HART Worldwide Logistics is one of the best names for your freight necessities. You can ship anywhere from China and vice versa. We provide pickup and delivery services for your package, which means you can just provide us your suppliers’ address and we will pick that up from them and provide you the final delivery.
HART ensures customs clearance without any problem or delay, we can take care of your customs clearance on both ports in origin and destination. We can arrange your cargo according to your need and budget.
We can arrange faster or cheaper delivery for you. As we can also provide the customs clearance work, you will be tension-free knowing we will manage everything on your behalf including paperwork, customs duties and taxes.
However, you can do the customs clearance yourself and leave the forwarding process for us. You can as well give us the responsibility and only wait for your delivery. We have expert customs agents and brokers to take care of everything on your behalf.
HART has the experience to provide you container train services, and arrange your desired freight forwarding for your cargo.
Our team is always up to date about the latest market insights and the changes that happen continuously in the freight industry. This is why we are able to give you the latest information and market insight.
Our customs affair department is up to date on the customs policies of both the port of origin and destination. Our agreement with the major airlines and shipping companies ensures we provide you with space and affordable shipping rates.
Our standardization and systematization are the two major advantages. Our in-house logistics system tracks, monitors, and operates your cargo online. Our work never depends on anyone and this is why we can provide you the smoothest services.
Our Other Services Besides Container Train
Air Freight
Air freight from China to worldwide and vice versa is available. Our customs clearance team can also do your customs clearance and provide the final delivery at your doorstep.
FCL Shipping
HART provides FCL shipping in sea freight from China and we also do your customs clearance. Along with that we can deliver your package at the designated location.
LCL Shipping
LCL shipping is also available at HART in sea freight. Additionally we can provide customs clearance and provide the final local delivery at your doorstep.
Door to Door Shipping
We provide door to door service from the supplier to your location. We will clear customs and deliver packages at your designated location or vice versa in air, sea, and train freight.
Express Services
Packages from China can be delivered using express services like DHL, FedEx, China Post, TNT, UPS, USPS. We avail special prices from them and ensure space availability.
Customs Clearance
Our specialized customs clearance team clears your goods from customs. Our team maintains smooth clearance and delivery services with the help of the local brokers.
Warehousing
We provide warehouse facilities on a long or short-term basis. We have personal warehouses in China and other countries. We keep your goods safe and save shipping costs.
Pickup & Delivery
We offer pickup and delivery service from the supplier’s location to your doorstep without any third-party interference and vice versa. Just give us your details.
FBX
FBA shipping from China to Amazon warehouses along with other e-commerce platforms like shipping to Jumia services are also available at HART.
Consolidated Shipping
We can consolidate your shipping orders from various suppliers and consolidate them to you without any problem. This will ensure you get the safest delivery and save cost.
Why Choose HART For Your Container Train Services?
Focus
Our focus on the freight market and knowledge of the international logistics industry help us to give you the best prices without hampering service. We never compromise with work.
Cheap Shipping Rate
Relationships with the top ranking airlines and shipping companies allow us to offer the cheapest shipping rate and better services so you get the best shipping experience.
Standardization
Standardization in logistical work, packaging and assembly promise you the freight forwarding solution you deserve. We are professional and respond to your queries.
Systematization
Our systematic working conditions and in-house software team controls everything online without any papers. Customized support systems can monitor and track cargo online.
Full Self-control
The entire shipping process is under our control and every shipping point has an expert of HART to monitor the process. You can as well check your cargo on our developed website.
Custom Clearance Service
We have expert customs clearance teams in China and other countries and with the help of other country’s agents we ensure the most trustworthy customs clearance work.
Wide Coverage
We have branches and warehouses in more than 20 Chinese cities. Warehouses in the UK, Germany, Poland, and African countries like Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt, etc.
Highly Trained Team
Staff training is important to us and this is why we keep our employees well trained so that they can keep themselves updated on the latest happenings to serve you better
Professionalism
Professionalism in working brings success, our workers are skilled and have the knowledge to provide you the information you ask for and you get the best shipping advice.
