HART Worldwide Logistics along with sea freight and air freight services is offering freight train containers from China to Worldwide or vice versa. Just let us know your supplier’s address and delivery location, we will provide you with door to door delivery. On top of that, we will also clear customs and other formalities in rail transport services.
At HART we take care of your needs and always arrange for cargo according to your preference. No matter what you want to be delivered, at what cost and speed, we will get it done. Customs clearance in both origin and destination ports in rail freight transport can also be handled by our team and you can rest assured giving us your shipping responsibility.
Although, you can do the customs clearance yourself and leave the rail freight services for us or can also give us the responsibility. At HART we know what our clients’ want and we serve them as per their needs. Our focused market team is constantly up to date about the market fluctuations and other shipping aspects. This is why we provide you with the best knowledge you deserve.
Along with that, our customs affairs department is there to study and follow up the latest customs policies and with the help of our relations with the local customs brokers we ensure risk-free cargo delivery.
Our agreement with the major shipping and airline companies help us provide you logistics at the best prices and we can assure 100% space availability. With our standardization and systematization HART has been working successfully.
Our in-house developed logistics system is there to provide you with the smoothest services and we can track, monitor, and operate online without any individual. We can take care of your shipping needs no matter how tricky it is.
Our Other Services Besides Rail Transport
Air Freight
Air shipping from China to worldwide and vice versa is available at HART. We can take care of your customs clearance as well as provide delivery at your designated location.
FCL Shipping
HART Worldwide can deliver your goods from China worldwide via FCL shopping or vice versa. We can also help you with the customs clearance and ensure final local delivery.
LCL Shipping
Lcl shipping is also available at HART depending on your cargo load from China. Additionally we offer customs clearance and delivery at your doorstep from the supplier.
Door to Door Shipping
Door to door shipping from China to worldwide or vice versa is available at HART. Your package will be picked up from your suppliers’ location and delivered at your destination.
Express Services
We have alliances with international express companies like DHL, FedEx, China Post, TNT, UPS, USPS, and others. We avail heavy discounts from them and ensure space.
Customs Clearance
We can do your customs clearance in rail freight forwarding or any other freight service. Additionally we will deliver the goods at the destination and ensure hassle-free shipping.
Warehousing
Short-term or long-term warehouse services are available at HART in China and other countries. No matter what goods you want to keep, we can provide you space.
Pickup & Delivery
We can pick up and deliver your goods from the supplier’s location to your location in pickup and delivery service. Send us your address to get problem-free shipping.
FBX
We help e-commerce customers do FBA shipping from China to Amazon warehouses. Other e-commerce platform services like shipping to Jumia are also available.
Consolidated Shipping
HART will help you consolidate your orders from various suppliers and send them to you together at your destination. This will reduce your shipping cost and ensure safe delivery.
Why Choose Hart for Your Train Freight Shipping?
Focus
Our focus on the freight industry and adequate knowledge on train freight containers help us to give you the best prices. We never compromise with our service and offer a cheap rate.
Cheap Shipping Rate
Good relationships with the A-listed airlines and shipping companies help us offer you a cheap shipping rate and our services ensure you get the best shipping experience.
Standardization
Standardization in our logistical work, package handling and loading promises to give you the best freight solution. We quickly respond to your queries and maintain professionalism.
Systematization
Systematization in working conditions and our in-house software team maintains paperless operation. The customized support systems can be monitored online.
Full Self-control
The rail transport process is constantly monitored and every shipping point has an expert to control the entire process. You can as well check your cargo on our personalized website.
Custom Clearance Service
Our expert customs clearance teams in China and other parts of the world with the help of other country’s agents ensure hassle-free and quick 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
We emphasize that our staff training is extremely important and this is why we keep our employees well trained. We keep them updated on the latest happenings to help you better.
Professionalism
Professionalism in working is important to us. 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 Rail Transport
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.
Rail Transport | The Ultimate FAQ Guide
Introduction
Among many freight methods, rail forwarding is the favorite of most for its many advantages.
