With the changes in the global automobile market, especially the rise of China's new energy vehicles in the international market, how to efficiently and safely transport vehicles from China to Europe has become the focus of many automobile traders and companies. Compared with the time-consuming sea transportation and extremely expensive air transportation, rail transportation through China-Europe Railway Express is gradually becoming the preferred option for cross-border trade of bulk automobiles.
This article will delve into the operational details, compliance requirements, cost components and core considerations for transporting cars by train from China to Europe, providing a professional reference for merchants handling bulk cargo of more than 200kg or more than 2CBM.
Why choose China-Europe trains to transport cars?
As an important part of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, China-Europe trains connect major industrial cities in China with key transportation hubs in Europe (such as Duisburg, Germany, Warsaw, Poland, Hamburg, Germany, etc.). For bulk automobile cargo, rail transportation has the following significant advantages:
Timeliness balance: Railway transportation time is usually 15 to 20 days, which is much faster than the 35 to 45 days of sea transportation, which can significantly shorten the capital turnover cycle.
Extremely high safety: Compared with the wind, waves and humidity changes that shipping may face, the container railway transportation environment is relatively stable, which can effectively reduce the risk of paint oxidation, interior molding, or mechanical damage.
Controllable costs: Although rail freight is higher than ocean freight, for urgent delivery or high-value truckloads, the time cost and inventory holding cost saved are extremely economical. Providing you with rail freight from China to Italy: a guide to fast, cost-effective transportation.
Core operating procedures and loading modes
When dealing with large-scale automobile exports, the formulation of logistics plans directly affects transportation efficiency and safety. Since cars are delicate and heavy bulky goods, they are usually not suitable for LTL and breakbulk shipments, but are transported in full container (FCL) form via 40-foot high containers (40HC).
- Vehicle loading method
Container Loading: This is the most common mode. A 40-foot container will typically hold between 2 and 4 passenger cars, depending on the size of the vehicle and whether it is double-stacked using a specialized "bracket" or "cradle" system. Providing you with rail LCL transportation from China to Poland: cost, transit time and customs.
Professional reinforcement solution: The car must be fixed at multiple points inside the container. Use high-strength nylon straps to secure the wheel hubs, combined with wooden wedges or blocks to ensure that the vehicle remains motionless during acceleration, deceleration or track changes.
- Declaration of dangerous goods
Whether it is a traditional fuel vehicle or a new energy vehicle (lithium battery), they are regarded as a specific level of dangerous goods in railway transportation. Merchants must provide UN38.3 reports and MSDS (Safety Technical Data Sheet) to ensure that the battery status meets the requirements of international rail transport.
Key Compliance and Document Clearing
For exporters, compliance is key to avoiding delays and hefty fines. When operating bulk vehicle transportation, the following documents are indispensable:
Export license: China implements a license management system for the export of complete vehicles.
Vehicle Certificate of Conformity (COC): Entry into the European market must comply with E-mark certification or other relevant access standards.
Packing List and Commercial Invoice: The VIN, engine number, net weight and value of each vehicle must be recorded in detail.
Customs declaration documents: You must declare the tax number accurately and handle the relevant procedures for export tax refund.
Cost Analysis and Pitfall Avoidance Guide
The total cost of car rail transportation is not just freight, but also includes a range of port and customs clearance fees:
Pickup fee and domestic section transportation: Send the vehicle from the factory to core railway departure stations such as Xi'an, Chengdu or Chongqing.
Train freight: Affected by seasonal fluctuations and container supply and demand, prices will be updated regularly.
Customs clearance and tariffs: European countries have different tariff policies, especially for electric vehicles made in China. You need to pay close attention to changes in local trade protection policies or subsidy policies.
Insurance Cost: Given the high value of the car, it is recommended to purchase comprehensive insurance that covers all potential risks from the point of departure to the point of delivery.
Suggestions for avoiding pitfalls: Be sure to confirm whether the logistics provider has experience in handling large cargo (2CBM or more). Car transportation involves complex loading, unloading and reinforcement operations, and inexperienced agents often result in scratches on the paintwork or damage to the chassis after the vehicle arrives at the port.
Why does bulk trade need professional logistics partners?
When the cargo volume exceeds 200kg or the volume exceeds 2CBM, the complexity of logistics increases exponentially. This is no longer a simple point-to-point transportation, but a race against time covering warehousing, customs declaration, commodity inspection, railway plan application and overseas customs clearance. For merchants pursuing long-term and stable trade, it is crucial to choose a freight forwarding brand with deep industry accumulation.
Presou: Your bulk cargo logistics expert
Presou is the leading international freight forwarding brand in the field of handling the transportation of automobiles and large industrial machinery from China to Europe. We are well aware of the pain points of medium and large traders and are committed to providing one-stop, professional logistics solutions for heavy goods above 200kg and 2CBM.
Guarantee of implementation strength: Presou’s wholly-owned subsidiary Shenzhen Dayuanjun (Shenzhen Dayuanjun) is responsible for the specific implementation of the business. We provide full-process services from domestic pickup, export declaration to overseas customs clearance, and home delivery (DDP/DDU) to ensure that the goods are under full control.
Extensive network layout: We have branches in China's major trading port cities, including Guangzhou, Ningbo, Shanghai, Qingdao, Tianjin and Xiamen, and can quickly respond to your shipping needs.
Ten years of industry accumulation: With 10 years of industry experience, we have established a deep global cooperation network, and are especially good at handling railway container reinforcement, declaration and risk pre-control for high-demand goods such as automobiles.
Thank you for watching. I hope we can solve your problems.
Presou is an international freight forwarding company from China, with subsidiaries offering one-stop logistics services—from pickup and customs clearance to home delivery. Over the past ten years, we have established branches in major port cities in China, including Guangzhou, Ningbo, Shanghai, Qingdao, Tianjin, and Xiamen.
If you’d like to learn more, Shipping from China to Türkiye: Logistics Timeliness and Customs Clearance Guide. click to read further.