Although Kazakhstan is landlocked, it is one of the most dynamic container hubs in Eurasia. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or "Middle Corridor") and deepening integration with China have radically reshaped the country's logistics map.
For a freight forwarder or cargo owner, working with Kazakhstan is not just about "bringing and taking." It requires knowledge of dry port specifics, the tariff policies of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), and strict packaging requirements for exported raw materials. Let's break down the container freight market in the Republic of Kazakhstan with figures and practical recommendations.
Key Container Terminals in Kazakhstan
Logistics in the country revolves around several strategic hubs. The choice of destination or origin directly impacts cost and transit time.
Dry Port "Khorgos" (Khorgos Gateway): The main land gateway on the border with China and one of the largest logistics hubs in Central Asia. This is where the railway gauge changes (from the Chinese 1435 mm to the Kazakh 1520 mm) and containers are transshipped. It is the ideal point for consolidating imports from the PRC and dispatching export batches back.
Seaport of Aktau and Port of Kuryk: Kazakhstan's Caspian gateways. They handle the main cargo flow along the TITR: from China by sea to Aktau, then by ferry to Baku (Azerbaijan), and by rail to Europe or Russia. In 2026, the throughput capacity of the Port of Aktau continues to grow, but during peak seasons, there is a shortage of empty containers for reverse exports.
Railway stations in Almaty (Almaty-1, Almaty-2) and Dostyk: The largest distribution hubs for delivering cargo deep into the country. Dostyk works in tandem with Khorgos, receiving the bulk of rail freight from China.
Terminals in Astana and Shymkent: Key points for the final distribution of imports and consolidation of local exports (agricultural products, building materials).
Cargo Matrix: What is Transported in Containers
Understanding the structure of cargo flows helps in selecting the right type of equipment and avoiding issues with overweight cargo or damage.
Imports to Kazakhstan (Origin and Cargo)
China (up to 70% of container flow): Electronics, home appliances, industrial equipment, auto parts, textiles. Main route: rail via Khorgos/Dostyk.
Russia and EAEU countries: Rolled metal, timber, chemical products, foodstuffs.
Turkey and Europe: Construction ceramics, equipment, spare parts. Route: sea to Aktau, then rail or road.
Exports from Kazakhstan (and Suitable Containers)
Grain and oilseeds (wheat, barley, flax): Packaging: 20’ DC using container liners or flexitanks. Containerized grain transport is growing, as it avoids queues at elevators and port grain terminals, delivering cargo directly to the receiving plant.
Ferroalloys and metal products: Packaging: 20’ DC. These are heavy cargoes. Using 40-foot containers here is economically unfeasible and often impossible due to axle load limits on railway tracks.
Cotton and textiles: Packaging: 40’ HC. A light but bulky cargo that is advantageous to pack in high-cube containers to maximize cubic capacity.
Fertilizers and chemicals: Packaging: 20’ DC (in big bags) or specialized ISO tanks for liquid chemical products.
Container Rental Costs in Kazakhstan (2026)
The rental market in Kazakhstan has its own specifics: due to the difficulties of returning empty containers across the border, many local companies prefer to buy used containers (WWT/CW) for static storage or domestic shuttle transportation.
Nevertheless, for international or long-term projects, rental remains in demand. Approximate long-term rental rates (from 6 months) at warehouses in Almaty or Astana:
20-foot DC: $150 – $220 per month.
40-foot HC: $250 – $350 per month.
40-foot HC Reefer: $600 – $900 per month (requires constant monitoring and connection to the power grid, which is critical during the harsh Kazakh winter).
Important: When renting for export (One-Way Lease), the rate may be lower or included in the freight cost if the lessor (e.g., MyContainers) has a need to reposition the equipment to the Port of Aktau or Khorgos station.
Legislative and Logistical Nuances
EAEU Customs Union: The movement of goods between Kazakhstan and Russia does not require customs declaration, but phytosanitary and veterinary controls remain in place. For food cargo in containers, valid certificates are mandatory; otherwise, the cargo will be turned back at the internal border.
KTZ Tariffs and Weight Limits: "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" (KTZ) applies a complex system of tariff coefficients. The main risk is overloading. The maximum load of a 20-foot container is often limited not by its construction (which can hold up to 28 tons), but by the permissible axle load of railway rolling stock or Kazakh roads. Loading a 20’ DC over 26–27 tons may require special permits or be completely prohibited on certain sections.
Winter Logistics: Temperatures in the steppe regions drop below -30°C in winter. For cargo sensitive to condensation (grain, rolled metal, paper), it is critical to use IICL or WWT category containers with perfect door seals and to apply moisture absorbers (hanging silica gel).
Sanitary Treatment of Equipment: When exporting agricultural products, many importing countries (and internal standards) require a fumigation certificate or proof of no traces of previous chemical cargoes. Using CW category boxes with a history of chemical transport for grain is unacceptable.
*The information on this page does not constitute a public offer.
*MyContainers is a partner of MyWay.