Railways transportation is safe and reaches the destination on time as there are little or no issues regarding the weather and traffic.
However, the rail cargo system can be confusing to many.
This FAQ guide will solve your problems and answer all your questions regarding rail transport services.
Continue reading to get a better idea of rail freight services
Table Of Content
- How Does Rail Transport Work For Import And Export?
- Is Railways Transportation Safe For All Kinds Of Goods?
- How Much Does Rail Freight Cost?
- How Is Rail Transport Services Cost Calculated?
- What Are The Documents Needed In Rail Freight Transport?
- Is FCL And LCL Available In Rail Freight Services?
- How Long Does Rail Freight Forwarding Take?
- What Are The Available Freight Train Container Sizes?
- Is There Any Weight Limit In Rail Transport?
- Is Door To Door Delivery Available In Railways Transportation?
- What Is The Customs Clearance Process For Rail Freight?
- How Long Does Customs Clearance Take For Rail Transport?
- How Much Does Customs Clearance Cost In Rail Freight?
- Who Pays For Customs Clearance In Rail Freight Transport?
- Is Rail Freight Available For All Countries Worldwide?
- What Are The Advantages Of Rail Transport Services?
- What Are The Prohibited Items In Rail Freight Transport?
1. How Does Rail Transport Work For Import And Export?
Rail cargo plays a vital role in the import and export industry.
You can send your bulky cargo loads in railways transportation faster than sea freight at less cost than air shipping.
Rail freight services ship heavy metals, iron, rod, furniture, grains, machinery, and almost everything you can possibly ship.
Rail transport services work from one railway station to another.
The goods are picked up from the supplier and taken to the railway station.
The cargo gets loaded in the freight train container and off to deliver.
Once the rail freight reaches the destination railway station, the goods get unloaded and distributed to the final location.
Rail freight forwarding has lower chances of any damage to your cargo, and you can even ship live animals in rail freight transport from nearby exporters.
Rail freight is cost-effective, reliable, and a faster mode of transportation for your medium to bulky goods.
HART Worldwide Logistics provides rail transport from China to all the locations with a rail route and vice versa.
We have reasonable offers and rail freight facilities for your particular needs.
2. Is Railways Transportation Safe For All Kinds Of Goods?
Railways transportation is generally safe for most goods.
However, there are a few things to consider before choosing rail transport for importing your goods.
Rail freight forwarding is an excellent choice if you are shipping goods on a larger scale.
Items like cleaning materials, paint, batteries, etc., can also be shipped in rail transport.
Additionally, railways transportation is suitable for transporting hazardous materials, which are considered restricted in other freight methods.
Vehicles, steel pallets, special cargoes where certain goods need to be kept in monitored temperature or ambiance can also be transported in rail cargo transport.
Besides that, rail transport services can ship textiles, household items like hand sanitizers, insect repellents, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, etc.
Items such as grain, sugar, fertilizers, coal, coils, steel pipes, and other bulky cargo can also be imported from railways transportation.
Keep in mind, if you are shipping on a small scale, rail transport might not be the best fit for you.
Cargoes containing fragile items are also discouraged from shipping in rail freight forwarding.
If you are transporting goods to a nearby location, rail transport may not be cost-effective.
Train freight shipping is best for heavy and bulky loads, machinery, household goods, and textiles.
3. How Much Does Rail Freight Cost?
Rail cargo cost depends on a number of factors.
There is no fixed amount of your rail transport cost.
Depending on what type of goods you are shipping, the quantity, and the distance from the supplier’s port to your port, the cost is determined.
Rail transport costs less than air freight and almost twice as much as sea freight; however, it offers twice its speed.
Rail transport is environmentally friendly and has become popular over the years for businesses between China and Europe for its speed compared to its cost.
If you are shipping from ports far away from your port of destination, the cost of shipping will likely be increased.
In addition, customs clearance cost, freight forwarder charge, other shipping facilities, intermodal transport will increase your shipping charge even further.