Qualifications And Honor For Container Train Services
Business Form for International Freight Forwarders
<Foreign Trade Laws of the People’s Republic of China> and < Regulations of the Peoples Republic of China on the Administration of International Cargo Transport Agency> This is implemented and approved by the Ministry of Commerce, for international freight forwarding business that all international freight forwarders in China must have the certificates
NVOCC Business Operation Qualification Registration Certificate
The Ministry of Transportation of China requests registration with NVOCC. It requires a special request to obtain; most international freight forwarders do not get it in China. It has much higher requirements than an ordinary freight forwarder. NVOCC gives better opportunities in booking and shipping, and one can issue its bills of lading which can help you better control the goods.
ISO9001 2015 Quality Management System Certificate
International quality management system is there to assure impeccable performance experience for the customers. They ensure that the customer gets flawless service and with no misunderstanding. Our main motto is to give our customers quality service at an affordable price. This certificate is the proof of our uninterrupted communication and ensures reliable customer care service.
Certificate of Membership for WCA
The world’s largest and most powerful network of independent freight forwarders is World Cargo Transportation Alliance (WCA). And HART Worldwide is a member of it. Thus we are automatically protected by the most generous and extensive financial protection program in the industry, which allows us to conduct business with other WCA members with complete security and peace of mind.
Certificate of Membership for CIFA
China International Freight Forwarders Association, CIFA is a national social organization in China’s international freight forwarding industry. China’s Ministry of Commerce guides it. The mission of CIFA is to strengthen industry self-discipline and coordination management and create a fair competition market environment.
Member Unit for SIFFA
SIFFA or Shenzhen International Freight Forwarders Association is a social organization with legal officials approved by Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau. The mission of SIFFA is to guide, protect and coordinate the members to exchange information, coordinate relations, enhance cooperation, and member interests to promote the international freight forwarding industry.
Container Train | The Ultimate FAQ Guide
Introduction
Container trains are a fast and efficient way of transporting goods.
However, due to its availability, this freight method can confuse many whether or not to choose it for their logistics needs.
If your country allows rail containers from China, this can be a good option for you.
We are here to answer all your questions and clear your confusion regarding the container train.
Keep on reading to know more.
Table Of Content
- What Is A Container Train?
- How Are Containers Secured On Train?
- How Many Locations Does Container Train Reach From China?
- How Much Does Container Train Cost For Goods Transport?
- How Is Cost Calculated In Container Train?
- What Type Of Good Is Delivered In Rail Containers?
- Is Rail Container Safe For Fragility Goods?
- What Documents Are Needed To Deliver Goods In Container Trains?
- How Much Can A Rail Container Carry?
- Is FCL And LCL Available In Container Trains?
- What Are Rail Container Sizes?
- Do Freight Forwarders Provide Container Train Services?
- Can I Track Rail Containers?
- Do I Have To Do Customs Clearance In Rail Containers?
- What Is A Double Stack Container Train?
- Can Door To Door Delivery Be Provided In Container Trains?
- What Is A Dwarf Container Train?
1. What Is A Container Train?
Container trains are used to import and export goods across international borders.
You can send your heavy cargo in a rail container.
Trains can ship your goods faster than sea freight and at less cost than air shipping.
Container trains ship heavy commodities like metals, rods, iron, furniture, machinery, grains, and every type of goods.
Rail freight operates from one railway station to another.
The packages get picked up from the supplier’s location and escorted to the railway station for cargo loading.
After following the export procedures, the cargo gets loaded in the rail container and shipped for delivery.
When the rail freight reaches the destination port, they are unloaded and distributed as per the shipping contract.
Rail freights are safe and have fewer chances of damage to your cargo.
Live animals can also be shipped in rail freight transport with necessary permissions.
Container trains are an affordable and trustworthy mode of transportation for your large commodity goods transport.
HART Worldwide Logistics can provide rail container services from China to the places with rail routes and vice versa.
We offer affordable shipping rates and attractive facilities for your shipping needs.
2. How Are Containers Secured On Train?
Seeing containers stacked on a freight train can make you wonder how these massive containers are secured on a train.
These containers are often stacked one on top of another in several steps.
There are hundreds of containers of goods shipped together in a freight train from one country to another.
Even the slightest mistake can damage goods worth thousands of dollars and sometimes even more.
The containers are secured in place in the freight train in two ways: Twist Locks and Lashing Rods.
Let’s see what each of these is used for.
