Rail transport
The popularity of rail transport has risen significantly over the years. The main reason for this is that it is faster than ocean freight and cheaper than air freight and Sea-Air. In addition, rail transport is a more sustainable alternative, with lower CO₂ emissions than air freight and, in many cases, more efficient than ocean freight. It is also ideal for large volumes and longer distances. With the launch of the Silk Road to China in 2016, rail freight has become even more efficient. At EMQ Logistics, both FCL and LCL are available, and there are multiple departures per week to destinations within and outside Europe.
What is rail transport, and when is it the best option?
Rail transport is the shipment of containers by train between China and Europe via fixed rail routes. Rail transport is suitable when delivery needs to be faster than by sea freight, but air freight is not necessary or is too expensive. With an average transit time of about twenty days, rail offers a reliable alternative between sea and air. It is often used for regular import flows that need to arrive faster than by ship. Factors such as budget, type of goods, and desired delivery reliability play a decisive role in this decision.
Fixed departure dates and tracking information for your shipment
Rail transport operates according to scheduled departure and arrival times between Chengdu and Rotterdam. The average transit time is approximately twenty days until arrival at the rail terminal. This predictability is beneficial for inventory planning and delivery schedules within your organization. For groupage shipments, weekly consolidation takes place, with immediate unloading upon arrival.
View the train schedule for September 2026 here
Rail transport between China and Europe with established structures
EMQ provides rail services via the terminal in Chengdu with multiple departures per week. Both FCL and LCL shipments are regularly shipped to Rotterdam and other European terminals. For FCL, 40-foot and 40-foot HC containers are available, as well as combinations of two 20-foot containers. For smaller volumes, we offer our own weekly groupage service from Chengdu to Rotterdam. Upon arrival, we handle further distribution within the Netherlands and to other European destinations. Some features of our rail services include:
More cost-effective than air freight and Sea Air solutions, keeping costs manageable for time-sensitive shipments;
Faster than ocean freight on intercontinental routes, resulting in shorter transit times between China and Europe;
Multiple departures per week, which allow for flexibility in scheduling and reduce dependence on a single fixed departure;
Both FCL and LCL options are available, making rail transport suitable for full containers and less-than-container loads;
GOH (Garments on Hanger) shipments are suitable for transport on hangers, ensuring that the clothing remains in retail-ready condition;
Order tracking throughout the entire process, with insight into the status of your shipment;
Extensive experience in rail freight, including both LCL and FCL.
Are you looking for a reliable partner in the field of rail transport?
EMQ has many years of experience in intercontinental rail transport between China and Europe. We manage the entire process, including documentation, coordination, and monitoring of your container. In addition to rail transport, we also provide support for ocean freight, air freight, cargo insurance, and warehousing. This creates a single, integrated logistics solution with clear communication and dedicated points of contact. Please contact us to discuss the options for your freight flows.
Other services
Customs
Guiding and handling of import-, export declarations and other customs formalities is an activity which requires a lot of knowledge and experience.EMQ Logistics B.V. can take care of these procedures, allowing you to keep your focus on your core business.
We provide support for all your customs formalities, both inside and outside the European community.
Transport insurance
EMQ Logistics B.V. always ensures your goods are handled and transported with the utmost care and attention. The risk of damage is, in practice, small, but unfortunately never fully excluded. If you are not insured for any damage or loss, you will only receive a relatively small fee and the value of the goods will be disregarded. The transport insurance via EMQ Logistics B.V. however, is based on the value of the goods and therefore it will limit your financial risk during transportation.
Warehousing
At EMQ Logistics B.V. we understand the important role warehousing plays within your total supply chain.
Therefore we offer different flexible solutions for the storage of your goods under bond as well as for duty paid goods.
Thanks to skilled workers and strict compliance with working procedures, the performance level in our warehouse is of high quality.