Rail forwarding – rail container transport from Asia and within Europe
Rail combines the advantages of sea and air transport: it is considerably faster than shipping by sea and usually cheaper than flying. We organise international and domestic rail transport – both container and groupage – with delivery to the address you specify.
Rail transport from China and Asia to Europe
We specialise in comprehensive freight forwarding services, including domestic and international rail forwarding. Regular rail services connect the industrial centres of China and Central Asia with terminals in Europe, including Poland. Moving a container by rail usually takes approx. 3–4 weeks, which is much shorter than by sea. It is a good solution when the delivery date matters to you and air freight would be too expensive.
Trains to Europe run along various corridors – both via transhipment terminals on the eastern border of the European Union and along the Middle Corridor through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus. When choosing a route, we take into account the sanctions in force, restrictions on specific goods and the current situation at border crossings. We also continually propose new connections that emerge as supply chains change.
Container or groupage?
- FCL – a full 20′ or 40′ container dedicated to one shipper,
- LCL – a groupage shipment in a consolidated container, when you have anything from one to a dozen or so pallets.
Rail transport in Poland and Europe
Rail is also an efficient way to move containers between the ports of Gdynia and Gdańsk and inland terminals in Poland and across Europe. Within a single order, we combine rail transport with sea and road transport. In intermodal transport, the goods stay in the same container – only the mode of transport changes.
Advantages of rail transport
- Time – several weeks faster than sea freight on the Asia–Europe route.
- Cost – usually considerably cheaper than air freight.
- Predictability – regular, scheduled services.
- Environment – lower CO₂ emissions than air and road transport.
- Security – the container is sealed at the shipper’s premises, and we monitor the transport on an ongoing basis.
Our partners often find this solution better than sea freight – depending on whether their priority is time or cost. You will find a comparison of all options on the China route on the Freight from China page.
How does a rail freight order work?
- Enquiry – cargo details, collection and delivery locations, date the goods will be ready.
- Quote – proposed route, timeline and cost.
- Collection and loading – collection of the goods, container loading and delivery to the terminal.
- Carriage – export clearance, preparation of the consignment note (e.g. CIM/SMGS) and transport.
- Clearance and delivery – import clearance and delivery to the address you specify.
Free quote
Describe your cargo – we will prepare an offer tailored to your route, timeline and budget.
Frequently asked questions
How long does rail transport from China to Poland take?
Usually approx. 3–4 weeks from terminal to terminal. The transit time depends on the route, the departure station, transhipment at borders and the current situation at border crossings.
Is rail transport cheaper than sea freight?
Usually not – rail is more expensive than sea freight, but much faster. It is chosen when timing matters and the cost of air freight would be too high.
Can I send a few pallets by rail?
Yes. In addition to full containers, we also organise LCL groupage shipments in consolidated containers.
Can any goods be transported by rail from Asia?
No. Restrictions result from transport regulations, sanctions and operators’ terms and conditions, and apply, for example, to some dangerous goods and dual-use goods. We check every shipment before accepting the order.
Ask about rail transport
Tell us the departure station or city, the place of delivery, and the type and weight of the goods – we will propose a route and timeline.
or call: +48 888 888 180 · email: spedycja@loglobcargo.com