Twist Locks
The twist locks are used between the freight and the container to hold them in position while traveling securely.
However, containers must have special corner casting to be able to fix these locks.
All the container edges must have the casts to hold the locks securely in place.
Here is a picture to show the casts of a container.
There are cargo holds to keep the containers in place on a freight train, and there is also space for twist locks in the cargo holds.
After the containers are put in place, the locks are twisted using a lever, and each lock weighs about 5 to 6 kilograms.
The first layer of containers is connected using a base lock.
From the second layer and every layer on top, it is connected using a double-sided twist lock.
These locks need to be securely placed in position and lock them properly to keep the containers from moving during transit.
While unloading, these can be unlocked using the same lever.
Lashing Rods
The lashing rods are fixed with the train and the container in a criss-cross manner to create a strong bond between the freight and the container.
Here is a picture.
3. How Many Locations Does Container Train Reach From China?
Container trains are not available in many countries worldwide from China.
Your goods can not be shipped in train freight from China to worldwide or vice versa.
However, rail containers are available from China to some European countries and some countries in Central Asia.
After the inauguration of the Yiwu- London Railway Line in 2017, new chapters began for railway transport in China.
It is also known as the modern-day Silk Route
This railway line covers a distance of 12,000 kilometers connecting China with most of the European countries, and it is the second-longest railway freight route.
The first longest railway freight route is also from China, the Yiwu- Madrid Railway Line.
China has rail routes to European countries like Germany, Poland, Spain, Netherlands, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, UK, etc.
With this railway route, China has become one of the busiest railways in the world.
In 2019, China carried 4.389 billion tonnes of goods to various locations.
4. How Much Does Container Train Cost For Goods Transport?
Container train costs depend on a number of things.
The cost is not fixed, and it is determined by these factors.
● Type Of Goods
The type of goods you are shipping plays a vital role in your overall freight train cost.
Hazardous materials, heavy equipment, live animals, etc., cost higher than standard goods shipping.
Fragile goods or goods that need additional care and protection will also increase the shipping cost.
● Distance Between Ports
The distance from your supplier’s port to your port is essential to calculate the container train cost.
The longer the distance from one port to another, the more you have to pay.
However, rail freight costs less than air freight and offers better speed than sea cargo.
Rail shipping is eco-friendly and has less fuel cost.
This is why it has become popular over the years for importers to bring goods from China.
Its speed compared to the cost is an attractive facility.
● Customs Clearance
The customs clearance cost of your cargo will add up to your total rail container costs. The type of goods you deal with will determine your customs clearance charges.
● Freight Forwarder Charge
The amount your freight forwarder charges are also added to the total cost of shipping.
If you have taken any additional facilities, intermodal transport, it will increase your shipping charge even further.
● Container Type
The type of container you are using for your cargo will also fluctuate your total rail freight cost.
There are several types of containers available for different kinds of goods.
You will have to pay for the one that best fits your requirement.
On average, for shipping a standard 40-foot container, you may have to spend around 8000 US dollars on a container train.
5. How Is Cost Calculated In Container Train?
Cost calculations of Container trains are simple, easy, and transparent for your better understanding.
Your freight forwarder will calculate the cost for you, and you can check it afterward for any additional charges that you didn’t know about.
However, it is not calculated in one particular way.
Just like other freight methods, container train cost is also calculated in two ways.
The freight forwarder chooses the one with the maximum value.
Your rail freight forwarder can give you the correct shipping quote after you have given them your cargo details.
The most vital factor for cost calculation is the weight of your cargo, and it is measured in either cube weight or actual weight.
Determining the greater weight of your cargo is important to get the total cost.
The weight is then multiplied by the chargeable amount.
The actual weight of your cargo is the gross weight of your shipment, including pallet weights and packaging materials.
Cube weight, on the other hand, is calculated.
To get your cube 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 1728 and multiplied by 10lbs for a standard cube.
Additional costs like fuel surcharge, customs clearance charge, other freight facility charge, terminal charge, pallet rates, etc., will be added to the total container train cost.
6. What Type Of Good Is Delivered In Rail Containers?
Rail containers can ship various types of goods.
The possibilities are limitless on what goods to ship in a container train.
For larger-scale goods, shipping rail freight is an excellent choice.
