Rail Questions Answered

Get Answers To Your Questions About Rail Freight Transportation

If you are considering rail freight as a means of transportation for your goods, you may have some questions about the process. Here are some common rail freight questions answered:

What route does the import rail service take from Xi'an, China to the Davies Turner Depot in the UK?

• By Rail: China → Kazakhstan → Russia → Belarus → Poland → Duisburg, Germany.
• By Truck: Duisburg → Rotterdam.
• By Ferry: Rotterdam → Purfleet, Essex.
• By Truck: Purfleet → Davies Turner depots in Birmingham, Bristol, Dartford, Glasgow, and Manchester.

Where are goods loaded in China for the import rail services?
In Xi'an, our agent ASTI uses the rail terminal depot for packing and loading containers. ASTI staff supervise the loading to ensure quality.

For imports, are goods customs cleared in Duisburg, Germany, or the UK?
After arriving via rail, containers are transported under T1 bond to Davies Turner depots, where customs clearance is completed.

Does the same train departing China arrive in Duisburg, Germany?
No, due to different rail gauges in Kazakhstan and Russia, containers are transferred to new rail units at Dostyk (China → Kazakhstan) and Brest (Belarus → Poland). This process typically takes less than an hour.

What terms of shipment are offered for rail?

• Ex Works Factory Terms: Recommended to maintain control and meet LCL cut-offs.
• FCA Xi'an Terms: Available if preferred, with the shipper responsible for local charges up to the Wuhan terminal.

If switching from FOB ocean terms to EXW rail terms, we recommend renegotiating supplier agreements to reflect cost differences.

Are rail services available from China to other European countries?
Yes, services include:

• Hefei: Warsaw, Hamburg, Neuss, Helsinki, Rotterdam.
• Wuhan: Warsaw, Moscow, Duisburg.
• Xi’an: Warsaw, Prague, Budapest, Milan.
• Chengdu: Warsaw, Rotterdam.
• Changsha: Minsk.
• Xiamen: Hamburg, Warsaw.

Are 20ft/40ft/HC containers available via rail?

• 20ft Containers: Limited availability, restricted to specific routes, and typically more expensive than 40ft options. Equivalent 20ft loads are recommended as LCL for cost savings.
• 40ft/HC Containers: Fully accepted and available for bookings.

What are the size and weight limits for LCL rail shipments?

• Maximum piece dimensions: 2m (L) x 2m (W) x 2m (H).
• Maximum weight: 3 tonnes per piece.
  Contact Davies Turner if your cargo exceeds these parameters.

Are open-top or flat rack containers available via rail?
No, these container types are not available.

Can cargo insurance be arranged for rail shipments?
Yes, competitive cargo insurance is available. Marine insurance policies do not cover rail shipments, so specific rail insurance must be arranged.

Is there any security risk for cargo in transit?
Minimal risk of pilferage exists. Containers are sealed at departure and remain sealed until arrival at a Davies Turner depot. There have been no reported losses or damages to date.

What cargo is prohibited via rail?
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Perishable/non-perishable foodstuffs.
• Liquid goods.
• Hazardous or dangerous goods.
• Chemicals and medicines.
• Animal products, pet products, and related items.
• Magnets or products containing magnets.

Can hazardous or limited quantity hazardous goods be moved via rail?
No, the rail service from Xi'an only accepts non-hazardous cargo. However, batteries (alkaline or lithium) may be shipped via the Suzhou rail terminal, subject to surcharges and additional logistics.

What are the temperature variances along the rail route?
Temperatures can range from -40°C to +40°C depending on the season.

What is the maximum weight for FCL rail movements?

• Standard maximum: 22 tonnes per FCL.
• Higher weights (up to 24 tonnes) may be allowed with prior agreement, depending on total cargo weight booked.

Is space limited on rail services?
Yes, each train is limited to 42 containers. Clients must book 8 days in advance for 40ft/HC containers, and bookings are binding upon confirmation. Capacity expansion is ongoing to meet demand.

Can shipments be arranged under a Letter of Credit (L/C)?
No, only shipments arranged under T/X or express release terms are accepted.

What size are the different gauge rails?

• Former USSR (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus): 1520mm.
• China and Europe: 1435mm.

Davies Turner’s flexible rail freight services ensure reliable and sustainable solutions tailored to your needs. Get in touch with our experts today to learn more:

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