FAQ

Orion-Trans provides international rail freight services across the following regions:

• Kyrgyzstan

• Kazakhstan

• Uzbekistan

• Russia

• Tajikistan

• Turkmenistan

• China

• Afghanistan

• Eastern Europe

• Iran

• Baltic States

• Azerbaijan

• Georgia

We maintain direct partnerships with national railway operators in each of these markets, ensuring consistent tariffs, timely wagon bookings, and full end-to-end logistics support for all cargo types.

Orion-Trans is a full-service international rail freight operator. We handle the entire shipment process from start to finish – including route planning, rail freight forwarding, tariff calculation, and tracking of your cargo at every stage. With over a decade of experience in rail logistics, Orion-Trans offers end-to-end solutions: we arrange transport across borders, coordinate with railway authorities, and manage all required paperwork. Our team will find the optimal rail route for your goods, ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery. In short, we provide a one-stop service for international rail cargo transportation, so you can rely on us as your reliable logistics partner for shipments worldwide.

Rail freight is often the best choice for moving heavy or bulk goods over long distances. Trains can carry large volumes safely and efficiently, offering a great balance of cost, speed, and reliability for international shipping. Compared to road transport, rail has higher capacity and is less affected by weather, and it often proves more economical for cross-country routes (especially for heavy commodities, machinery, or raw materials). Rail schedules are generally stable, so delivery times are predictable. By choosing rail freight with a trusted provider like Orion-Trans, businesses get the benefit of secure transport, consistent transit times, and competitive rates – making international rail freight transport an optimal solution for many industries.

Rail freight forwarding refers to the professional management and coordination of cargo shipments by rail. It is a complex, multi-step process that includes planning the shipment, booking space on trains, handling documentation, and monitoring the cargo in transit. Freight forwarding is especially important for international and transit shipments because it helps prevent delays and extra costs. A freight forwarder like Orion-Trans acts on your behalf to streamline the journey: we minimize idle time and ensure your freight moves smoothly across multiple rail networks or borders. In essence, rail freight forwarding is about having experts handle the logistics of shipping by rail, ensuring your goods reach their destination efficiently and cost-effectively.

Our rail freight forwarding service is comprehensive. We cover export, import, and transit shipments for a wide range of cargo types – including bulk commodities, liquids, containerized goods, hazardous materials, and more. Specifically, our service includes:

• Route and tariff planning: We calculate rail tariffs (fees) for your shipment using specialized software, taking into account all relevant charges and optimal routes. You even receive a free preliminary cost calculation for any route.

• Documentation and customs support: Orion-Trans prepares all necessary shipping documents (like rail consignment notes and waybills) and ensures they meet the requirements of carriers and customs authorities, preventing delays at border crossings.

• Cargo coordination and tracking: We coordinate with railways across different countries (Central Asia, China, Russia, Eastern Europe, etc.) to forward your cargo smoothly. Our team monitors your shipment’s progress and provides you with updates on its location and status at every stage.

• Optional cargo security: Upon request, we can arrange for cargo security or escort services through our trusted partners to safeguard valuable shipments during transit.

By handling these aspects, Orion-Trans simplifies the rail shipping process for you. You can trust us to manage the logistics details from origin to destination, so you can focus on your core business.

Yes. Orion-Trans offers rolling stock leasing services, meaning you can rent rail wagons for your freight needs. We maintain a fleet of railcars and have access to various types of wagons to suit different cargo requirements. For example, we can provide covered boxcars, open gondola cars, flatbed platforms, tank cars, hoppers, and even container platforms – ensuring there’s a suitable wagon for virtually any type of goods. Each rail wagon we provide is thoroughly inspected and in good working condition, guaranteeing safe transport of your cargo. By leasing rail wagons from Orion-Trans, you gain flexibility and convenience in arranging transport without needing to own your own fleet.

Orion-Trans is a reliable logistics partner for rail wagon leasing, and there are several benefits to working with us:

• Timely supply: We deliver empty wagons to you on schedule, as per your loading plan. This timely availability helps you avoid delays and keep your supply chain running smoothly.

• Wide suitability: Our range of rolling stock can handle all kinds of freight – from bulk materials and industrial goods to raw materials and specialized cargo. We’ll select the right wagon type for your shipment to ensure safe and efficient transport.

• Cost savings: Leasing railcars from us is cost-effective – you avoid the capital expense of purchasing wagons and save time on searching for available railcars. We also handle the wagon procurement logistics and paperwork, which reduces your administrative burden.

