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CN Freight Train | The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Introduction

CN freight trains are connecting international markets with each other to create a better logistical bond.

They are reaching the corners of the countries to bring the best of what the country has to offer.

Keep reading to know everything about CN Freight and a Chinese freight train.

In this FAQ guide, we will answer your questions and help you understand better.

Table Of Content

1. How Does CN Freight Train Work?
2. How Many Locations Does CN Freight Train Cover?
3. What Are CN Rail Shipping Rates Determination Factors?
4. How Is CN Freight Train Cost Calculated?
5. Can Chinese Freight Train Deliver Fragile Goods?
6. Is There Any Weight Limit In Chinese Freight Train?
7. Is FCL And LCL Available In CN Freight Train?
8. What Sizes Of Containers Are Available In CN Freight Trains?
9. What Documents Are Needed In CN Freight Trains?
10. Can CN Freight Trains Be Tracked?
11. What Is the Chinese Freight Train Customs Clearance Process?
12. Why Should I Choose CN Freight Train?
13. Does Chinese Freight Train Provide Door To Door Delivery?
14. Who Assembles Cargo In CN Freight Train?
15. Who Pays For Customs Clearance In Chinese Freight Train?
16. What Are The Prohibited Goods In CN Freight Trains?
17. How Long Does CN Freight Train Take To Reach Their Destination?

1.     How Does CN Freight Train Work?

A Chinese freight train or CN freight train is used as national and international railway transportation in China.

The railway first started its operation in 1876 as the main railroad freight system of the country.

The freight method is scattered all over the country with headquarters in Beijing and other important cities.

CN freight train companies are an integral part of the freight between China, Europe, and Central Asia.

All these Chinese freight trains are registered under The Ministry of Transportation of China (NVOCC).

The rail freight companies ship a wide variety of goods, which includes coal, lumber, newsprint, vehicles, automotive parts, petroleum, chemicals, agriculture goods, etc.

Freight trains are an excellent mode of transportation for carrying bulky cargo loads to further locations.

Chinese freight forwarder companies also provide rail freight services to their clients where possible.

As rail routes are not available for many locations worldwide, it limits the facility for many importers.

HART Worldwide Logistics is offering rail freight services from China to every country that allows freight trains.

Freight train forwarding is fast, reliable, and cost-effective, which can reduce your overall shipping costs.

2. How Many Locations Does CN Freight Train Cover?

The CN freight train ships to several prominent locations nationally and internationally.

From the east coast of China to the major European cities.

Along with that, they have a stronghold in other international locations, including the United Kingdom.

China has a rail track network of approximately 150,000 kilometers.

With shipping ports in several vital locations, they can serve in an extensive amount of areas.

Having the second-largest railway in the world, China rail freight services operate on a massive scale.

The 150,000 kilometers route track can send goods from across the continents.

CN freight train have successfully captured the European market with its impeccable capacity and broad rail routes.

With 288,729 recorded employees as of 2020, China rail freight can carry goods in larger-than-life capacity.

The freight train ensures the safety of your goods and helps you reach the markets you need.

They cover over 23 destinations, have several terminals, and an increasing number of distribution centers in Europe.

China freight trains have been connecting the logistical bridge with Europe and connecting ports on different coasts.

They can reach even the deepest sources to extract raw materials, as well as finished goods, to the market.

3. What Are CN Rail Shipping Rates Determination Factors?

CN rail shipping rates are not fixed for all types of shipping.

There are a number of factors that determine the shipping rates.

Let’s see what these are:

Type Of Your Goods

Your commodity type is an integral part of determining your CN rail shipping rates.

If you are shipping dangerous items, bulky equipment, animals, or anything that differs from the standard shipping class, it will cost higher.

Along with that, sensitive articles or goods which need more protection will also cost you more.

Distance

Your distance from your supplier’s port is one of the most important factors that can change your shipping rates.

If the distance is longer from one port to another, the rates will get higher.

