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China to Europe Rail Freight

China-Europe-rail-freightChina-Europe rail freight services have almost doubled year on year. During April 2020 976 container freight trains departed for Europe from various Chinese locations.

This is partly in response to the capacity issues and rocketing rates experienced on sea and air freight routes in the first quarter. But importers seeking plenty of capacity as well as reliable rates are finding rail freight options from China a cost-effective alternative service.

Demand for rail freight has been growing over the last 10 years – the first train to take 40ft high cube consol containers was launched in 2011, since then the number of Chinese departure points has been steadily increasing year on year.

In early 2020 as COVID-19 brought aviation to a standstill, shippers looking for options to import from China found freight trains a faster and more reliable alternative to sea freight. There is the option of a 24 day transit time from China to Dartford on an express rail service.

For importers looking for alternative freight solutions, it is also worth considering road transport services from China to Europe. Using a 2 man team, transit times are 15-17 days for the 8,000+ km trip.

With peak season approaching speak to us about import/export freight options to suit your timeframe and budget.

July to September is a busy shipping period, don’t get caught out. This is peak season to ensure all stock arrives in time for the build up to Christmas.

peak seasonDuring peak season carriers increase shipping rates in line with the demand for shipping goods before the holiday seasons. This season starts with the lead up to Thanksgiving and Black Friday and goes all the way through to Christmas, covering the busiest period of retail in the year.

Since so many businesses export goods from China, China exports are the main shipments affected by the Peak Season.

Rates are set a month in advance. As Freight Forwarders our TPS Global sea freight team negotiate and hold competitive rates with our preferred carriers.

We use our experience and knowledge of the industry to advise customers and work with them to find the most cost effective solution for their shipping, it could be to try and find a cheaper way of shipping their goods by FCL or routing their goods on different shipments to pay LCL prices.

To request a quote and book now, call +44(0)1622 237979 or email us at sales@tps-global.com to make sure that your goods don’t get held up in peak season congestion.

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