RAILWAY FREIGHT
International railway transport refers to the movement of goods or people across transnational rail networks. It’s commonly used for cross-border land logistics and offers cost-effectiveness, reliable transit times, and environmental efficiency.
Playing an increasingly vital role in global supply chains—especially under the Belt and Road Initiative—international rail transport provides efficient and green logistics solutions for global trade.
Position and Impact of International Railway Freight
Key Role in Global Logistics
International rail freight is a critical component of global supply chains, particularly in Eurasian trade. With the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, networks like the China-Europe Railway Express have expanded, positioning rail as the third efficient logistics option alongside sea and air freight.
Impact of International Rail Freight
1. Boosts Global Trade Efficiency
Rail links Eurasia, bridging gaps between sea and air transport. It’s faster than sea freight (typically 50% quicker) and cheaper than air freight (costing just 1/4 to 1/5 of air cargo rates).
2. Enhances Supply Chain Stability
Amid challenges like pandemics and port congestion, rail offers a stable and predictable alternative, reducing overreliance on volatile sea and air routes.
3. Drives Regional Economic Cooperation
Rail transport fuels economic growth and industrial collaboration across countries along its routes, boosting trade between China, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. For example, the China-Europe Railway Express is now a primary freight corridor.
4. Promotes Green Logistics
Rail emits far less carbon than air or road freight, aligning with global sustainability goals. Its carbon footprint is >70% lower than trucks and >90% lower than airplanes.
5. Supports E-commerce and High-Value Goods
Rail is increasingly used for high-value cargo like e-commerce products, electronics, auto parts, and machinery—meeting demands for speed and reliability.
Conclusion: International rail freight has become the backbone of global trade. It not only improves logistics efficiency but also drives regional cooperation and green development. As infrastructure and policies evolve, rail’s role will grow even stronger.
Advantages of Rail Freight
✅ Cost-Effective
Ideal for long-haul, bulk shipments with lower unit costs than air freight.
✅ Reliable & Weather-Resistant
Less affected by severe weather (typhoons, blizzards) compared to sea/air, ensuring stable schedules.
✅ Balanced Speed & Cost
Faster than sea freight (~50% quicker) and cheaper than air (70–80% savings).
✅ Versatile for Bulk/Specialized Cargo
Handles bulk goods (ores, coal, chemicals, machinery, vehicles) and refrigerated freight.
✅ Eco-Friendly
Carbon emissions are >70% below trucks and >90% below airplanes.
✅ Streamlined Cross-Border Clearance
Routes like the China-Europe Express enable single customs declaration for multi-country transit, cutting delays.
Limitations of Rail Freight
⚠️ Limited Network Coverage
Fixed routes can’t reach all destinations directly (requires trucking for last-mile delivery).
⚠️ Longer Loading/Unloading Times
Complex processes like train assembly, scheduling, and handling reduce efficiency for short distances.
⚠️ Infrastructure Dependencies
Varying rail gauges between countries may require transshipment, impacting speed.
⚠️ Slower Than Air Freight
Unsuitable for urgent shipments needing air-like speed.
⚠️ Low Flexibility
Fixed schedules make rail less adaptable than trucks for small, frequent, or customized shipments.
When to Choose Rail Railway?
✔️ Ideal for:
Medium/long-haul bulk cargo (ores, coal, machinery, auto parts).
Time-sensitive but non-urgent goods (e-commerce, industrial products).
Eurasian trade with rail coverage.
✖️ Not Ideal for:
Short distances (trucks are better).
Ultra-urgent shipments (use air freight).
Destinations without direct rail access (multiple transfers add risk/cost).
In global logistics, rail is a strategic complement to sea and air—especially for cross-border Eurasian trade.
Major International Rail Routes
China-Europe Railway Express: Links China and Europe via multiple Eurasian corridors.
Trans-Siberian Railway: Crosses Russia (9,000+ km), connecting Europe and Asia.
Trans-Asian Railway: Connects China with Southeast and South Asia.
Rail Freight from China
China-Europe Railway Overview
The China-Europe Railway is a transnational freight network connecting China and Europe. As a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative, it offers efficient, economical, and eco-friendly logistics for trade.
