Rail Freight to and from China: a sustainable choice between sea and air freight

Are you looking for an alternative to sea or air freight? Rail freight between China and the Netherlands is a good choice in terms of speed, sustainability, and cost. Van Thiel Transport handles your complete rail shipment: from factory in China to delivery in the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe. With fixed routes, reliable partners, and transparent communication, you know exactly where your goods are.

Would you like more information about rail transport from China? Our staff are happy to tell you more. On weekdays, you will usually receive a response within one hour.

When should you choose rail freight from China?

Rail freight from China is ideal if you want faster delivery than sea freight, but don’t want to pay the higher rates of air freight.
Rail transport is a good choice when:

• A delivery time of 15 to 20 days is acceptable
• You want lower CO₂ emissions for your transport
• You want to make your logistics chain more sustainable
• You want regular replenishment of your e-commerce goods without the higher costs of air freight

Van Thiel Transport is happy to advise you on the optimal route for your shipment.

The advantages of rail freight from China

Trains depart daily from major Chinese cities to Europe. This means rail transport offers several advantages:

• Faster than sea freight
• Lower costs than air freight
• More sustainable thanks to lower CO₂ emissions
• Reliable delivery times via a fixed train connection
• Flexible combinations with sea or air freight

Transit times and costs of rail freight from China

The average transit time for rail freight between China and the Netherlands is between 15 and 20 days. The exact duration depends on the point of departure and the final destination.
The costs are influenced by the following factors:

• Weight and volume of the shipment
• Type of goods (general, hazardous materials, e-commerce)
• Selected Incoterm (FOB, CIF, DAP)
• Customs formalities and route planning

Thanks to our network, we offer competitive rates and regular transport, ensuring your goods arrive without delay. Would you like to know the costs and delivery time for your shipment? Our staff will be happy to inform you about the options.

Documentation and customs clearance for rail freight from China

Van Thiel Transport can handle all administrative matters for you, so you don’t waste time on this. We take care of:

• Checking and preparing all transport documents (CMR, packing list, commercial invoice)
• Customs clearance and import clearance in the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe
• Advice on VAT and import duties
• Coordination with suppliers and terminals in China

This ensures your rail transport runs smoothly, error-free, and without unnecessary delays.

Rail Freight and E-commerce from China

Due to the growth of e-commerce, demand for rail freight is growing: it offers faster delivery times than sea freight and lower costs than air freight. This is ideal for online stores and wholesalers who want to find a smart balance between speed and margin.

Van Thiel Transport specializes in e-commerce logistics and Amazon FBA transport. We manage your shipment completely: from collection at the manufacturer to delivery to the European warehouse.