Rail Freight from China

Speed

Express shipping is the kingmaker of speed. That is possible through air shipping. On the other hand, rail freight comes in second place. While truck freight can be speedy with one-week delivery for shorter distances and longer for distant deliveries. Sea freight is the slowest option for international deliveries up to a month.

Cost

Think for a moment. Which shipping can be the most expensive?

• Air shipping is the most expensive.
• The second is rail freight.
• The third rank goes to truck freight.
• Sea shipping is the least costly.

Environmental Impact

Air shipping has the highest carbon emissions. Therefore, it is not an eco-friendly option. However, sea freight leaves a small amount of footprints. Rail shipping is the eco-friendly shipping solution available to the user. If you are heading to trucking, shorter-distance shipping can be an eco-friendly option. Longer distances produce carbon footprints.

Capacity

Truck has the lowest capacity for shipping and therefore hits the last-mile delivery options. Air shipping is suitable for small to medium parcels while rail freight is suitable for medium to large parcels. On the other hand, the highest capacity for shipping is sea freight. It can ship hundreds of tons of products in various containers.

Reliability

Air shipping is the most reliable option with a strict schedule and less likely delays. Rail freight is also a reliable shipping service. However, you can face issues like port congestion with sea shipping. Trucking is a suitable option for domestic deliveries and also faces fewer impacts from the environmental conditions.

General Freight Terms

FCL (Full Container Load).
Full container load refers to the whole container filling with the inventory. It depends if your container is a TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) or FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit). Such shipping occurs without any wait as your inventory has filled the container.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Sometimes products are not enough to fill a 20 or 40-feet container and consume half or less space. It comes under the term of less than container load. Users have to wait until the container is complete and ready for shipping.
TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit)
There are two key quantities of container— TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) and FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit). A TEU has a 20-foot in dimensions and saves the bulk shipping.
FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit)
A FEU has a high container capacity almost double the TEU. Depending on the dimensions, it can fill double or more quantities of the products.
Intermodal transport
Not all shipping systems rely on a single shipping mode. Some companies ship products by air from one location to another and utilize another shipping method, such as trucking for last-mile delivery.
Such a shipping model where more than one shipping method is used is an intermodal transport method.

China-Europe Railway Express Terms

CR Express (China Railway Express)
China Railway Express presents a faster shipping method to the users delivering an excellent delivery speed. It provides products to China cheaper than air shipping and faster than sea shipping.
New Silk Road
The new Silk Road is like the ancient one between China and European countries strengthening their relationship. It helps in the rail freight and eases up the shipping experience.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
It is a global strategy that focuses on trade development. China has been on the front line for the success of this initiative and promotes rail freight across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Eurasian Land Bridge
Eurasian land bridge is a road that connects Europe with China. It passes through Central Asia and Russia during the connection.

Documentation and Customs Terms

Bill of Lading (B/L)
Bill of lading is a crucial proof of products handed over by the shipping company to the shipper. It details the product type, quantity, and quality of the items. At customs borders, it serves as a necessary tool for the clearance.
Customs clearance
Customs are the authorities that scan the products at the borders. Their role is to filter out the prohibited products and provide proper routing and shipping of the legal products only. Grabbing a clean chit from the Customs agent is customs clearance.
HS Code (Harmonized System Code)
HS code is a specific code system that classifies the products and defines their import duties. It helps speed up customs clearance and grab an instant clearance by paying the necessary prices and terms.

Logistical Terms

First mile/Last mile
First-mile delivery is the departure of the products from the shipper's warehouse. While the last mile delivery refers to the final shipping to the consumers.
Transshipment
Changing the mode of shipping refers to the transshipment. For instance, port-to-port delivery occurs through sea freight. For final delivery, trucks ship products through inland transportation.
Drayage
Drayage is the process of short-distance shipping. It involves transporting products from the rail terminals or ports. It often occurs through truck freight.
Door-to-door service
Shipping products from the supplier's warehouse to the consumer's defined address is the door-to-door delivery service. It doesn't matter what mode of freight has been used in the door-to-door shipping method.

