Efficient Rail Freight Transport Connecting China and Europe
Fast and Most Cost-Effective Method to Transport Goods Between Two Continents
Rail freight transport is increasingly becoming a favored choice for shipping goods between China and Europe. The standout benefits are its speed and cost-efficiency. Rail is faster than sea freight and more economical than air freight. Transporting goods by rail from China to Europe can take as few as 20 to 25 days, significantly quicker than the 35 days required by sea. Additionally, rail freight is more affordable than air shipping, making it an attractive option for businesses aiming to send products between these two regions. Click here to discover how to find a reliable rail shipping freight forwarder from China.
What is Rail Freight and How Can It Benefit Your Business?
Rail freight is a reliable transport method that moves goods from China to European countries by train. Today, it has become a popular shipping option, comparable to both air freight and ocean freight container shipping. This mode of transport offers businesses an efficient and cost-effective way to manage their international logistics, combining the speed of air shipping with the affordability of sea transport.
Top 3 Benefits of Rail Freight Transport
1. Speed: Faster Delivery Than Ocean Freight
Rail freight is an exceptionally attractive option for shipping goods from China to Europe, as it typically takes about half the time of ocean freight. Depending on the chosen route, the journey from terminal to terminal can be completed in approximately 15 to 18 days. This fast and efficient shipping method is ideal for businesses that need to move their products quickly, ensuring timely deliveries and enhancing overall supply chain performance.
2. Rates: More Affordable Than Air Freight
While sea freight often offers the lowest shipping costs from China to European countries, it requires ample time for delivery. If time is a critical factor, rail freight stands out as the optimal choice. The rates for rail freight from China to Europe are significantly lower than those for air freight, providing a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing speed.
Example: A 20ft container can accommodate 28 CBM of goods, weighing approximately 15,000 KG. The shipping costs are as follows:
- By Train: Around $6,500 USD
- By Ocean Freight: Approximately $4,000 USD
- By Air Freight: About $22,000 USD
3. Environmentally Friendly
Sea freight is recognized as the most environmentally friendly mode of transport, emitting relatively low levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per container transported. While rail freight does produce more CO₂ than sea shipping, it remains a significantly more eco-friendly option compared to air freight. Opting for rail transport not only supports sustainable logistics practices but also helps businesses reduce their overall carbon footprint, aligning with global environmental goals.
Rail Freight Shipping Time from China to Europe
Rail freight transport is rapidly becoming a preferred method for shipping goods between China and Europe, thanks to its exceptional speed and cost-efficiency. It delivers faster than sea freight and is more affordable than air freight. Rail shipments from China to Europe can reach their destinations in as little as 20 to 25 days, outperforming the 35-day transit time of sea routes. Additionally, rail freight offers lower costs compared to air shipping, making it an appealing option for companies aiming to transport goods efficiently and economically between these two regions.
Documents Required for Rail Freight Shipments
Ensuring that all necessary documents are in place is vital for successfully shipping goods from China to overseas destinations. Without the proper documentation, shippers cannot effectively send their goods to their intended destinations. The most important shipping documents for rail freight shipments from China to Europe include:
Commercial Invoice
A detailed invoice that outlines the goods being shipped, including descriptions, quantities, and prices. This document is essential for customs clearance and billing purposes.
Packing List
Provides a comprehensive list of the items included in the shipment, including dimensions, weights, and packaging details. This helps in verifying the contents during transit and upon arrival.
Export/Import Customs Declaration
Required for both exporting from China and importing into Europe, this declaration ensures that the shipment complies with all relevant customs regulations and duties.
Certificate of Origin
This document verifies the country where the goods were manufactured. While some products require a Certificate of Origin, others may not, depending on the specific goods and destination regulations.
Transport Insurance
Depending on whether you choose to insure your goods, transport insurance provides coverage against potential losses or damages during transit, ensuring peace of mind for both shippers and recipients.
Railway Bill of Lading and Delivery Order
The Railway Bill of Lading serves as a contract between the shipper and the rail carrier, detailing the terms of transportation. The Delivery Order authorizes the release of the goods to the designated recipient upon arrival.
Production Certificates (e.g., CE, ROHS, FDA, FCC)
Depending on the destination country’s requirements, specific production certificates may be necessary to verify that the goods meet regulatory standards. These certifications ensure that products are safe and compliant with local laws.