Cleaning materials, batteries, paints, etc., can be shipped in rail freight.
One thing that makes rail freight stand out is, it is suitable for transporting hazardous materials, which are considered restricted in other freight methods.
Heavy cargoes like vehicles, steel pallets, and others are suitable to ship by rail.
Your special cargoes maintaining a specific temperature or ambiance can also be transported by rail.
Besides that, rail freight can ship textiles, household items, sanitizers, insect repellents, as well as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, etc.
Other bulky items such as grain, sugar, fertilizers, coal, coils, steel pipes can also be imported from railways.
However, if you are not shipping in large quantities, rail transport might not be cost-effective for you.
Rail freight may not be a good fit for goods to nearby locations.
Freight trains are best suitable for shipping bulky cargoes, household goods, textiles and equipment.
7. Is Rail Container Safe For Fragile Goods?
Fragile items are advised not to ship in rail freight because of the stacking.
Rail containers hold goods in a larger quantity, and they are often piled inside the containers.
Handling during loading and unloading the goods might also cause damage to your products.
However, if you wish to transport fragile goods in a rail container, make sure you take all the possible precautions.
Label your packages with fragile signs and which way to face them.
Add additional protection and do proper packaging before handling them to your forwarder.
You can hire an assembly agent to ensure maximum satisfaction with the product packaging and loading process.
Your freight forwarder company can also provide you with assembly services.
At HART Worldwide Logistics, we maintain your package’s safety and security and provide on-time delivery without causing any harm to them.
Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we constantly work towards it.
8. What Documents Are Needed To Deliver Goods In Container Trains?
Documents are an important part of shipping.
No matter what freight method you use or your destination, the shipping documents are essential.
Shipping documents are proof that your cargo is legal and they are transacted abiding by all rules.
These papers contain details about you, your supplier, shipment, destination, freight details, etc.
You also need documents for shipping your goods on a container train.
Container trains will also need specific documents that other freights do not use.
Let’s see what documents you need for rail freight:
- Rail Waybill
- Commercial Invoice
- Export/ Import Declaration
- Packing List
- MRN (For Europe)
- Certificate Of Origin
Rail Waybill
The rail waybill is specially issued during rail freight.
It is issued by the freight forwarder to confirm that the goods were in their possession; it is a non-negotiable document.
Similar to the Air Waybill and Sea Waybill, the Rail Waybill shows that the goods were transported legally by a certified logistics company.
Commercial Invoice
One of the most important documents is the commercial invoice.
It is an essential document in the shipping process as it is necessary for customs clearance.
The document contains vital information about your cargo, its price, information about you and your seller, and the addresses of both parties.
Export/ Import Declaration
After the customs clearance calculates customs duties and taxes, the export/import declaration form is issued.
This form is proof that the goods were imported following all the shipping rules, and they have entered the country legally.
Packing List
The packing list, as the name suggests, is a list of every product in your cargo.
It has details about the price, product size, quality, etc.
It is a list of details of all the products in a cargo.
The packing list keeps data about the goods’ packaging and their labels.
MRN (For Europe)
While importing/exporting goods, the UK government provides the MRN or Movement Reference Number for a cargo’s unique identification.
Every cargo has its number uniquely created that is linked with one importer/exporter.
It is necessary during customs clearance in the UK.
Certificate Of Origin
The certificate of origin is issued to determine the origin country of the commodity.
This document is necessary for some countries to show that the goods match with their criteria and have maintained quality.
It is proof that the goods are entirely manufactured and obtained by the exporter country following the quality control protocols.
HART Worldwide Logistics can arrange your freight documents on your behalf and ensure safe and hassle-free shipping.
For more information on shipping documents, you can watch this YouTube video-
9. How Much Can A Rail Container Carry?
The rail container does not have any specific weight limit.
You can ship your bulky, heavy cargo loads, and it can even ship hazardous items and machinery.
However, when shipping hazardous materials, your cargo will be shipped individually without mixing with other shipments to avoid any significant risk.
Automobiles such as cars, trucks, even trains can also be shipped in rail freight.
Rail containers impose fewer restrictions on the weight and type of goods you are shipping.
You can speak with your freight forwarder company about your cargo to get the best guidance on the shipping facilities you need.