Time and Performance Terms

Transit time
The overall time consumed by the delivery of products after leaving the suppliers' location to the final delivery to consumers is the transit time. You can think of a shipping time.
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
ETA is the estimated time when the products will arrive. Depending on your shipping method and company, ETA can change.
ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)
ETD is the departure time of the products from the warehouse or supplier's location. It is also a rough time that changes based on the conditions, such as shipping requirements, weather, and shipping service you have used.
Cut-off time
It is the threshold time delivery must reach the shipping company's hands to be included in the subsequent scheduled shipments. Depending on the shipping company, time varies from daily to night and vice versa.
Lead time
The time from placing orders to the final mile delivery refers to the lead time. It includes the manufacturing and order processing times of any delivery.

Transit countries
The incoming countries can be your destination for the shipping. The list of incoming countries includes:

• Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan)
• Russia
• Belarus
• Poland
• Germany
• Netherlands
• France

Significant destinations and transit countries

Rail freight from China passes through various countries and is a destination route. The following countries are the destinations of rail freight from China.

• Germany (Duisburg, Hamburg). In Germany, Duisburg is the most crucial location for rail freight. It facilitates shipping and provides accessible shipping routes.
• Poland(Małaszewicze). It is a transshipment route through which most shipments from China pass.
• The Netherlands (Rotterdam, Tilburg). It is a destination route for shipping.
• France (Lyon, Paris). France is a paramount place for shipping. It offers an excellent shipping route.
• Russia (Moscow, Yekaterinburg). Russia acts as an antique location for Chinese shipments.

Emerging routes

Some rail routes are emerging as a crucial point for shipping from China. You can look for the following routes as the emerging ones.

• China-Turkey-Europe Route
• China-Iran-Turkey Route
• China-Central Asia-South Asia (CASA) Routes
• Trans-Caspian Route

Transit time

How fast do you want your inventory? Technically, rail freight is faster than sea freight but slower than air shipping. Usually, it takes 12-20 days for the rail freight for international shipping.
As a genius, you can select the nearest route for the shipping. Furthermore, optimize the customs process and enjoy faster shipping than usual.

Cost

Generally, you have access to air shipping apart from the other methods. If you don't need products quickly, choose the correct shipping method, such as rail freight.
Now, consider how much your container can be filled. LCL price is more expensive per unit than the FCL. But you only have to consider the FCL when you can fill the whole container. Compare the LCL and FCL costs and choose a suitable shipping method.

Cargo type

Define what types of products you are shipping. Fragile items require special handling. Similarly, petrol or other dangerous products need specialized containers for shipping.
As a user, you must consider all the shipping options for your cargo shipping. When hiring rail freight, ask yourself.

• Is it a suitable option for your shipping?
• Does it offer special handling?
• Can you safely ship using the given shipping option?

Customs documentation

Trade agreements are the decisive factors for customs clearance. Before you choose the shipping, read through the trade agreements. You can get instant clearance if they are intact and promote the trading.
Before jumping into international trade, keep your documents handy. Attach the right HS code to your products. Finally, grab all the documents necessary for the clearance.

Tips for optimizing your route selection

Route selection is the easiest task if you know how to opt for the right products and shipping method. The quick outlook of all the steps is here.

• Shipping routes available. Check all the shipping routes and their total distance. Select the one that is proximal to your destination location.
• Don't forget the pricing. Fuel pricing to other charges, all impact the overall shipping. Try to make way with the most affordable shipping options.
• Intermodal transport solutions. Some routes don't reach your destination. So, is there any solution to get such addresses? You can try the intermodal transport solutions. For example, air shipping can be used with rail freight for the final delivery.
• Consider advanced technology. Advanced technology can get you instant tracking facilities and safer shipping. Deploy the latest tools and optimize your shipping with advanced tech.

1) Assessing Your Needs

Assessment of the accurate needs can streamline the freight selection. You have to consider all the shipping options and relevant aspects.
Evaluating your shipping volume and frequency
First of all, consider the shipping volumes and frequencies. Consistent orders with large shipping volumes urge the shipping companies. They open doors to more flexible payments and provide discounts.
Determining the time-sensitivity of your shipments
Some goods need urgent shipments. Others might not have a specific time. Differentiate your goods based on time sensitivity. Rail freight usually offers a decent speed yet you have to think of the timeframes with the strict shipping deadlines..
Considering the nature of your goods (size, weight, value, fragility)
What types of products are you shipping? Fragile and dangerous items require additional care. They often come with additional costs for handling. Weight and size calculations can define the overall costs of your shipping freight. So, consider all the shipping aspects including their nature.

