Multimodal transport to Central Asia: when a wagon pays off

Multimodal transport to Central Asia has been one of Clever's foundations since the company began in 2009. The model is simple: we collect goods from various senders across the EU, consolidate them in our warehouse and load them onto wagons that run on the 1520 mm gauge straight to the destination station in Central Asia.

How it works

We collect the shipments anywhere in the EU (often at several different locations), bring them in by road, consolidate them in the warehouse and load the wagon. The 1520 mm gauge is available at the PL–BY border and in the Baltic states, so the wagon runs from there directly to the destination station. Station charges at the receiving station and unloading the wagon normally stay with the consignee: they report to the freight desk and arrange collection once the wagon arrives.

When a wagon pays off

Multimodal is an attractive option for larger shipments. One truck is around 22 tonnes, and at that volume a wagon will not be a convenient option. But at 48–50 tonnes, and clearly at 66–68 tonnes (the equivalent of three trucks per wagon), the multimodal option can be very attractive on price per tonne of cargo.

Loading — a little different from a truck

A wagon is loaded through the side doors, unlike a truck. If the goods are too tall to pass through the doors, we take off the top layers during loading and restack them inside the wagon. When cartons are of equal size and can be stacked, the goods can be de-palletised and the boxes piled one on another — like building blocks.

What to keep in mind

In rail transport not everything can be planned to the day. Sometimes a wagon is available immediately, other times you wait for it to be placed or to leave Poland. It is also worth remembering that the route crosses the EU–Belarus border, so what may be shipped at all is governed by EU export and transit restrictions — the commodity codes should be checked in advance. In return, multimodal offers several lasting advantages.

In short

• the model: collection in the EU → consolidation → 1520 mm wagon → destination station;
• the break-even rises with weight: from around 48–50 t, clearly at 66-68 t;
• station charges and unloading sit with the consignee;
• advantages: price per tonne, high capacity, less dependence on the human factor, and steadier rail tariffs through the year than road.

Wondering whether your cargo suits a wagon? Give us the destination, weight and type of goods — we will cost the multimodal option and compare it with road.