In today’s fast-evolving global supply chain, businesses are constantly seeking transportation methods that strike the right balance between speed, cost, and reliability. For shipments from China to Europe, a growing number of companies are turning to multimodal transport, especially the combination of rail freight, trucking, and integrated customs services.
This blog will guide you through the core advantages, working process, challenges, and best practices for using this multimodal approach to streamline your China-Europe logistics.
Multimodal transport refers to the use of two or more modes of transport (in this case: rail and truck) under a single contract or operator, ensuring seamless cargo movement from origin to destination. The “Rail + Truck + Customs” model typically includes:
Rail freight from major cities in China to rail hubs in Europe via the China-Europe Railway Express (e.g. Duisburg, Malaszewicze, Budapest).
Trucking from the European rail terminal to the final delivery address (B2B or B2C).
Customs clearance at both origin (China) and destination (Europe), including possible transit procedures.
Rail freight usually takes 12–18 days from China to Europe, much faster than sea freight (35–45 days), and far more economical than air freight.
Ideal for time-sensitive, mid- to high-value goods.
Rail is a more sustainable option compared to air, helping your company reduce its emissions and meet ESG goals.
Thanks to international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, customs processes at rail borders have become more efficient.
In many cases, pre-clearance and single-window processing are available.
The trucking network across Europe enables door-to-door delivery, even in remote or non-urban areas.
Supports both FTL (Full Truckload) and LTL (Less-than-Truckload) transport.
Goods are consolidated, packed, and delivered to the railway station.
Export customs declaration is submitted and approved before departure.
Origin cities include Xi’an, Chongqing, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, Suzhou, etc.
Main corridors pass through Kazakhstan, Russia, or Mongolia, heading to Poland, Germany, etc.
Standard transit time: 12–18 days
Key border terminals: Alashankou, Khorgos, Erlian (CN side), and Malaszewicze (EU side).
Import customs clearance is done at the first EU entry point.
Transit customs (T1/TIR) can be used for inland clearance.
Cargo is transferred to trucks for final delivery to the consignee.
Real-time GPS tracking and POD (Proof of Delivery) options available.
Best Practices to Maximize Efficiency
🗓️ Plan shipments early: Avoid peak seasons and allow buffer time for customs and handover.
🚂 Choose reliable routes and operators: Some rail routes are faster, more frequent, or less congested.
🧾 Understand import regulations: Check destination country’s rules for certifications, labeling, and restricted items.
🔍 Use digital tracking tools: Get real-time updates on your cargo’s location, ETA, and customs status.
🌍 Leverage multi-entry options: For different EU destinations, consider alternate entry points (e.g. via Poland, Germany, Hungary).
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