International rail freight forwarding
Rail freight is a practical way to move larger volumes over long overland distances. From Istanbul, SSA Logitra coordinates international rail shipments through qualified rail operators and logistics partners, with road and sea connections planned around each route.
Long-distance overland freight, planned with qualified partners
Rail freight suits shipments that are too large or heavy to move economically by air, routes where an overland connection is more direct than a long sea passage, and cargo for which you want an alternative to long-haul road transport.
SSA Logitra does not operate trains, wagons or terminals. We coordinate each shipment with rail operators, terminal operators and international logistics partners selected for the route and cargo, and plan the road collection and delivery legs or the connection to a seaport, so your cargo moves as one coordinated shipment.
Rail services, schedules and capacity vary by corridor and change over time, so every route is planned individually and confirmed subject to availability. We coordinate the applicable rail consignment note and the transit documentation the route requires with the operators and other authorized parties. Customs procedures are coordinated through appropriately licensed external customs brokerage partners; SSA Logitra does not act as a licensed customs broker.
At a glance
- Load types
- Full containers, wagonload
- Equipment
- 20' and 40' containers, conventional wagons
- Intermodal connections
- Road collection and delivery, seaport links
- Documents coordinated
- Applicable rail consignment note (CIM, SMGS or CIM/SMGS, depending on route and operators), transit documents
- Trade lanes
- Import, export, cross-trade
- Status updates
- Shipment status updates on request
- Insurance
- Cargo insurance upon request, subject to partner availability, coverage terms and quotation.
What we coordinate
Container Rail Transport
Full 20' and 40' containers moved by rail on suitable international corridors, arranged with rail operators and logistics partners subject to route and capacity availability.
Wagonload Shipments
Cargo loaded directly into conventional rail wagons, for goods suited to rail handling where the route, terminals and operators support it.
Intermodal Connections
Road collection to the departure terminal, road delivery from the arrival terminal, and rail–sea connections through seaports, coordinated as one shipment.
Route and Shipment Planning
Routing, terminals, transshipment points and timing assessed for each shipment, including any transshipment where track gauges change, with options confirmed subject to availability.
Rail and Transit Documentation
Coordination of the applicable rail consignment note and transit documentation with the operators and authorized parties who issue and process them, and of customs procedures through licensed external customs brokerage partners.
How it works
Shipment Details
Origin and destination, cargo type, container or wagon requirements, weight and dimensions, and your preferred timing.
Route Planning & Quote
With our rail and logistics partners, we assess the available routes, terminals and connecting road or sea legs, then send you a quotation based on current availability.
Booking & Documents
Once you confirm, we book capacity with our partners and coordinate loading, the rail consignment note, and any transit or customs documentation required.
Transit & Delivery
We stay in contact with our partners through departure, any transshipment and arrival, coordinate final delivery, and provide status updates on request.
Frequently asked questions
When is rail freight a good choice?
Rail freight is often considered for larger or heavier shipments on long overland routes, where air freight would be costly and a sea passage would be longer or less direct. Whether it suits your cargo depends on the route, the rail services available and your timing and budget, and we can compare it with road and sea options for you.
Do you operate your own trains or wagons?
No. SSA Logitra is a freight forwarder. We coordinate rail shipments through qualified rail operators, terminal operators and international logistics partners, and manage the planning, communication and documentation coordination on your behalf.
How long does rail transit take?
Transit times depend on the corridor, the schedules operating at the time, border and transshipment procedures, and terminal conditions. We share an estimated transit time with each quotation, but rail transit times cannot be guaranteed.
Can rail be combined with road or sea transport?
Yes. We coordinate intermodal shipments that combine rail with road collection and delivery, or with sea legs through seaports, so your cargo moves as one coordinated shipment, subject to route and capacity availability.
Which documents does a rail shipment need?
International rail shipments travel under a rail consignment note, together with the commercial documents and any transit or customs declarations required. Which consignment note applies — CIM, SMGS or the combined CIM/SMGS note — depends on the route, the operators involved and the transport arrangements, so not every type is used on every shipment. We coordinate the documents with the operators and authorized parties, and customs procedures through appropriately licensed external customs brokerage partners, as SSA Logitra does not act as a licensed customs broker.
Related services
Road Freight
Need flexible collection and direct delivery across borders? See our road freight services.
Sea Freight
Shipping large volumes overseas? Explore our sea freight services.
Ready to plan your rail shipment?
Send us your origin and destination, cargo details and timing, and we'll review the available rail options and prepare a quote for your shipment.