Bypassing blockade: First trucks depart from Poland to Ukraine by rail
Photo: Ukrzaliznytsia sends first batch of trucks across border with Poland (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrzaliznytsia has sent the first container train with trucks to Poland. The company worked on the project for two weeks. The train consists of 23 platforms loaded with 13 trucks and semi-trailers, according to the statement from Ukrzaliznytsia.
According to Ukrzaliznytsia, the train operates on the route from Sknyliv (Ukraine) to Slawkow (Poland).
Customs and border clearance of the cargo takes place at the railway border crossing point Izov - Hrubeshiv. Currently, there are still formal issues regarding the swift crossing of the Polish border, but experts are already working to expedite the process.
"Similar trips will be organized in the opposite direction. From the Slawkow station, trucks proceed to their destination by road," the company announced.
The transfer of truck drivers from the loading point to the railway platform and from the unloading point is provided by a bus.
Border blockade
Recall that Polish carriers began blocking three border crossing points in early November. The blockade has already affected the volumes of imports of products from Europe. In early December, Slovak carriers joined the blockade.
According to preliminary estimates by the National Bank of Ukraine based on Customs data, the share of road transport in the value of export volumes was about 35% in 2023, and for imports - 70%.
"Allowing for transport delays at the current level, the maximum monthly reduction is estimated at $160 million for exports and $240 million for imports," noted the NBU.
According to experts, Russian special services are likely involved in the border blockade with Ukraine by Polish carriers.