Launched: 2011 (Chongqing → Duisburg, Germany).
Coverage: Major Chinese cities (Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Zhengzhou) ↔ European hubs (Hamburg, Duisburg, Warsaw, Madrid).
Transit Time: 12–25 days (faster than sea, cheaper than air).
Main China-Europe Railway Routes
A Friendly Overview of the Three Main China-Europe Railway Routes
The China-Europe Railway Express is a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative, offering a faster and more cost-effective alternative to sea and air transport between China and Europe. It runs along three major routes—each with its own unique path and advantages. Here’s a quick and easy guide to them:
Northern Route
Path: China → Mongolia → Russia → Belarus → Poland → Europe
Highlights: This is the most established and frequently used route. It passes through major hubs like Manzhouli and Moscow, and is known for its mature infrastructure and reliable operations. However, it can face delays during harsh winter months.
Central Route
Path: China → Kazakhstan → Russia → Belarus → Poland → Europe
Highlights: This route starts at border crossings like Alashankou or Khorgos and heads through Kazakhstan. It’s a popular alternative to the Northern Route, helping ease congestion while keeping travel times efficient. It offers a good balance between speed, stability, and flexibility.
Southern Route
Path: China → Kazakhstan → Caspian Sea → Azerbaijan → Georgia → Turkey → Europe
Highlights: This is a newer and more dynamic corridor that combines rail and sea transport. Known as part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), it bypasses Russia entirely, making it an attractive option for companies seeking a politically neutral and increasingly important route.
Transit Times for Major Routes
The China-Europe Railway Express offers a land-based trade lifeline between Asia and Europe. With three major routes—Northern, Central, and Southern—goods can move quickly and reliably through various regions. Here’s a closer look at each route, including estimated transit times and key cities along the way.
1. Northern Route – The Classic Path Through Russia
Estimated Transit Time: 12–16 days
Route:
China (e.g., Chongqing, Shenyang, Harbin) →
Manzhouli (China–Russia border via Mongolia) or via Erenhot (through Mongolia) →
Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) →
Zabaykalsk (Russia) →
Moscow →
Brest (Belarus) →
Małaszewicze (Poland) → onward to Germany, France, the Netherlands, etc.Highlights:
This is the oldest and most frequently used route, known for its high-volume capacity and solid infrastructure. It’s a workhorse route, moving everything from electronics to automotive parts. However, it can face occasional bottlenecks or weather-related delays, especially in winter.
2. Central Route – The Balanced Option Through Kazakhstan
Estimated Transit Time: 11–14 days
Route:
China (Xi’an, Chengdu, Zhengzhou) →
Alashankou or Khorgos (border to Kazakhstan) →
Dostyk (Kazakhstan) →
Nur-Sultan →
Petropavl (Kazakhstan–Russia border) →
Yekaterinburg (Russia) →
Brest → Małaszewicze → EuropeHighlights:
Often considered the most stable and flexible route, the Central Corridor avoids Mongolia and eases traffic from the Northern Route. It passes through Central Asia’s modern logistics hubs and has seen strong growth in recent years. Its connections to key Chinese inland cities make it ideal for exporters looking for speed and predictability.
3. Southern Route – The Multimodal, Russia-Free Corridor
Estimated Transit Time: 14–18 days
Route:
China (Chongqing, Xi’an, Urumqi) →
Khorgos →
Kazakhstan (via Almaty, Aktau) →
Caspian Sea Ferry →
Baku (Azerbaijan) →
Tbilisi (Georgia) →
Kars (Turkey) →
Istanbul → onward to Europe via rail to Sofia, Budapest, Vienna, etc.Highlights:
This is the most geopolitically neutral and flexible option, especially for companies looking to avoid Russian territory. It combines rail and sea segments and is part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Though slightly longer and more complex logistically, it is growing in popularity due to its strategic independence and new infrastructure investment across the region.
Final Thoughts:
Each route offers different strengths—speed, reliability, or geopolitical flexibility. Businesses often choose based on cargo type, destination, urgency, or current global conditions. As the network continues to expand, the China-Europe Railway Express is becoming a cornerstone of modern Eurasian logistics.
