AsstrA corporate group clients increasingly relying on rail transportation. The advantages of rail transport include regularly scheduled departures, stable pricing, excellent cargo safety, and the possibility to constantly monitor cargo. In addition, rail transport is the most environmentally friendly transport mode.

Taking into account ever-growing interest in rail transport segment, AsstrA has expanded its integrated transport services portfolio to include third party fleet management for customers who own rolling stock. As part of this service, AsstrA specialists handle dispatches, execute shipping documents, process railway tariffs, and organize uncoupling repairs.

The parent company of JSC Belarusian Metallurgical Plant (BMP), a key client of the AsstrA corporate group’s key clients, has been one of the first users of the new service. Since August 2019, BMP has outsourced the management of a fleet of wagons to the AsstrA railway department.

“Professionalism and teamwork are key success factors in the implementation and development of this new service, and they helped us win the tender. The client chose us,” says Katerina Suhanova, Head of AsstrA Steel Logistics.

 

 

 

This service is designed for companies for whom the operational management of rolling stock is not a primary business activity. Outsourcing a wagon operating unit allows such a company to save time as well as financial and human resources.

“With the agreement of the railway depot and the Russian Railways’ technical service point, AsstrA has taken control of the client’s rolling stock and will quickly flag any necessary repairs. Thanks to established relationships with reliable suppliers, we deliver any necessary components promptly, organize repairs, and settle payments. Freed from handling these routine activities, customers can focus on their core business processes,” says Andrej Sulla, Deputy COO for Rail Freight Transportation at AsstrA.