Fragile goods or goods that need additional care and protection might cost you higher than average goods shipping.
The type of container you are using will also aid in your total rail freight cost.
On average, for shipping a standard 40-foot container, you may have to spend around 8000 US dollars on rail transport.
4. How Is Rail Transport Services Cost Calculated?
Rail transport services have transparent cost calculation procedures for you to know precisely what you are signing up for.
Although it is not calculated in one particular way when you give your information to your rail transport company, they will give you the correct shipping quote.
Rail transport cost calculation depends on a number of factors, these are:
- Weight of your cargo
- Rates per pallet
- Additional services provided
- Distance between origin port and destination port
- Fuel surcharge
- Customs clearance charge
- Terminal costs
Weight Of Your Cargo
The weight of your cargo in rail transport is measured in either cube weight or actual weight, whichever is higher.
You must determine the greater weight of your cargo to multiply the chargeable amount with your total weight to get the total cost.
Actual weight is the gross weight of your cargo, including pallet weights and packaging materials.
Cube weight, on the other hand, needs to be calculated.
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.
Rates Per Pallet
Pallet rates were introduced in rail transport to simplify the costing process.
These rates depend on the skid spots occupied in a trailer.
A standard pallet size measures 48″×48″, and the more pallets you ship, the lower your freight cost gets.
Additional Services Provided
The additional services you take from your rail freight forwarding company will add up to your total shipping bill.
These costs can include door to door delivery, waiting time, etc.
Distance Between Origin Port And Destination Port
The longer your rail transport services take, the more shipping cost you have to pay.
However, a good rail freight transport company with service centers in several locations can charge you lower rates despite the distance.
Fuel Surcharge
Fuel prices are constantly changing worldwide.
To cover these fluctuating fuel costs, a fuel surcharge fee is charged by the rail freight forwarding companies.
The fuel surcharges rate itself keeps changing, and The Freight Carriers Association (FCA) releases the regular fuel surcharges rates that the freight forwarders follow.
Customs Clearance Charge
The amount you pay for your customs clearance in railways transportation is added to your total shipping bill.
This is not a stable amount, and the customs clearance charges depend on the value of your goods.
The higher your goods cost, the greater your customs clearance charge will be.
Terminal Costs
When your freight train container reaches the destination railway station, they need to be unloaded and taken care of according to the shipping contract.
The amount you spend during this process is the terminal cost.
5. What Are The Documents Needed In Rail Freight Transport?
Documentation is an integral part of shipping regardless of the freight method you have chosen or the destination.
They are proof of your cargo being legally transacted and details about you, your supplier, and the shipment.
However, rail transport needs some additional documents which do not match the other freight methods.
Let’s see what the documents you need for rail freight are:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- MRN (For Europe)
- Export/ Import Declaration
- Rail Waybill
- Certificate Of Origin
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is an essential document in the shipping process.
It is necessary for your customs clearance.
The document consists of vital information about your cargo, its price, information about you and your seller, and respective addresses.
Packing List
The packing list is the listing of every product in your cargo, including its price, size, quality, etc.
It gives a clear and detailed description of the imported goods.
The packing list also explains how the goods were packed and their labels.
MRN (For Europe)
MRN or Movement Reference Number is a unique identification number provided by the UK government while importing/exporting goods.
Every cargo has its number uniquely created that is linked with one importer/exporter.
It plays a vital role during customs clearance in the UK.
Export/ Import Declaration
The export/import declaration form is issued while customs clearance calculates customs duties and taxes.
This form explains that the goods were imported following all the shipping rules, and they have entered the country legally.
Rail Waybill
The rail waybill is specially issued in rail transport by the train freight shipping company.
It is a non-negotiable document issued by the freight forwarder to confirm that the goods were in their possession.
Like the Air Waybill and Sea Waybill, the Rail Waybill is proof that the goods were transported legally by a certified logistical company.
