The Association of International Freight Forwarders of Ukraine (AMEU) has appealed to the government regarding the new Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ) tariffs for container transportation.
The issue concerns UZ's initiative to revise its tariff policy, specifically the proposed increase in rates for container shipments weighing over 26 tonnes, according to AMEU’s statement.
“In our view, this decision jeopardizes the further development of the rail container segment, reduces its competitiveness, and—most importantly—encourages a shift to road transport, which often operates outside the legal framework,” the association noted.
According to AMEU member companies, over 95% of container cargo destined for the ports of Odessa region and inland regions is currently transported by road.
“This is critically low for the rail sector. The main reasons are: route flexibility, faster delivery (1 day by road vs. 4–5 days by rail), and lower last-mile operational costs,” AMEU emphasized.
Experts added that the proposed 26-tonne tariff threshold contradicts maritime logistics standards and discriminates against container transportation that fully complies with these norms.
The association also noted that container carriers currently do not have access to benefits available to intermodal trains, which are mainly used for grain cargo.
AMEU proposes the following:
- Halt any actions to revise tariffs for container shipments over 26 tonnes until open consultations are held with market participants and the expert community;
- Set the threshold for increased tariffs at no lower than 28.5 tonnes net, in line with international standards for maritime container shipping and actual market practice;
- Ensure equal access for all operators to tariff incentive mechanisms, including carriers involved in container transport, under terms similar to those for grain intermodal trains;
- Establish an interagency working group under the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development with the participation of business representatives, Ukrzaliznytsia, the State Regulatory Service of Ukraine, and relevant associations, to develop a coordinated long-term tariff strategy;
- Develop and implement a state program to support rail container transportation.
