"C-Permit" Crisis! Manzhouli Road Port Quota Exhausted—How to Adjust Road Exports to Russia?

Shippers and freight forwarders exporting to Russia, please take note: a significant change has affected the eastern road transport corridor. As of August 17, the annual quota for Chinese "C-Permits" (general cargo vehicle exit permits) at the Manzhouli road port has been fully exhausted. Consequently, Chinese-registered trucks carrying general cargo can no longer obtain exit permits, leading to a backlog of vehicles at the port and a sharp increase in the risk of vehicle detention and port demurrage charges. We have outlined three practical shipping alternatives:

First, switch to the China-Europe Railway Express. Operations at the Manzhouli and Suifenhe rail ports remain stable and are not subject to the road "C-Permit" restrictions; this option is suitable for general containerized cargo—simply book space in advance.

Second, switch to the western TIR road transport route via the Alashankou border crossing. This route operates independently of the eastern corridor's quota system and is suitable for full-truckload (FTL) and oversized cargo shipments.

Third, utilize Russian-registered vehicles for transshipment at the border. Please be aware that market capacity is tightening and freight rates are likely to rise; ensure you confirm quotes and schedules well in advance.

We urge industry partners to avoid unofficial channels for buying or selling permits; such practices are violations that carry the risk of cargo seizure or confiscation. With the peak shipping season for the second half of the year approaching, logistics volatility regarding Russia is expected to increase. We recommend that shippers plan their logistics routes in advance and prepare multiple alternative channels to reduce reliance on any single corridor.