Rail transport from China – advantages, disadvantages and characteristics

In recent years, rail transport from China has gained importance as an alternative to sea and air freight. On the one hand, it enables faster deliveries than ships, and on the other, it is significantly cheaper than planes. For many companies in Central and Western Europe, it has become the so-called golden mean, which allows them to maintain a balance between delivery times and logistics costs.

The development of the New Silk Road, the growing number of connections and the constantly modernised infrastructure make rail transport from China increasingly competitive. However, does this solution have only advantages? What are the real limitations, what should you watch out for and in what situations is this mode of transport really profitable?

In this article, we will look at the characteristics of rail transport from China, its main advantages and disadvantages, and explain when it is the best choice.

Rail transport from China – what you need to know

Rail transport from China is, in fact, much more than just an alternative to sea or air transport. It is a strategic tool in the hands of companies that want to shorten delivery times, optimise costs and become independent of congested ports. However, before deciding on this means of transport, it is worth getting to know the mechanisms that govern it.

The New Silk Road – the main route from China to Europe

Rail transport from China would not be possible without the New Silk Road – an ambitious initiative launched by the Chinese president as part of a long-term strategy to develop global trade between Asia and Europe. In practice, it is a network of logistics corridors leading from various Chinese terminals (e.g. Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing) through China, then through Kazakhstan or Russia to Belarus (Brest/Terespol border crossing) and finally to the Polish railway station in Małaszewicze. It is in this town, often referred to as the gateway to Europe, that goods are transhipped (due to differences in track gauge) and customs clearance is carried out. The cargo is then transported to further distribution points in Poland or forwarded to Berlin and other European cities, depending on the destination.

Due to its geographical location, Poland has become a key point on this route, serving as both a destination and a transit country. It is through Polish railway terminals that goods from China reach most European Union countries.

An alternative to the main route is the so-called Middle Corridor, which bypasses Russia and runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. This route combines sea and rail transport, making it slower and less stable in terms of operations.

Main terminals in China

In China, loading takes place at the largest terminals, primarily in Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Yiwu, Changsha, Tianjin and Suzhou. It is from these terminals that regular trains depart for Europe.

What goods can be transported by rail from China?

The transport of goods by rail from China is extremely flexible in terms of the type of cargo that can be transported. Rail is ideal for both full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) transport, allowing logistics solutions to be tailored to the needs of small and large importers.

The most commonly transported goods are high-value, relatively small-volume and medium-urgency items. These include consumer electronics, household appliances, industrial machinery and parts, clothing, textiles, as well as manufacturing components and interior decorations. Car parts and plastic products are also frequently transported.

However, not all products are suitable for transport by rail. This form of transport is usually excluded for dangerous goods (so-called HAZMAT), bulk batteries, certain liquids and food products that require special sanitary conditions. In the case of goods containing built-in batteries or liquids, they may be accepted for transport after individual verification of documentation and regulations. Due to these restrictions, it is always advisable to consult an experienced freight forwarder who will assess whether the goods in question meet the requirements for transport by rail.

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Advantages of rail transport from China

Rail transport from China is increasingly being chosen as the optimal form of logistics, not only because of its availability, but also because of its advantages, which translate into real benefits for importers. In many cases, it is a solution that combines cost efficiency, punctuality and safety.

Speed of delivery – significantly shorter than by sea

One of the biggest advantages of this solution is delivery time. The average rail transport time from China is much shorter than sea transport. This difference can be crucial for companies that operate in dynamic industries or make regular deliveries.

Costs – a favourable compromise

Rail transport is also a sensible choice from a financial point of view. Although it is more expensive than sea freight, it remains significantly cheaper than air transport and in many cases offers the best price-to-delivery time ratio. This is an attractive option for companies transporting larger volumes of goods or importing regularly, especially with the competitive rates available from reputable operators. In addition, many companies appreciate the price predictability and lower seasonal rate volatility compared to sea transport.

Security – a stable and predictable solution

Rail is considered one of the safest modes of transport. The risk of theft or damage to goods is negligible, and operators often provide access to real-time shipment tracking systems. Freight trains run on fixed routes without stopping at congested ports, which significantly reduces the risk of unforeseen events. Compared to road transport, rail transport therefore offers greater stability, especially over long distances.

Eco-friendliness – environmentally friendly logistics

More and more companies are paying attention to the impact of their activities on the environment. In this context, rail freight transport from China proves to be particularly advantageous. Compared to air and road transport, rail generates significantly lower CO₂ emissions, and a single train can replace a huge number of trucks. This is not only good for the environment, but also an increasingly common requirement of large trading partners.

