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LTG Cargo Ukraine: Innovation and Growth in Challenging Times – An Interview with Saulius Stasiūnas

In the face of a complex geopolitical situation and a dynamic logistics market, the Lithuanian company LTG Cargo Ukraine, led by Saulius Stasiūnas, is showing steady growth and implementing innovative solutions in freight transportation. As part of the state-owned LTG Group, the company plays a key role in connecting the Baltic states and Ukraine, offering effective logistics solutions and expanding its service offerings.

Recently, LTG Cargo Ukraine carried out several significant projects, including the transport of hopper wagons from Ukraine to Lithuania during the war, grain shipments to Baltic ports, and the introduction of a new method for transporting oversized wagons.
We met with Saulius Stasiūnas, CEO of LTG Cargo Ukraine, to discuss the company’s achievements, current projects, and future plans. In this interview, he shares his vision for the development of rail freight between Ukraine and the Baltic states and discusses how LTG Cargo Ukraine is adapting to modern industry challenges.

– Good afternoon, Saulius. Thank you for making time for our interview. We’d like to discuss LTG Cargo Ukraine’s achievements and future plans.

– Good afternoon. I’m pleased to share insights into our work and development prospects.

– How has LTG Cargo Ukraine managed to increase freight volumes recently, despite the challenging situation in the region?

– Our ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and consistently seek new solutions for clients has driven the increase in freight volumes. Despite geopolitical complexities, we actively expand our services and optimize logistics processes. One of the key success factors has been implementing innovative logistics solutions that reduce delivery time and increase transportation efficiency.

We started offering combined transportation methods, integrating rail and road transport, which helps us bypass problematic infrastructure areas and ensure uninterrupted cargo delivery. Additionally, we have strengthened partnerships with international companies, including Lithuanian and Polish firms, which allows us to leverage their experience and resources to enhance our services.

We’re also heavily investing in infrastructure and technology. Our terminals are equipped with modern equipment, enabling us to handle various types of cargo quickly and efficiently. All of these efforts have contributed to significant growth in freight volumes and strengthened our market position.

Moreover, we actively collaborate with port terminals and border services to improve throughput and reduce border crossing times. All these efforts aim to create an efficient and reliable transport network that will further strengthen ties between the Baltic states and Ukraine.

– What were the challenges of transporting hopper wagons from Ukraine to Lithuania during the war, and how did your team handle this task?

– Transporting hopper wagons from Ukraine to Lithuania during wartime was a major challenge. The primary difficulties lay in disrupted logistics chains, limited infrastructure at border crossings, and heightened safety requirements. However, thanks to our team’s professionalism and coordinated efforts, we overcame these obstacles.

We organized the transport of over 350 wagons of various models scattered across Ukraine. This required close coordination with local railway stations and detailed route planning. We also employed a combined method of transport using both rail and road.

Special attention was given to the procedure of changing bogies at Sędziszów station in Poland, where the wagons switched from the broad 1520 mm gauge to the European 1435 mm gauge. This required additional coordination and strict adherence to technical standards. Thanks to the persistence and professionalism of our team, we successfully completed the project, providing our clients with the needed rolling stock in time for the grain season.

– What advantages does LTG Cargo Ukraine offer for rail freight from Ukraine to Lithuania?

– LTG Cargo Ukraine offers comprehensive logistics solutions, making us an attractive partner for transport between Ukraine and Lithuania. Firstly, we have a well-developed infrastructure and modern equipment, allowing us to handle various types of cargo efficiently, including bulk, liquid, and containerized goods.

Secondly, we provide flexible logistics schemes, including combined transport and transshipment at our terminals in Šeštokai and the Kaunas Intermodal Terminal, reducing delivery time and optimizing costs for our clients.

Additionally, we have extensive experience in organizing international transport and maintain close cooperation with partners in Poland, including LTG Cargo Polska, and other countries. This ensures reliability, safety, and compliance with all regulatory and sanctions requirements. Our ability to respond quickly to market changes and offer tailored solutions makes us a preferred choice for many companies.

– How does LTG Cargo Ukraine organize grain transportation from Ukraine to Baltic ports, and what are your achievements in this area?

– We provide comprehensive solutions for grain transportation from Ukraine to Baltic ports, including the Port of Klaipeda. By using various containers and Big Bags, we can adapt to the diverse needs of our clients.

Our terminals in Šeštokai and the Kaunas Intermodal Terminal are equipped with modern facilities that allow for efficient transshipment between different track gauges, significantly speeding up the transport process and reducing delays.

One of our notable achievements was the successful transport of over 2,000 tons of grain in a single train, demonstrating our ability to manage large cargo flows effectively. We are also expanding our cooperation with agricultural enterprises and traders to ensure uninterrupted supplies and support Ukrainian grain exports to global markets.

– LTG Cargo Ukraine offers tank car transportation. What new logistics solutions are you implementing in this area?

– We are constantly seeking innovative ways to meet our clients’ needs, and tank car transportation is one of these directions. Recently, we introduced a new logistics solution that combines road and rail transport. This allows us to overcome size restrictions on Polish railway infrastructure and effectively deliver large tank cars from Lithuania to Ukraine.

The transshipment occurs at Šeštokai station, where the wagons switch between transport types. We have already successfully partnered with road and rail carriers, and the first shipments were completed in July of this year. This solution not only speeds up delivery but also provides greater flexibility for our clients.

We are also working to optimize this process, implementing modern technologies and enhancing coordination among supply chain participants. Our clients have already noted the advantages of this approach, and we plan to expand this service to meet growing demand.

– Tell us about the new method of transporting oversized wagons from Lithuania to Ukraine. What benefits does it offer your clients?

– The new method of transporting oversized wagons we introduced combines road and rail transport, which is essential for wagons that cannot travel by rail through Poland due to size restrictions. Transshipment at Šeštokai station allows a smooth transition between transport types, ensuring uninterrupted delivery to Ukraine.

The main benefits for our clients are speed and efficiency. They can receive their rolling stock promptly without worrying about logistical obstacles. Additionally, this solution reduces transport costs and minimizes wagon downtime.

– How does LTG Cargo Ukraine ensure full compliance with sanctions against Russia and Belarus?

– Compliance with sanctions and legal requirements is our top priority. Our screening process involves using the Ukrainian sanctions list and other restrictions to minimize risks and avoid working with non-compliant partners. This allows us to guarantee our clients and partners that all operations are conducted in full compliance with laws and ethical standards.

This commitment strengthens our reputation as a reliable and responsible partner, which is especially important in current conditions. We continue to monitor changes in legislation and sanction regimes to adapt promptly and maintain a high level of compliance.

– Thank you for such informative answers. We wish LTG Cargo Ukraine continued success and the fulfillment of all planned initiatives.

– Thank you for your interest in our work. We will continue striving to offer our clients the best solutions and contribute to the development of the logistics industry in the region.

If you are interested in the services of LTG Cargo Ukraine, please contact a representative at sales@ltgcargo.ua to discuss opportunities for developing your business!