News / China-Europe rail freight hits the buffers as rocketing demand brings congestion

Record-breaking volumes have caused congestion and lengthy delays on China-Europe rail freight services.

According to Norman Global Logistics (NGL), June and July have been “extremely busy” for Silk Road rail services, putting pressure on infrastructure and increasing journey times.

Rob Foster, NGL’s business development manager for central and north China, said: “Major congestion is taking place on most services at the China-Kazakhstan border [Alashankou and Khorgos] which has caused a huge bottleneck.”

Indeed, delays at the Khorgos transhipment hub, where containers must be ...