Grain Storage and Transportation: What to Consider When Choosing an Elevator

Choosing a grain elevator is not only about the storage tariff. Availability of capacities, harvest processing, and subsequent shipment costs are also crucial.

The new E-ZERNO module allows users to search for elevators based on location, prices, and available space. Simultaneously, UGAIB has addressed the government and the Antimonopoly Committee regarding the procurement conditions for grain carrier services and wagon repositioning on the European gauge.

What can be compared on E-ZERNO

Elevators can provide information on tariffs, available capacities, and the crops they accept. Offers may also include drying, cleaning, and grain loading services.

Farmers can compare options based on location, cost, and availability. Before making a choice, it is advisable to clarify which specific services are included in the tariff and whether the capacity meets the required period.

Railway logistics: UGAIB's position

According to the association, services for using grain wagons and wagon repositioning on the 1435 mm gauge were sold as a single lot at auctions. It was not possible, based on the data, to order repositioning separately.

UGAIB reported that at the September 22 auction, for 450 grain wagons, the average weighted rate increased from 3,371 to 10,600 UAH per wagon per day. On the September 25 auction, for 90 wagons, the price reached 13,044 UAH per wagon per day. Both auctions, according to the association, were won by LLC “Vadul-Siret Terminal”.

The association called for separating these services, ensuring equal access to wagon repositioning, and transparently distributing wagons based on confirmed cargo readiness. UGAIB also requested the AMC to investigate the situation. This reflects the association’s position and proposals, not a finalized decision.

How to compile a comprehensive cost assessment

• Compare tariffs of several elevators for the same set of services.
• Clarify available capacities, acceptance of the required crop, and drying and cleaning conditions.
• Include the costs of grain delivery to the elevator and subsequent shipment in your calculations.
• For railway routes, separately verify access conditions to wagons and wagon repositioning on the European gauge.

What this means for the market: digital comparison of elevator offers helps grain sellers see alternatives, but decisions should be based on the total cost of storage, processing, and logistics. For elevators, AgroPost and other platforms with offers are an opportunity to clearly showcase tariffs, available capacities, and services to potential clients.

Grain elevators in Ukraine: directory, map and contacts