How to Calculate Chargeable Weight for Rail Freight Shipments?
Just like Air Freight and Ocean Freight, the chargeable weight for rail freight is determined by the higher value between the gross weight and the volumetric weight.
What is Rail Freight Chargeable Weight? Is It Based on Gross Weight or Volumetric Weight?
For Less than Container Load (LCL) rail freight shipments, similar to LCL Ocean freight, the chargeable weight is the greater of the gross weight or the volumetric weight. This ensures that shipping costs accurately reflect the space your goods occupy as well as their actual weight.
Example Calculation
Let’s break it down with a clear example:
- Number of Cartons: 10
- Gross Weight per Carton: 12 kg
- Dimensions per Carton: 35 cm × 45 cm × 48 cm
Total Gross Weight:
12 kg × 10 cartons = 120 kg
Total Volumetric Weight:
(35 cm × 45 cm × 48 cm) ÷ 6000 × 10 cartons = 126 kg
Since the volumetric weight (126 kg) is greater than the gross weight (120 kg), the chargeable weight for this shipment is 126 kg.
If you’re unsure about how to calculate the chargeable weight for your rail freight shipments, we’re here to help! Send us an inquiry today to ensure your goods are accurately assessed and shipped efficiently.
Our volumetric weight calculation method is tailored specifically for LCL railway shipments.
When shipping your goods in a full railway container, there’s no need for this calculation—charges apply based on the full container rate.
Contact us directly to receive an accurate quote and determine the chargeable weight for your shipments.
What types of goods can be shipped from China to Europe using railway freight?
Most goods can be shipped by rail freight from China to various countries. Rail freight offers a reliable solution for businesses with heavy and bulky shipments, ensuring timely delivery. Whether your items are large or small, all you need are specialized containers that fit our shipping infrastructure!
With years of experience, one effective method to verify if your goods can be shipped from China is by checking renowned Chinese B2B platforms like Alibaba and Made-in-China. If your products are listed on these platforms, they can be transported via railway from China. Contact us directly to receive an accurate shipping cost for your products.
What types of goods cannot be shipped using Express Freight services?
When it comes to international shipping, express freight can handle the majority of goods efficiently. However, “most” doesn’t mean “all.” There are specific items that carriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, and TNT do not accept. If you’re importing from China, it’s crucial to consider these restrictions upfront to ensure your business operations remain seamless and uninterrupted.
Prohibited Items for Express Freight Shipping from China to All Countries:
- Ammunition
- Bank Bills, Notes, or Currency (excluding coins)
- Cremated or Disinterred Remains
- Fireworks
- Hazardous Waste
- Ivory
- Marijuana, including medicinal use
- Postage Stamps
- Shark Fins
- Shipments Prohibited by Law
- Watches Exceeding $500 USD
What Benefits Do You Receive When Choosing Our Railway Freight Services?
For over eight years, our clients have chosen our company to handle their express shipments, thanks to twelve key advantages outlined below.
1. Enjoy Complimentary Warehousing Services
Many of our clients purchase products from various suppliers and prefer to consolidate their shipments for efficiency. However, differing production schedules can lead to delays when coordinating deliveries from multiple sources. With our free warehousing services, your Chinese freight forwarder can securely store your goods until all shipments are ready to be sent together. This seamless storage solution ensures a smooth and timely import process from China, eliminating the hassle of staggered delivery times and enhancing your overall business operations.
3. Complimentary Pickup Service
Partnering with KFH grants you access to our extensive pickup service available in every city across mainland China. With our years of experience, we've secured substantial discounts from top Chinese express carriers, allowing us to offer lower pickup costs than if your suppliers were to send goods directly to our warehouse. Moreover, our pickup service is completely free of charge, helping you save significantly on your overall shipping expenses.
2. Customs Clearance Support
We assist you with both China export and destination country entry customs declarations, ensuring a hassle-free experience even if it's your first time importing from China. With our reliable customs clearance services, you can effortlessly import any products you need from China to any destination country. Trust our expertise to navigate complex customs regulations, streamline the import process, and ensure your shipments arrive smoothly and on time.
