News / Russian shipper demand for rail freight services keeps rates on the rails

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Russian shippers’ demand for rail services has prevented a collapse of China-Europe rates as Chinese operators seek to contend with “cheap as chips” ocean freight prices.

The surprising strength in China-Europe rail rates is believed to be tied to increased demand from Russian shippers desperate for capacity after global ocean carriers ceased calling at the country’s ports following the invasion of Ukraine.

One operator source told The Loadstar: “Rates have come down a bit on rail, but nowhere near as much as ...