Certificate Of Origin
A certificate of origin is issued to determine the quality of the products being imported.
Some countries maintain the quality of the goods, and if something does not match their criteria, the goods are sent back.
It is proof that the goods were manufactured following the quality control protocols, and the country of origin of the goods is also mentioned.
At HART Worldwide Logistics, we arrange for your shipping document on your behalf and ensure safe and hassle-free shipping.
For more information, you can watch this YouTube video-
6. Is FCL And LCL Available In Rail Freight Services?
Yes, FCL or full container load and LCL or less than container load shipping is available in rail freight services.
You can ship an entire container with your goods, or you can also share a container with other importers.
If LCL, goods from two or more importers are loaded together and shipped to the destination port.
Once the goods arrive, the packages are then separated and sent to their designated recipient.
If FCL, you hire the entire container for your goods, and there are no shared importers.
Like the container, all the costs of LCL are shared, including freight cost, container cost, customs clearance, etc.
Whereas in FCL, all the costs are solely your responsibility.
7. How Long Does Rail Freight Forwarding Take?
Rail freight forwarding does not have a definite timetable.
The distance from one port to another plays a significant role in the shipping time of rail transport.
Other factors like LCL shipment, customs clearance time, traffic in freight, cargo load, other freight services can aid in increasing or decreasing your freight time.
However, as rail freight is less likely to be affected by the weather and other factors, there is a higher possibility of you getting your goods on time.
Rail transport can take as many goods as sea cargo, and it is much faster.
Regardless of the location and cargo load, your rail freight transport will reach its destination in 7 to 15 days.
8. What Are The Available Freight Train Container Sizes?
There are various kinds and different sizes of freight train containers.
Some can hold giant loads of goods, and others can manage your medium to large shipping assignments.
These freight train containers are assigned to you according to the quantity and type of goods you are shipping.
There are even containers that can hold several vehicles in them.
You can even transport rail inside a rail.
Dry van containers are generally used in standard goods shipping.
Other available containers are refrigerated containers and special containers.
These containers maintain quality and must be qualified under certificates like CSC, ISO, TIR, or UIC.
The different sizes of containers are 8ft, 8.5ft, 9.5ft, 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft containers.
Here are some different designs of freight train containers for handling your rail transport-
- Car carriers
- Tunnels
- Coil carriers
- Open-sided carriers
- Bulkers
- Open-tops
- Tank containers
- Flat racks, etc.
For a better understanding, you can watch this YouTube Video-
9. Is There Any Weight Limit In Rail Transport?
No, rail transport does not have any specific weight limit.
Railways transportation is an excellent method of transportation of bulky, heavy cargo loads, and it can even ship hazardous items and machinery.
However, if you are shipping hazardous materials, you will have to book a freight train container by yourself to avoid any significant risk.
Vehicles like cars, trucks, even trains can also be shipped in rail freight.
It will help if you speak with your rail transport services provider about your cargo.
They will give you better guidance on what type of containers or shipping facilities you need.
You can also choose FCL for large-scale cargo transportation or LCL to share a freight train container with other importers.
10. Is Door To Door Delivery Available In Railways Transportation?
Yes, door to door delivery is available in railways transportation.
You can get your cargo delivered to your doorstep without having to engage yourself in tedious shipping work.
Your freight forwarder company will send trucks to pick up goods from your supplier’s location, clear export customs before loading the goods in a freight train container.
After the cargo completes the freight journey, they will be unloaded, cleared of import customs, and sent to your designated address using their inland transportation.
All these procedures will be completed by your freight company in the door to door delivery, and you only get your delivery in the given time.
11. What Is The Customs Clearance Process For Rail Freight?
The Customs clearance process is similar to any freight method that you might be using.
Customs clearance is a procedure maintained by the government of the countries to ensure all the rules and regulations are followed during an import/export.
It is a checkpoint for the cargoes going in or out of the country.
It is there to check the shipping details, details about the people involved in the process and to collect import duty and tax.