5) Packaging and Labeling Your Goods

Packaging and labeling of the products must be your as per the standards. Rail shipping is different from the air. So, packaging rules are quite different.
Guidelines for rail-appropriate packaging
Rail freight has more exposure to ineffective weather conditions. Moreover, it needs robust material shipping instead of fragile ones. The first activity is to monitor the packaging and make it more robust. Go for wooden crates or other materials that best fit the shipping choices.
Labeling requirements and best practices
Labels must be waterproof to be intact. Make sure you fasten with powerful glue or excellent tapes for the integrity of your packaging. The information must be complete and precise.
Considerations for climate changes during transit
Climate change can impact the overall conditions. Therefore, go for the waterproofing and weatherproofing of your packaging. Electronics and perishable products must have separate packaging that must be secure and easy to assemble.

Northern Route (through Russia)

The shipping occurs to Russia and Northern Europe. The time taken is almost 12-20 days for most of the countries on this route.

Central Route (through Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus)

It connects China with Germany, France, and Western Europe. The shipping time is 15-18 days.

Southern Route (through Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Eastern Europe)

The time frame is higher than in other areas. It takes almost 18-24 days to ship products to Southern Europe.

Proper packaging for rail transport

Go for the high-end packaging with high density. Consider:

• Packaging must be moisture-resistant.
• It must have multiple layers for safety.
• Packaging must be sturdy and safe for stacking items.

Container types and sizes

Various types of containers are currently the components of rail freight. Take a look.

• 20-foot containers have a dimension of 20 feet and can handle thousands of kilograms.
• 40-feet containers are double of 20-feet ones and offer shipping for bulkier items.
• Open-top containers Some containers have an open top and are used for oversized cargo.
• Reefers These containers are suitable for temperature-sensitive products.

Loading regulations and best practices

Always follow the best practices to avoid accidents during storage and shipping. Here are a few tips.

• Consider the equal weight distribution across the container.
• Use airbags to elevate the safety of the products.
• Secure the container with the robust straps and enjoy the next-level shipping support.
• Fasten the safe and waterproof labels to the containers.

Required documents for rail freight

Customs documents are the same for rail freight. The list includes:

• Bill of lading
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin
• Licenses
• Customs Declaration

Customs clearance process

Think of the customs process as a sketch.

• Pre-clearance. Consumers have to submit the documents necessary for clearance.
• Inspection. The Customs team checks the products and assesses their authenticity. It also confirms the license authentication.
• Duty and tax payments. Pay the customs duties for the clearance.

Tips for smooth customs procedures

The customs process can be complicated for beginners. But make it straightforward by adopting the following points.

• Accurate documentation. Pick all the documents and verify them before submission.
• Get help from a customs broker. Use customs brokers to speed up the clearance process.
• Deploy digital tools. Nowadays, online tools have reduced error probability. You can try them for faster clearance.

Incoterms

Incoterms vary from one country to another with the respective rules. We have added the key incoterms for the rail freight.

• In free onboard shipping, the supplier is responsible for the damage or loss until the products get loaded on the rail freight.
• Suppliers take responsibility for cost, insurance, and freight until the products reach the destination port.
• DDP. In the delivery duty paid terms, the seller is responsible for paying the customs duties and taxes implemented on the shipment.

Understanding liability limits and coverage

Limited coverage is often associated with rail carriers. Technically, consumers have to opt for additional insurance services for complete insurance coverage. Therefore, consider the overall rule assimilation for the shipping. Don't hesitate to jump into your products if extra insurance is needed for your products.

Common issues in rail freight from China

• Delays due to border crossings. Some borders require extensive inspection and relevant services depending on the relationships with China. It leads to delayed shipping and imminent problems.
• Weather issues. Extreme weather, such as fog and other disasters, can result in delayed delivery. It is an extreme issue for the consumers.
• Geopolitical factors. Consumers can consider the delays if there is political instability in the country.

Strategies to mitigate risks and delays

• Documents preparation. Prepare your documents on time. Think of all the necessary tools required. Keep them ready.
• Real-time tracking. Get the instant tracking facilities. Check the possible delays while tracking your products.
• Diversification of routes. If one route is busy, another one may not be. Consider all the alternative routes for shipping.
• Use off-peak hours. Reschedule the shipments to off-peak seasons. You'll not only avoid the delays but also get reduced quotes.

• Source products
• Warehouse
• Consolidate
• Ship them to your destination location.

Consumers can save the price and enjoy the next-level railway shipping services. JustChinaIt also provides timely shipping facilities for doorstep shipping. Get affordable prices and minimize your costs right away!