4. Affordable Shipping Insurance for High-Value Shipments
We highly recommend purchasing shipping insurance for your high commercial value shipments. This modest investment provides essential protection against any accidents that may occur during transit. Although losses or damages during shipping are infrequent, having insurance ensures that the entire shipping process is safeguarded more effectively. By choosing KFH to assist you with purchasing insurance, you benefit from very competitive prices without any additional handling fees. Let us help you secure your valuable goods with affordable insurance solutions, giving you peace of mind and enhancing the safety of your shipments.
5. Complimentary Repacking Service
Our repacking service usually involves costs for materials such as tape and the time of our workers. However, when you choose to cooperate with us exclusively, we provide this service at no additional charge. For example, if your suppliers use domestic express shipping cartons to send goods to our warehouse and we find that the carton quality is not suitable for international shipping, or if some cartons are damaged during domestic transit, our team will replace them with high-quality cartons and securely tape them for you—all for free. This ensures your shipments meet international standards without any extra costs, enhancing the reliability and professionalism of your deliveries.
7. Customized Sorting and Shipping Services
When purchasing from multiple suppliers, consolidating your shipments can streamline the shipping process and reduce costs. Our KFH team offers a free warehousing service to collect shipments from various suppliers and sort the items according to your specific requirements. With our reliable freight forwarding expertise, we’ll organize, consolidate, and ship out your goods exactly as needed. Just let us know your requirements, and we’ll handle the rest—all at no additional charge.
9. Exceptional Support from Our Professional Team
11. Competitive Rates for All Express Freight Shipments
6. Strict Confidentiality of Client Information
For shipments sent directly from a Chinese factory to your client’s door, it’s often crucial to keep the final receiver's information confidential from the suppliers. By hiring us as your shipping agent, we can assist with discreetly relabeling cartons according to your specifications, ensuring suppliers do not have access to any receiver details. This secure service helps you maintain the privacy of your client’s information, protecting your business relationships and supporting long-term success.
8. Comprehensive Inspection Service Available
If you’re importing from China and need a dependable freight forwarder to inspect your goods, provide necessary documents, and supply photos or videos before you complete the final payment to suppliers, DFH is your ideal partner. Many of our clients trust us with this critical step, and we collaborate with professional third-party inspection companies to ensure thorough quality checks. Plus, we can secure discounted rates for you, making this service both cost-effective and reliable.
10. Guaranteed Shipping Time for All Express Freight Shipments
12. Trustworthy Partnership Focused on Long-Term Cooperation
Railway Freight from China to Europe: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you arrange pickups from multiple supplier factories and consolidate the shipments?
Yes, we can pick up goods directly from your suppliers’ factories within Mainland China and consolidate them for shipment via rail freight. This service is designed to help you save significantly on shipping costs.
How can I check the transit time for my rail freight shipment?
Once you receive your tracking number, you can track your shipment online. The system will display an estimated shipping time and provide an expected arrival date for your shipment.
Do you assist with customs declaration when we use your railway freight service?
Yes, we have a highly skilled customs clearance team in European countries to assist with entry customs declarations if you prefer not to handle it yourself. Our DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) railway freight service includes the entry customs declaration, so we will manage all customs procedures for you when you choose DDP.
How can I track the status or location of my shipment?
Once your shipment is dispatched, we will provide you with a tracking number. You can use this number to monitor the entire status of your shipment online, giving you real-time updates on its location and progress.
Could you please call and schedule an appointment with the consignee prior to delivery?
Typically, we arrange direct delivery to the specified address. However, if special circumstances require scheduling an appointment with the consignee before delivery, please make this request when placing your order. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
How can I schedule a collection? Is registration required beforehand?
There's no need for registration. Simply email us at info@Keefreight.com, inform your supplier that KFH will act as your company's shipping agent, and we'll work together with your supplier to manage everything smoothly, step by step.
What happens if the shipment cannot be delivered due to the consignee being unavailable?
We will make a re-delivery attempt, or the consignee can arrange a free re-delivery by following the instructions on the 'Delivery Absence Notice.' If the delivery attempt fails again or the consignee remains unreachable, we will promptly notify the shipper and seek further instructions.
How do I create a shipment? Is it necessary to open an account?
There's no need to open an account with us. Simply have your supplier ship the goods to our warehouse. Once received, we’ll verify the weight and size, take pictures, and provide you with a quote. After confirmation, we’ll proceed with shipping the goods to you.