However, rail freight costs are generally less than air freight, and they provide precise shipping time than sea cargo.

Rail freight has less fuel cost, and it is eco-friendly.

Customs Duty

Customs duties and taxes will be added to your total rail rates.

Your goods type, size, and price will be consistent when calculating your customs duty and tax.

Other than these, freight costs, terminal costs, additional freight services will alter your CN rail shipping rates.

4. How Is CN Freight Train Cost Calculated?

CN rail shipping rates are calculated in one of two ways.

Like any rail freight service, the cost is based on either actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever one is higher.

The calculation process is simple and easy.

Your freight forwarder can calculate the cost for you, or you can knock to get a shipping quote.

You have to give your cargo details to your freight forwarder to get the correct shipping quote.

The weight of your cargo is multiplied by the chargeable amount to get the exact rate.

The actual weight of your cargo is the gross weight of your shipment, including pallet weights and packaging materials.

On the other hand, volumetric weight is calculated.

To get your volumetric weight, you have to multiply the length, width, and height (L × W × H) of your cube in inches.

The amount will then have to be divided by 6000 to get the number in kilograms.

Additional costs like fuel surcharge, customs clearance charge, other freight facility charge, terminal charge, pallet rates, etc., will be added to the total shipping rate.

5. Can Chinese Freight Train Deliver Fragile Goods?

Although you can ship fragile goods on a Chinese freight train, it is advised not to.

In rail freight, the goods are often piled inside the containers and carried in a larger quantity.

The goods might also get damaged during loading and unloading because of the character of this freight method.

However, if you are to transport fragile goods by rail, you have to take all the necessary precautions.

Your packages need to be labeled with fragile signs and which way to face them.

Add additional protection and safe packaging materials before handling them to your forwarder.

An assembly agent can make your task easier by handling the goods on your behalf.

They can also help you with the product packaging and loading process.

Your freight forwarder company can also provide you with assembly services.

HART Worldwide Logistics can ensure your package’s safety and provide hassle-free delivery of your fragile. Our security is unmatchable, and we provide on-time delivery without any interruption.

To know more on how fragile goods should be packed, you can watch this YouTube video-

6. Is There Any Weight Limit In Chinese Freight Train?

No, there is no weight limit for a Chinese freight train.

Train freights are an excellent method to ship large cargo loads in the quickest way.

No matter how big your cargo load is, it can always be shipped on a Chinese freight train.

Train freight has several cargo options and container sizes for any goods shipping.

You can ship chemical items to household goods, machinery, furniture, etc.

You can even ship hazardous materials.

However, you have to hire a container by yourself to avoid any shipping-related disaster.

Cars, trucks, even trains can also be shipped on a Chinese freight train.

You can speak with your freight forwarder company about your cargo and specifications.

You will get better assistance on what type of containers and shipping facilities you need for oversized cargo.

7. Is FCL And LCL Available In CN Freight Train?

Yes, FCL and LCL shipping is available in CN freight train.

For larger cargo loads and bulky materials, FCL is more appropriate.

LCL can carry small to oversized cargoes on a shared container.

FCL, which is also known as full container load, offers more space and is cost-effective for transporting vast quantities of goods.

LCL or less than container load is a comparatively smaller package which does not need too much space.

In FCL, the cargo is entirely obtained by you, including all the payment responsibilities.

Here, you will have to pay for the customs duties and taxes, container charge, freight cost, all by yourself.

In LCL, as you are shipping in a shared container, all your costs will be shared as well.

You and your LCL container partners will divide the costs as per your respective cargo loads.

HART Worldwide Logistics provides LCL and FCL cargo facilities for the clients.

You can choose from the available shipping options as per your requirements.

For more information on LCL and FCL cargo, you may want to watch this YouTube video-

8. What Sizes Of Containers Are Available In CN Freight Trains?

CN freight trains offer different sizes of containers for your diverse needs.

They have containers for your different necessities and for holding small to vast numbers of goods.

