Forwardis, together with Hexafret and Captrain, has coordinated a time-critical rail transport of 30 buses from France to Ukraine, demonstrating how rail logistics can deliver under pressure in complex, real-world conditions.
The operation, carried out across the Rail Logistics Europe network, moved from Arras through Germany and Poland to Kyiv, requiring rapid planning and execution across multiple countries and rail systems.
From the outset, the project combined tight deadlines, non-standard cargo and cross-border constraints, leaving little room for error. Transporting buses by rail over long distances is far from routine, requiring a fully tailored solution and close coordination between teams.
A key moment came at the EU–Ukraine border, where the difference in track gauge required each vehicle to be individually transshipped in Zamość. The process demanded precision and strong on-site coordination to keep the operation on schedule.
Despite the complexity, the convoy reached Kyiv within days, with the buses quickly handed over to local authorities in Kyiv and Chernihiv, where they are intended to support evacuation and public transport needs.
The project highlights Forwardis’ role in designing and delivering bespoke rail logistics solutions, particularly for cargo that falls outside standard intermodal flows.
It also underlines the importance of cross-border rail cooperation, bringing together companies such as Hexafret and Captrain alongside local operators to deliver a single, coordinated transport under challenging conditions.
While relatively limited in scale, the operation reflects a broader shift in rail freight: increasing demand for flexible, high-value and mission-critical transports, where speed, coordination and reliability are essential.
