According to the TCRC analytical center, transportation costs along the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian Route) have been gradually rising since the beginning of 2026 against the backdrop of instability in the Middle East. Market participants expect further growth. For smaller operators, the actual price, according to major forwarders, can be 5–10% higher than public rates. Carriers also note that delays occur not only due to weather on the Caspian Sea, but also because of lengthy border inspections in transit countries.
What GRANDAR takes into account when calculating the route:
- we compare end-to-end transit time and predictability, not just the rate;
- we factor in border-crossing times for transit countries;
- we keep a backup route and pre-agreed terms for it;
- we do not promise the client a fixed cost without force majeure caveats.
Cheap and reliable at the same time is rarely possible, and an honest calculation always beats a pretty number.