• Competitive rates: We offer attractive, cost-effective rental terms tailored to your budget and transport needs, so you get excellent value for the service.

• Strong partnerships: Orion-Trans has long-standing partnerships with major railway companies and rolling stock providers. Our network allows us to guarantee reliable supply and high-quality service to our clients.

• Flexible terms: We provide flexible leasing options – including long-term rentals or project-based leases – which means you won’t be caught without rail wagons even during peak demand. We adapt to your needs so you can secure the necessary wagons when you need them.

By leasing wagons through Orion-Trans, you ensure your cargo will have the right rail equipment at the right time, without hassle.

Shipping freight in containers by rail is one of the most efficient and economical ways to transport goods over long distances. Container rail transport offers a reliable and cost-saving solution, especially for international routes. Using standardized containers means your cargo is consolidated and protected, reducing the need for intermediate warehousing and handling. This method streamlines loading and unloading with specialized equipment, which speeds up transfer times and minimizes the risk of damage when moving goods. Thanks to the balance of speed and cost, container rail shipping is in high demand for moving large volumes of goods. It’s particularly popular on routes between China and the CIS countries, as it significantly cuts transit times compared to ocean freight while maintaining much lower cost than air freight.

Moreover, Orion-Trans can accommodate different shipment sizes by offering both full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load services. Even if you have a smaller batch of goods, we can consolidate it with other cargo in a container – you pay only for the space you use, making rail an attractive option for shipments of all sizes.

Orion-Trans provides container rail transport with distinct advantages for your business:

• Versatility: We can ship almost any type of cargo in containers – including bulk goods, consolidated shipments, hazardous materials, and temperature-sensitive products. Containerization keeps your goods secure and protected from weather or rough handling.

• Cross-border expertise: Our team specializes in managing container freight between China, Central Asia, and Europe. We handle the complex logistics at border crossings – for example, arranging seamless transfer of containers between different railway systems (such as between standard-gauge Chinese railways and wide-gauge CIS railways). This expertise minimizes delays and keeps your supply chain efficient across international borders.

• Cost efficiency: Container rail shipping with Orion-Trans helps reduce overall logistics costs. It lowers expenses on intermediate warehousing and handling, and by preventing damage or loss of goods, it saves money in the long run. Rail transport is also more fuel-efficient per ton-km, which can make it a more economical choice for large shipments.

• Door-to-door flexibility: Containers make multimodal transport straightforward. We can easily integrate rail with truck or even sea transport as needed to provide door-to-door delivery. Orion-Trans offers end-to-end coordination, so your container can be picked up from your facility and delivered to the final destination with minimal transfers, all managed under one umbrella.

By leveraging these advantages, our container rail services ensure your international shipments are fast, safe, and cost-effective – an ideal solution for global supply chains.

Yes. We offer complete, end-to-end logistics solutions for our clients. In practical terms, this means Orion-Trans can manage your shipment from its origin all the way to its final destination. Our end-to-end logistics solutions include initial consulting and planning, arranging the main rail freight transport, and coordinating any additional modes of transport required for first-mile pickup or last-mile delivery (such as trucking to or from the rail terminal). We act as your single point of contact throughout the entire process.

Crucially, we also handle all supporting services like documentation, customs clearance, and cargo tracking as part of our one-stop solution. By providing a door-to-door service, Orion-Trans takes the complexity out of international logistics – you hand us the cargo and we deliver it to the destination, while keeping you informed at every step. This integrated approach ensures a smoother supply chain and saves you time and effort in dealing with multiple service providers.

Absolutely. Managing documentation and customs clearance is a core part of our service. International rail shipments require a range of documents – such as rail consignment notes, waybills, invoices, and sometimes special permits – and even small errors can cause delays at customs. Orion-Trans’s expert team prepares and verifies all the necessary paperwork for your cargo, ensuring that every detail (cargo descriptions, codes, weights, values, etc.) is accurate and consistent across all documents. We work closely with customs brokers and railway officials to make sure your shipment complies with all regulations in each country along the route.

By letting us handle the documentation and customs formalities, you significantly reduce the risk of border delays or fines. Our knowledge of international rail freight regulations means we can navigate complex customs requirements on your behalf. In short, Orion-Trans makes sure the paperwork is in order and your shipment clears customs smoothly – giving you peace of mind and a hassle-free delivery.