At Greencarrier Freight Services, we have been offering our customers FCL and LCL rail services between China and Europe for years – always on the lookout for new ways to improve our services. With the environment constantly in focus and vast experience of the Far East trade, we are happy to announce that the first container trains to directly link China and Scandinavia are now a reality.
Increased demand for rail freight between China and Europe
We see a big increase in demand for rail freight between Asia and Europe, and more freight forwarders are stepping up their services. In 2017, about 3700 block trains transported goods between China and Europe, and by 2020, the expectations are 6000. Also, customers’ expectations have changed – they are looking for more than just a regular transport solution. Of course, cost is always a factor to consider but, moreover, the customers want to use a freight forwarder that transports the goods in a sustainable way.
With well-established rail container and consolidation services, we can offer a mode of transport that brings both environmental and cost benefits to our customers for all Scandinavia, Baltic and UK.
The first container trains to directly link China and Scandinavia
With our new rail service, we can now transport goods all the way from China, through Kazakhstan, to Sweden, Norway and by Sea. For containers bounding for Sweden, we have different options, one is by ROPAX service, we can route it from either Ghent to Gothenburg via Tilburg, or instead from Kiel to Gothenburg via Hamburg. Besides ROPAX service, we can also send it by rail from Duisburg to different stations in Sweden with t/t 1 day. For Malmo, we can route it from Gdynia once the train arrive at Losdz. From Hamburg, there is also service to Stockholm.
Reducing CO2 emissions with a smart rail freight set-up
At Greencarrier Freight Services, the environment is our main focus. We always strive to develop our services in favour of the environment and a more sustainable future. We want to be top of mind for sustainable transport solutions in our home market. Our new rail service is part of our concept Green Smart Transport Solutions.
China increases trade with Europe by reviving the ancient Silk Road
In general, when ordering goods from China to Europe, it is not unusual that the delivery time is more than a month. But according to China’s new international logistics project, this is about to change. China has decided to increase trade with Europe by reviving the ancient Silk Road, with multi-billion USD investments for various infrastructure projects for both maritime and land transport in multiple countries.
This major investment includes more than 50 rail connections between European cities and Chinese metropolises. Geographically, the venture comprises 65 countries and is funded by several international players, including multilateral financial institutions.
The new Silk Road will not only cut delivery times in half but, moreover, bring a great eco-friendly rail freight alternative to the long lead times of sea freight and the high costs of air freight.
The future of the China-Europe rail freight corridor
Based on my experience of having spent two years with Greencarrier Freight Services in Shanghai, gaining lots of knowledge of market demand and how to manage the flow of trans-European rail freight, I am very confident about the future of the China-Europe rail freight corridor. Rail will become even more sustainable, and I can only expect the demand to grow!
What are your thoughts on rail freight and the future? Let me know in the comments! Also, read Sweden added to China-Europe overland route or visit our website for more info about our rail freight in particular or transport solutions in general.