10. Is FCL And LCL Available In Container Trains?
Yes, FCL and LCL shipping is available in container train services.
In FCL or full container load, you can ship an entire container with your goods
In LCL or less than container load shipping, goods from two or more importers are loaded together in one container and shipped to the destination port.
After the goods reach the destination port, they get separated and distributed to their designated locations.
Since in FCL, you hire the entire container for your goods, and there are no shared importers, all the costs are paid by you.
In LCL, the container is shared as well as all the costs, including freight cost, container cost, customs clearance, etc.
11. What Are Rail Container Sizes?
Rail containers come in various sizes.
You can book your container depending on the number of your goods and the type of goods you are shipping.
Larger containers are used for cargoes with bulky items, heavy machinery, raw materials, etc.
Smaller containers are best for FCL shipping or if your cargo load is not extensive.
Your freight train type and size is also important to know what size of the container it can carry.
Some trains can carry larger containers compared to others.
Generally, there are 8ft, 8.5ft, 9.5ft, 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft containers available in trains.
12. Do Freight Forwarders Provide Container Train Services?
Yes, most freight forwarders will provide you with container train services.
Ask your freight forwarder to give you the details of the services you want to take.
However, rail freight is not available in every country worldwide from China.
If your country has a rail route from China, you can ship your goods using them.
A reputed freight forwarder company will give you the details and provide you with safe and hassle-free rail freight services for your goods.
At HART Worldwide Logistics, we take care of your rail freight needs, and we can also provide you with shipping advice.
13. Can I Track Rail Containers?
Yes, you can track your containers in rail freight.
After your order confirmation with your freight forwarder company, they will provide you with a container code.
You can use this code, go to your freight forwarder’s website and track your container.
You can see the real-time location of your goods through their website, and rest assured, knowing your cargo is in safe hands.
Most freight forwarder companies have their in-house software system to track, monitor, and operate your cargo online.
You do not have to rely on any individual to trace your cargo location during transportation.
To know more on how container tracking works, watch this YouTube video-
14. Do I Have To Do Customs Clearance In Rail Containers?
Yes, like any other freight forwarding service, rail containers also need to go through customs clearance.
Customs clearance is a checkpoint for every cargo entering or exiting any country.
Customs officers ensure that all the goods entering the importing country maintain the shipping protocols.
Any illegal goods will be filtered during the customs clearance, and the duties and taxes are collected before allowing them to enter.
The cargoes are unloaded after reaching the port of destination and checked in customs before they pass the international borders.
Regardless of your fright method and goods type, you will have to go through customs clearance.
15. What Is A Double Stack Container Train?
Double-stack rail transport is a two-story cargo train that can transport goods in two layers.
These trains can carry twice as many goods as standard rail freight.
As a result, the double-stack rail freight can reduce the shipping cost significantly.
The containers are stacked one on top of another securely, which reduces the chances of theft, damage and also reduces the total shipping cost per container.
The containers used in double-stack rail freight are designed specially so that they can not be opened during transportation.
16. Can Door To Door Delivery Be Provided In Container Trains?
Yes, door-to-door delivery is provided in rail freight.
You can get your commodities delivered to your location without having to engage yourself in any shipping work.
Your freight forwarder company can send inland transportation to pick up goods from your supplier’s location and complete all shipping-related works.
Customs clearance in export, loading the goods in containers and sending off to the destination they do everything.
After the cargo reaches the freight journey, they will be unloaded, cleared of import customs, and sent to your designated address using their company truck.
All the door-to-door procedures will be completed by your freight forwarder company, and you only get your delivery in the given time.
17. What Is A Dwarf Container Train?
The containers which have a height lower by 660 cm than standard containers are known as dwarf containers.
Trains that carry such containers can go through limited height subways.
Their height works as an advantage that allows them to travel through even rural areas.
Dwarf containers can be double stacked and have a 67% greater cargo load than standard containers.
Final Word
With the right circumstances, a container train can be an excellent freight method for your shipping necessities.
You can ship almost anything in any number of quantities and get faster delivery than sea freight.
HART Worldwide Logistics can provide you with rail container facilities at an affordable rate without hampering the shipping services.
Knock us for any details or queries regarding rail freight.