Severe congestion at China’s Manzhouli port—one of the busiest overland gateways into Russia—has intensified following a freight train derailment near Zabaykalsk in Russia’s Trans-Baikal region, just across the border. The accident, which occurred late Monday evening, involved several cargo wagons and has temporarily halted rail traffic on a key stretch of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

While no injuries were reported, local authorities have suspended operations on the affected line pending investigation and repairs. The derailment is believed to have been caused by seasonal rail stress and fluctuating ground conditions in the region.

This incident comes as Manzhouli port is already facing significant delays due to surging cargo volumes, frigid weather, and limited customs clearance capacity. The result has been a multi-day backlog of trucks and containers awaiting transit—a situation further complicated by the disruption of cross-border rail connectivity.

Logistics companies with operations in the China-Russia-Europe corridor are closely monitoring the situation. Among them, VIPU International Logistics, a cross-border freight solutions provider, has begun advising clients on rerouting strategies and multimodal alternatives to minimize shipping delays. A spokesperson for VIPU commented, “Situations like this highlight the need for flexible logistics planning and real-time response capabilities, especially for companies involved in trans-Eurasian trade.”

Manzhouli, which handled over 70,000 TEUs in Q1 2025, is a vital hub for inland China-Europe cargo flows. The ripple effects of even brief disruptions—such as this derailment—can impact schedules across vast supply networks, from Chinese manufacturers to European distribution centers.

Experts note that border infrastructure, especially in harsh-weather regions like Inner Mongolia and Siberia, remains vulnerable to seasonal strain. Freight forwarders are now exploring alternative crossings such as Erenhot and Suifenhe, though capacity is limited and rerouting may add days to delivery timelines.

Cleanup operations at the derailment site are underway, with expectations that partial rail service will resume within the next 48–72 hours. Meanwhile, Chinese customs officials have reportedly increased personnel at Manzhouli to expedite cargo processing and ease congestion.

The incident reinforces a growing sentiment in the global logistics industry: resilience is no longer optional. Companies like VIPU Logistics, which offer dynamic routing and integrated air-sea-road solutions, are proving essential in mitigating supply chain shocks and ensuring continuity across borders.

Click here to learn more https://vipulogistics.com/