Container crisis and shortage of cars: how to solve in 2025

In 2025, global logistics continues to face the consequences of the container crisis, which began in the pandemic years. Despite the partial stabilization, participants in foreign economic activity still feel a shortage of equipment, infrastructure overload and sharp jumps in the cost of transportation. The shortage of rail platforms and containers on key routes from China to Europe and the CIS countries is particularly acute.

We will understand the reasons for the ongoing crisis, how the freight price is formed in the new realities and what can be done to minimize the risks when booking.

Analysis of container availability in 2025

The residual consequences of COVID-19 and geopolitics

The logistic chain failure that began in 2020 is still having an impact. In many countries, the even distribution of containers by destination has not been restored. This is especially true in countries that import more than they export, such as Russia, Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

By 2025:

• 90% of 40-foot containers (DV and HQ) are concentrated in the coastal regions of China and Southeast Asia.
• Severe shortage of 20-foot containers It is observed on the Trans-Kazakhstan and Trans-Mongolian routes.
• Increased turnover of the container Instead of 45-50 days, the cycle reaches 60-70 days against the background of congested railway junctions.

Lack of platforms and wagons

Railway operators report:

• Deficiency of fitting platformsEspecially in the direction of China-Kazakhstan-Russia. Estimates are short of 25% of rolling stock from the current need.
• Seasonal peaksWhen cars accumulate at the borders - in May-June (export contracts before the season) and in October (preparation for New Year's imports).

Market reaction

• The largest Chinese freight forwarders and logistics companies (Sinotrans, China Railway Express) closed chains of their containersRestricting the admission of external customers.
• Operators in Russia and CIS countries are forced switch to their own containers UTLC, KTZ Express, TransContainer.

How the freight price is formed in 2025

The cost of delivery comes from a variety of factors, including equipment shortages and infrastructure costs. Consider the main components:

Basic parameters:

• Type of container: 20' DV, 40' DV or 40' HQ.
• Route.: maritime, rail or multimodal.
• SeasonDuring peak months, the cost increases by 20-30%.

The main components of freight:

1. Carrier's fixed rate Basic price of the container (depending on route and demand).
2. Allowances:
   • Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) is a seasonal peak surcharge.
   • GRI (General Rate Increase) is the total allowance set by the carrier in case of shortage of seats.
   • BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) is a fuel surcharge.
   • CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor) - compensation for currency risks.
3. Availability of platforms:
   • With a shortage of cars on the route, the price may increase 300-600 USD per container.
4. Terminal fees and paperwork It is especially important for transit through several countries.

Current prices (as of May 2025):

• Shanghai - Moscow (JD): 9,000–11,000 USD/40HQ
• Shenzhen - St. Petersburg (sea + car): 5,500–6,800 USD/40HQ
• Yiwu - Almaty (JD): 3,800–4,500 USD/40HQ

Booking Tips: How to Act in a Crisis

Given the instability and constraints, it is important to approach logistics strategically. Here are the practical tips for 2025:

1. Book containers in advance – 3-4 weeks in advance

On popular routes, the wagon and container can appear only 2-3 weeks after the request. Early booking allows:

• Get a rate below the market;
• avoid “manual” confirmation by logisticians;
• Pre-arrange documents for export.

2. Plan to export/import outside peaks

Avoid peak periods (April-May, September-October). At this time, prices rise and the timing shifts. The alternative solution is: transfer of shipment to the off-season (July-August, January-February).

3. Work with operators who have their own containers

Chinese and Russian operators with their own fleet:

• Faster confirmation of shipment;
• are not dependent on rent from third parties;
• They offer discounts when loading back.

4. Use bond zones

Placement of the goods in bondage Gain time and reduce risks:

• Documents can be prepared in advance;
• Flexible approach to booking the platform;
• Distribute volumes among several recipients.

5. Evaluate alternative routes

• through the ports of Vladivostok (sea + railway);
• via southern routes (for example, China-Iran-Russia);
• Multimodal schemes with transshipment in Kazakhstan and Georgia.

The Container Crisis of 2025 is not so much an acute shortage as the result of worn-out logistics infrastructure caused by global supply imbalances. Despite the difficulties, many companies find solutions: through planning, competent choice of routes and work with trusted operators.

Main rule Start logistics not with transport, but with planning: route, season, volume, documents. In this case, even in conditions of shortage, your cargo will be delivered on time.