on regular schedules and are significantly less affected by weather conditions or local transport infrastructure constraints.

For customers, this means greater confidence in delivery schedules, better production planning, reduced risk of operational downtime, and improved predictability throughout the supply chain.

In addition, rail transportation gives businesses greater control over their logistics, particularly when shipment volumes increase or when entering new international markets. Rail is generally more resilient to global supply chain disruptions while maintaining an optimal balance between transportation costs and operational reliability.

What role does the BGT Group terminal play in the logistics chain?

A transshipment terminal is one of the key elements of the entire supply chain. BGT Group’s own terminal facilitates the transfer of cargo between the European standard-gauge railway network (1,435 mm) and the broad-gauge network (1,520 mm) used across the former Soviet Union, including the countries of Central Asia.

The process begins with cargo being delivered by road to the BGT Group terminal. The goods are then transferred into broad-gauge rail wagons or containers, which continue their journey across Central Asia.

Operating our own terminal enables us to maintain full control over the transshipment process, reduce cargo handling times, and improve the security of the entire logistics chain. It also provides greater operational flexibility and allows us to handle large cargo volumes efficiently while optimising costs.

What is cargo consolidation?

Cargo consolidation is the process of combining shipments from multiple shippers into a single rail wagon. This approach maximises the use of available cargo space and significantly reduces transportation costs.

In practice, shipments arrive at the terminal or warehouse, where they are grouped according to destination and cargo type. They are then prepared for transport, securely loaded into a single rail wagon, and dispatched to the destination country.

Who benefits the most from cargo consolidation?

The greatest advantage is cost savings. Customers do not need to pay for an entire rail wagon, significantly lowering the entry barrier to rail freight transportation.

Cargo consolidation also enables businesses to:

• maximise the use of available cargo space;
• ship even small consignments, such as a few pallets;
• increase flexibility in logistics operations;
• benefit from freight rates comparable to those available to large-volume shippers.

This solution is particularly valuable for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as companies that regularly ship smaller consignments.

Conclusion

Today, rail freight to Central Asia has become one of the most important tools for building stable international supply chains. Combined with our own transshipment terminal and cargo consolidation services, it enables businesses not only to optimise transportation costs but also to build logistics operations that are reliable, predictable, and scalable.

That is why we offer solutions that are equally effective for large exporters and for companies that are just beginning to develop trade with Central Asian markets—providing full control over every stage of the logistics process.