Demand in intermodal transport between Turkey and Europe hits record high in September.

The reopening of industries in Europe, together with pandemic restrictions affecting road transport, means demand is exceeding supply in intermodal solutions. In September, 42 intermodal trains passed through Kapikule border every week. These trains carried about 1500-trucks-equialent load weekly.

Rail Cargo had led this traffic increasing its Halkali trains to 9 departures. Together with 2 Cerkezoy trains, this company manages 11 export and 11 import intermodal trains each week.

Together with PIMK, Hupac/Turkrail and Mars intermodal trains, 21-22 trains passed though the Kapikule border every week in each direction.

Though traffic has increased by 25% and started pushing the limits of Halkali, Cerkezkoy and Kapikule, TCDD Tasimacilik is reported to operate quite well, not causing any big problems in Turkish side. The biggest obstacle for more trains is mainly engineering works in Serbia and Romania.

Since intermodal exports from Turkey exceeds imports, securing containers to load has become a bigger problem. Intermodal operators are shifting empty containers from Europe to Turkey.

Ro-Ro connected intermodal traffic is still getting the biggest share of Turkey-Europe freight traffic. Vessels with a capacity of 200-400 units depart over 10 times per week from Turkey to Europe.

Cover photo: Turkrail ©