Factors Affecting Transit Time
Route choice: Distance and transfers vary by corridor.
Customs efficiency: Delays at borders add uncertainty.
Weather: Extreme conditions (e.g., snowstorms) cause delays.
Cargo type: Special goods (hazardous, refrigerated) need extra checks.
Holidays: Chinese/European holidays disrupt schedules.
Tips to Optimize Transit Time
Pick direct routes to minimize transfers.
Prep documents early to avoid customs hiccups.
Partner with experienced agents for smoother logistics.
Track shipments in real-time using rail/agent systems.
The China-Europe Railway balances speed and cost, making it ideal for time-sensitive mid-budget shipments. Efficiency improves with smart routing and process optimization.
Major European Cities Accessible via the China-Europe Railway from Xi’an
As a key starting point for the China-Europe Railway Express, Xi’an connects to a wide range of major European cities through well-established rail corridors. These connections support both direct services and transfer hubs across the continent. Here are some of the main destinations reachable by rail from Xi’an:
Duisburg, Germany – One of Europe’s largest inland ports and the most frequent endpoint for China-Europe trains.
Hamburg, Germany – A major logistics and shipping hub in northern Europe.
Munich, Germany – A central business and manufacturing center in southern Germany.
Warsaw, Poland – A key transit and distribution hub for Central and Eastern Europe.
Małaszewicze, Poland – An important border terminal and gateway into the EU.
Rotterdam, Netherlands – A leading European port city with strong multimodal connections.
Milan, Italy – A key southern European destination for fashion, manufacturing, and logistics.
Madrid, Spain – Western Europe’s growing logistics hub with increasing rail activity.
Budapest, Hungary – A strategic hub for Southeastern Europe.
Prague, Czech Republic – A central point in the European freight network.
Note: Transit times from Xi’an to these destinations typically range from 12 to 18 days, depending on the route taken (Northern, Central, or Southern) and current border/customs conditions.
Other Chinese hubs (Wuhan, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yiwu, Zhengzhou) connect to most major European cities via direct or transshipped routes, making rail a popular choice.
Standard Rail Process from China
1. Cargo Prep & Packaging
Confirm needs: cargo type, weight, volume, destination, timeline.
Package securely: Use pallets, crates, or containers meeting rail standards.
Prepare docs: Packing lists, invoices, etc.
2. Book Container Space
Choose container type: LCL/FCL, 20ft/40ft, standard/specialized.
Book with a rail agent: Confirm space, schedules, and costs.
3. Cargo Handover & Acceptance
Deliver goods to the rail depot (or arrange pickup).
Depot checks: Packaging, weight, volume, and documents.
4. Transit & Tracking
Real-time GPS monitoring for security.
Transshipment if no direct route.
Customs clearance at borders.
5. Destination Unloading
Arrival notice to consignee/agent.
Unload and inspect for damage/shortages.
Import clearance and tax payment.
6. Final Delivery & Sign-Off
Consignee pickup at the depot.
Optional “door-to-door” truck delivery.
Sign off to complete shipment.
MLS Strengths in Rail Railway
Rich Route Options & Expertise
We optimize routes, schedules, and hubs (e.g., China-Europe, China-Russia, Central Asia, Trans-Asian routes) for efficiency.
Seamless Multimodal Solutions
We combine rail with road/sea (e.g., China-Europe rail + EU trucking) for end-to-end flexibility.
Customs Mastery
We handle declarations, inspections, and compliance across countries (Kazakhstan, Russia, Germany, etc.), reducing delays.
Real-Time Tracking & Safety
GPS monitoring minimizes loss/damage risks.
Cost Control
Bulk bookings and long-term partnerships secure lower rates.
Flexible Service Models
FCL and LCL options to cut costs.
We specialize in route planning, customs clearance, scheduling, and risk control, helping clients ship faster, cheaper, and safer. Rail outperforms sea freight in speed and air freight in cost—perfect for mid-to-long-haul bulk trade.
👉 Contact us for tailored rail solutions or quotes!