The freight containers also vary in the type and size of your products.

Chemicals, automotive, coal, fertilizers, food, and beverages, consumer goods all require different sizes of containers, and CN freight train have everything for any cargo.

Other container types and sizes are refrigerated containers and special containers.

For standard goods shipping, dry van containers are most apt.

CN freight train can do double stack shipping, and for that, the containers need to have a similar size to help them stack and secure.

Containers come in different sizes like 8ft, 8.5ft, 9ft, 9.5ft, 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft.

Some types of container sizes can vary with their specialties like car carriers, flat racks, tunnels, tank containers, coil carriers, open tops, bulkers, and others.

You can speak with your freight company to get the best advice on which size of the container will be the best fit for your needs.

9. What Documents Are Needed In CN Freight Trains?

Documents are essential for shipping, and almost the same procedures apply in all the freight methods.

However, some freights require some additional paperwork, and if you are shipping restricted items, you will need permission.

Some goods need some extra documentation to import.

These rules are implied to maintain the citizens of the country’s safety and to ensure a secure freight journey.

The documents needed in CN freight train are-

• Commercial Invoice
• Export/ Import Declaration
• Rail Waybill
• Packing List
• Certificate Of Origin

Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice contains the addresses of your supplier and yours, as well as details about the cargo, its type, weight, and freight details.

It is an essential document for customs clearance, and it is used to issue other necessary customs paperwork.

Export/ Import Declaration

The export and import declaration is issued when the customs clearance in both ports is content with the provided information and sees the cargo is fit for further process.

Export declaration is made in the supplier’s country when the goods leave the port of origin.

Import declaration is confirmed in the importer’s country after checking and monitoring the goods.

When the customs officers ensure that the goods are imported legally and there is no problem in the shipment, they issue the document.

Rail Waybill

The rail waybill is only issued in rail transport.

Like sea and air waybills, the rail waybill is proof that the freight forwarder company had possession of the goods, and they are transported legally.

Packing List

The packing list holds details about every single product in the shipment.

The dimensions, weight, type, price, etc., are recorded in this list.

It gives a clear idea to the customs officers about the goods that are imported.

Certificate Of Origin

To mention the manufacturing origin of the imported goods, the certificate of origin is created.

The origin of the products explains a lot about the quality and durability of a product.

Some countries impose extra precautions on the quality of their goods; hence this document is issued.

10. Can CN Freight Trains Be Tracked?

Yes, you can track your cargo while they are still on the freight train.

You will receive a container number after confirming your order with the freight forwarder.

You can enter your CN rail container tracking number on their website to track the real-time location of your cargo.

Most freight forwarder companies offer online tracking and monitoring facilities for their clients.

You can ship tension-free knowing the exact location of your goods.

You do not have to depend on anyone to know the whereabouts of your goods.

You can expect delivery at the exact time by checking it yourself.

Tracking facilities ensure that you can move to other business works knowing your goods are in safe hands.

11. What Is The Chinese Freight Train Customs Clearance Process?

The Customs clearance process is similar to all freight methods.

It is an essential step that your cargoes go through before entering the recipient country.

Customs clearance is done in both ports, in the port of origin and in the destination.

Documentation is a vital and primitive step in the customs clearance process, as mentioned above (Question 9).

So in order to clear customs in both ports, your documents must be on point.

The customs clearance officers will check your information in the documents you have provided with your cargo.

If there is no problem with your documents and cargo, your customs clearance will be completed.

However, if the authorities find anything illegal or there is a problem with your documents, you will face a problem.

Later, import duties and taxes will be collected then your cargo can enter the international borders.

12. Why Should I Choose CN Freight Train?

Freight trains are a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly freight method that transports your more oversized cargoes in relatively more minor time.

The CN freight train is no exception.

They provide a high level of security, and because of their high-quality containers, your goods remain unchanged due to the wear and tear of the freight process.

CN rail shipping rates are comparatively lower with no downside in their shipping procedures.

