Container: a transport equipment unit that allows freight to be moved across different modes of transport without the need for unloading between transfers.
Container shipping: a transportation method where freight moves in containers, enabling seamless delivery without intermediate handling of the goods themselves.
The Russian Railways network has experienced significant growth in container traffic, with container shipments reaching 7.4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2023. Currently, more than 700 stations across the network are equipped to handle high-capacity containers.
The following types of containers are available:
- universal high-capacity containers;
- specialized high-capacity containers;
- open-top containers;
- flatbed containers;
- isothermal containers;
- refrigerated containers;
- bulk containers;
- tank containers.
To ensure faster delivery times, Russian Railways operates container trains for both loaded and empty containers.
The following entities in the Russian Railways Holding focus on container shipping: "Federal Freight Company" (FFC), "RZD Business Asset", "RZD Logistics", "Eurasian Rail Alliance (UTLC ERA)".