How can I proceed if I don’t know the destination postcode?
In case you don’t know the destination postcode, kindly check with the receiver or contact us for assistance. Providing an incorrect postcode can result in delays and additional fees.
Is rail freight available as a door-to-door service?
Yes, we can arrange rail freight as a door-to-door service based on your requirements. If you prefer delivery to your door, simply await the goods at home after making the payment. Alternatively, if you’re able to pick up from our local warehouse, we’ll waive the additional delivery fee from our warehouse to your location.
How many products can you handle in a single shipment via rail freight?
We offer both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) rail freight services, allowing us to accommodate large, bulky orders as needed. Our partnered carriers load 10-15 containers daily from China to Europe, ensuring ample daily shipping capacity to meet our clients' requirements efficiently.
Can your rail freight service handle shipments from China to FBA warehouses?
Yes, our rail freight service can handle shipments from China to various destinations in European countries, including personal addresses, commercial addresses, standard warehouses, and FBA warehouses. This flexibility has been one of our key service advantages in recent years.
How can I check if my consignee’s address is eligible for standard service?
Our DDP shipping quotes include import taxes, and we handle customs declarations on both ends, providing seamless door-to-door delivery. In contrast, DDU shipping quotes also offer door-to-door delivery but do not cover import taxes.
Does your rail freight shipping method cover tax payments, or do we need to handle them ourselves?
We offer both DDU and DDP options for our railway freight service. DDU provides door-to-door delivery without including taxes, while DDP covers door-to-door delivery with taxes prepaid. By choosing our DDP service, you receive a quote that includes taxes and complete customs declaration assistance.
Is it necessary to purchase insurance when arranging shipments through your railway freight service?
We recommend purchasing insurance for added security on your shipments. While railway shipping from China to Europe is generally a safe route, unforeseen incidents can occur. In the event of loss or damage, compensation is typically based on weight rather than the commercial value. Insurance ensures you receive a full recovery of your shipment’s value, providing peace of mind in case of any issues.
Do You Add Charge Weight When Products Are Received?
At KFH, we uphold logistics standards by honestly weighing and measuring each shipment with precision. We are dedicated to fostering long-term collaborations rather than one-time transactions, ensuring dependable and consistent service for our clients. Additionally, you have the option to verify the weight and dimensions of your products upon receipt, allowing you to confirm the chargeable weight and maintain transparency throughout the shipping process.
What Are the Accepted Payment Methods for Your Air Freight Shipping Services?
We offer a range of reliable payment options to accommodate your preferences, including T/T bank transfers, and PayPal. Additionally, you can securely transfer funds using Alipay or WeChat online transfer methods, ensuring a seamless and flexible payment experience.
Can I Obtain Compensation If My Package Is Lost or Damaged During Shipping?
At KFH, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and reliability of your shipments. If your shipment is lost or damaged, we will reimburse you in accordance with our international shipping and return policies. Additionally, you have the option to purchase insurance for your goods, which provides an extra layer of protection. With insurance, you can receive full compensation in the unlikely event of any issues during transit. Rest assured, such occurrences are rare, and we strive to deliver your goods safely and efficiently every time.
Can I cover the duties and taxes myself when sending a gift, so the receiver doesn’t have to pay?
Yes, our DDP rail freight service from China to Europe includes all duties and taxes. You simply make a one-time payment to us, and the receiver can expect to receive the goods without any additional charges.
What are the key differences between door-to-door and door-to-port shipping services?
Door-to-door shipping means we manage your shipments from the initial pickup at your Chinese supplier's factory all the way to delivery at your specified destination address. In contrast, door-to-port shipping involves handling your shipments from pickup at your Chinese supplier's factory to the destination port, after which you are responsible for collecting your goods at the destination airport.
What should we consider when using rail freight from China to Europe?
Before shipping, first confirm that your goods are permitted for export from China and allowed for import into your destination country. Secondly, request an all-inclusive quote from your freight forwarder to avoid unexpected fees during or after shipment. Once your goods are dispatched, obtain a tracking number from your rail freight provider, allowing you to monitor the entire progress of your shipment online.
Let’s collaborate and work together
With KFH, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits for all your shipment needs. Our experienced sales team is ready to assist you and provide unmatched service. Contact us now to get the ideal shipping solution for your shipments from China!