Rail freight has the lowest theft and damage rate, and it is much difficult to open a container while on the rail wagon.

CN freight train containers offer a multimodal transport system, and this means if you are taking pickup and delivery services, the containers can be transferred in the trucks effortlessly.

Rail freights are less likely to get affected by the fuel surcharges because of their low fuel usage rate, saving cost.

Rail freight has punctual delivery time. As it is not affected by the traffic jams and weather fluctuations, the delivery is mostly on time.

13. Does Chinese Freight Train Provide Door To Door Delivery?

Yes, Chinese freight train provide door to door delivery services.

This means you do not need to engage yourself in tedious shipping work and will get the shipment delivered to your doorstep.

Just give your freight forwarder details of you and your supplier.

Your freight company will pick up the goods from the supplier, arrange paperwork, load them in containers and ship them to your destination.

At the destination port, the Chinese freight train provider will complete import formalities, unload goods, and send them to your address by their inland transport.

Door to door delivery gives you the liberty to focus on other business works, arrange for prospective customers and leave you from the shipping hassle.

14. Who Assembles Cargo In CN Freight Train?

Goods in the CN freight train can be assembled by an assembly agent separately hired by you, the forwarder himself, or by the supplier.

It is up to you who you want to do your assembly work.

Cargo assembly is an important step for safe cargo transportation.

With proper packaging and loading, your cargo will have a safe and damage-free journey from one port to another.

Assembly agents will have to be paid separately if you hire someone from outside.

If the logistics provider is doing it for you, the charge will be added to your total freight cost.

Similarly, if your supplier does it, it will be added to the total cost of goods.

15. Who Pays For Customs Clearance In Chinese Freight Train?

It is the responsibility of the importer to pay for customs clearance in the Chinese freight train.

Apart from the customs clearance, the importer has to pay for the freight cost and other shipping-related expenses.

However, particular Incoterms can make your supplier responsible for customs clearance costs.

 If you and your supplier can agree on particular Incoterms like DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) shipping, it will be the supplier’s responsibility to pay for all the shipping expenses, including customs clearance.

You can also ask your freight forwarder to pay for the customs clearance on your behalf, although the amount will be added to your total shipping bill.

The amount you pay for customs clearance depends on the type of goods you are shipping and their cost.

Hazardous particles, chemicals, etc., will be charged higher in customs clearance.

16. What Are The Prohibited Goods In CN Freight Trains?

Prohibited items are goods that are illegal to ship internationally.

Countries around the world have a list of prohibited items that are not allowed to be imported from other countries.

If any importer attempts to bring prohibited goods, their cargo will be seized and sent back to the supplier.

Importers may also be penalized and possibly undergo imprisonment if found guilty.

No reputed freight forwarder company will agree to ship prohibited goods.

Prohibited items shipping will cancel their license and hamper their goodwill in the market.

CN freight train also has rules against shipping prohibited items.

Some prohibited goods include:

• Antiques
• Valuable Stones
• Rugs
• Paintings
• Dead animals
• Bodily fluids
• Human body specimen
• Weapons
• Manuscripts, etc.

17. How Long Does CN Freight Train Take To Reach Their Destination?

Freight train time to reach their destination highly depends on the destination they are shipping in.

Closer locations will not take as much time for shipping as in locations that are far away.

On top of that, customs clearance time, traffic in freight companies, and other shipping services will add up or reduce your CN freight train timing.

In port-to-port delivery, the goods reach the destination faster, whereas in the door to door the goods take longer to ship due to intermodal transportation.

With no problem with shipping, cargo, and documents whatsoever, the standard freight train will take around 7 to 10 days to ship from origin to destination.

Final Word

You can choose a freight train shipping method if your cargo matches the requirements.

You can save cost, cause less damage to the environment and get the best logistical services with CN freight train services.

HART Worldwide Logistics, among others, provides excellent Chinese freight train facilities.

Knock us for any other information or queries.

Our 24/7 customer care is always there to help you.