China-Europe Rail Freight: Pros and Cons
Faster than sea and cheaper than air, but rail is not right for every shipment. Here are the pros and cons.
China-Europe rail has grown quickly and is now a serious alternative to air and ocean freight.
Pros
- Roughly half the transit time of ocean freight
- Lower cost than air freight
- Strong for inland European destinations
Cons
- Less frequent than ocean sailings
- Border gauge changes and congestion can affect transit time
- More restrictions for dangerous and sensitive cargo
Best for
Machinery parts, electronics, home goods, auto parts and e-commerce cargo are often a good fit for rail.