Reliability and punctuality of deliveries

Thanks to its well-developed infrastructure and growing number of connections, rail transport from China offers high punctuality and predictability. Although delays are possible, they are less frequent than in sea transport, where port congestion and weather conditions often cause delays of several days. For many companies, this punctuality of deliveries is one of the key arguments in favour of rail.

Disadvantages of rail transport from China

Although rail transport from China is becoming increasingly popular, it is not without its drawbacks. When choosing this mode of transport, it is important to be aware of the potential limitations and challenges that may affect delivery times, the range of goods available or transport costs.

Higher costs than sea transport

The most frequently cited disadvantage here is the cost of rail transport, which, although lower than air transport, is still higher than sea freight. For companies that operate on low margins or transport high-volume, low-value goods, this can be an insurmountable barrier. For less urgent orders, sea transport also remains a more cost-effective option.

Risk of delays and the impact of the international situation

Despite its overall reliability, rail transport of goods from China is not completely free from disruptions. Delays do occur on routes. These are most often related to border congestion, rolling stock breakdowns or lengthy customs procedures.

An additional risk factor is the current geopolitical situation, especially in the context of the route through Russia and Belarus. Currently (May 2025), restrictions on the transport of certain groups of goods through Russian territory are in force, which significantly complicates the logistics planning process. Each item must be verified against the customs tariff code (HS code) to ensure that it is not on the list of restricted products. Such checks require time and expertise, and errors can lead to the cargo being detained or refused carriage.

Goods restrictions

Not all goods can be transported by rail. Strict restrictions apply to the transport of dangerous goods, certain liquids, batteries transported in bulk and food products that require controlled temperature or sanitary conditions, as indicated earlier in this article. Although it is possible to transport special goods, each case requires individual analysis and appropriate approval.

Formal complexity and transhipments

Transporting goods from China by rail also involves meeting specific formal requirements, including the preparation of the necessary documents. Although documents such as commercial invoices and consignment notes are standard, rail transport through many transit countries (including Russia and Belarus) requires compliance with a large number of local restrictions, such as the aforementioned verification of customs tariff codes.

An additional inconvenience may be the need to tranship goods at the border, e.g. in Małaszewicze (Poland), due to differences in track gauge between the Russian and European systems. This not only increases transport time but also potentially generates additional costs.

When is rail transport from China the best choice?

Rail transport from China is not a universal solution, but under the right conditions it can be a logistical bull’s eye. It brings the most benefits to importers who are looking for a compromise between speed and transport costs, while expecting high reliability and predictability of deliveries.

This is an ideal option for companies that fulfil regular, recurring orders, regardless of whether they are seasonal products, components for further production or consumer goods. This is because rail provides regular deliveries and predictable costs, which allows for effective inventory planning and reduced downtime.

This solution also works well when delivery time is important but not critical. This applies, for example, to consumer electronics, textiles, interior design elements, and industrial and automotive parts, which theoretically must arrive on time but not necessarily ‘yesterday’.

It is also worth remembering that rail offers both full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) services. This means that this mode of transport can be used not only by large companies importing full containers from China, but also by smaller entities that want to transport limited volumes and use consolidation of shipments from multiple suppliers to a single destination.

Summary

Rail transport from China is currently one of the most interesting and dynamically developing logistics solutions for companies operating on the international market. It combines the advantages of speed, predictability and relatively stable costs, offering a sustainable alternative to air and sea freight. Thanks to the expansion of China-Europe connections, the development of the New Silk Road and the modernisation of terminals, rail transport has become a very important branch of international logistics, especially in the context of European imports, with an emphasis on fast deliveries to Western European countries.

However, transporting goods by rail from China is not a solution for everyone – effective organisation requires a good knowledge of regulations, restrictions and market realities. That is why it is so important to work with an experienced freight forwarder who will take care of the details of the delivery process. A trusted freight forwarder will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you avoid risks arising from customs regulations or geopolitical restrictions.

When properly planned, rail transport from China can give your company a real competitive advantage – without compromising on delivery times or quality.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

When is rail transport from China a good option?

In a nutshell: when you need a shorter delivery time than sea transport can offer, but you don’t want to incur high air freight costs – the Silk Road Railway is the ideal choice. It is the optimal option for regular deliveries, electronics, industrial parts and larger loads.

Are there any goods that cannot be transported by rail from China?

Yes, certain types of goods cannot be transported by rail between China and Europe, including hazardous materials, bulk batteries and certain liquids and food products. Special, demanding loads should always be consulted with an operator specialising in rail freight from this area.