The steps for customs clearance in rail freight are:
- Documents are checked along with the details of the importer and exporter.
- Customs duties and taxes are calculated as per the documents.
- Cargoes are checked for any illegal or prohibited item.
- Collection of import duty and tax.
12. How Long Does Customs Clearance Take For Rail Transport?
Customs clearance in rail transport does not have a fixed time.
The time needed to clear customs depends on the goods you are shipping.
Larger loads of goods take longer to clear customs.
Additionally, hazardous items, sensitive goods, and goods in LCL containers take longer than standard goods shipping in customs clearance.
If you fail to pay your import duties and taxes on time, there is a problem with your shipping documents, and these issues can also fluctuate your customs clearance time.
FCL cargo, cargoes with no problem in their documents, and when the duties and taxes are paid on time, customs clearance does not take much time.
A rush of cargo in the customs offices can also result in a prolonged customs clearance process.
Nevertheless, customs clearance in rail freight transport can take around 24 hours to 7 days to complete.
13. How Much Does Customs Clearance Cost In Rail Freight?
Customs clearance cost for different types of goods is different.
There is no fixed amount that is charged for all kinds of goods in customs clearance.
Hazardous materials, sensitive goods, machinery, medical equipment, gas, patrol, grains, etc., all have different customs clearance costs.
Along with that, the quantity and cost of goods also determine the price.
The customs officers check your shipping documents, evaluate the freight cost, cargo cost, handling charges, etc., to calculate your customs clearance cost in rail freight forwarding.
Ensure all your shipping documents are error-free to get the correct customs clearance cost.
The higher your cargo charges are, the more customs clearance cost you will have to pay.
14. Who Pays For Customs Clearance In Rail Freight Transport?
The importer generally has to pay for customs clearance in rail freight transport.
Importers pay for the customs clearance, freight cost, and other shipping-related expenses during shipping.
However, your supplier can also pay for the customs clearance if you and your supplier have agreed on particular Incoterms.
For example, in DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) shipping, it is 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.
15. Is Rail Freight Available For All Countries Worldwide?
No, rail freight is not available for all the countries worldwide.
You can not ship your goods in train freight shipping from China to worldwide or vice versa.
Rail transport is available from China to some of the European and Central Asian countries.
Thanks to the Yiwu- London Railway Line, which is also known as the modern-day Silk Road that has opened new horizons for rail transport from China.
Through this railway line, China is now connected to most of the European countries, and it covers a distance of 12,000 kilometers.
China has rail routes to European countries like Germany, Poland, Spain, Netherlands, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, etc.
16. What Are The Advantages Of Rail Transport Services?
Among many advantages of rail transport services, its speed and capacity stand out.
Rail freight can carry as much as sea freight transport and reaches its destination twice as fast as sea freight.
Although faster, rail freight forwarding costs a lot less than air freight.
Additionally, rail transport is environmentally friendly and produces less CO2 emissions.
Your cargo does not face any traffic, so you receive your goods on time.
17. What Are The Prohibited Items In Rail Freight Transport?
Prohibited items are illegal to transport overseas.
Every country around the world has a list of prohibited items that are not allowed to be imported.
If any importer tries to bring prohibited goods into the country, their cargo will be seized and sent back to the supplier.
Importers may also be penalized and possibly undergo legal trial if found guilty.
A reputed freight forwarder company will never ship prohibited items.
Shipping prohibited items may cancel their license and hamper their goodwill in the market.
Some prohibited items in rail freight are:
- Antiques
- Valuable Stones, rugs, paintings
- Bodily fluids
- Dead animals
- Human body specimen
- Manuscripts
- Weapons, etc.
Final Word
Rail transport offers excellent facilities for importers.
It is flexible, cost-effective, and time-saving.
We hope we have answered your questions regarding railways transportation.
For more information or any query, feel free to knock HART Worldwide Logistics.
At HART, we value our clients, and we are always up-to-date on the latest freight regulations to serve you with the best logistical advice.