Rail freight transport is considered one of the most environmentally friendly and efficient methods of transporting goods. Trade between Europe and Asia via rail in particular is growing consistently. At the centre of this is the new Silk Road, which creates a direct connection between China and Europe and thus significantly strengthens logistics for companies. A comprehensive look at freight transport by rail can therefore definitely pay off.
In the modern global market, rail freight transport has developed into an important pillar of the transport system. Compared to road transport or sea freight, it is often not only higher-capacity and faster, but also scores with environmentally friendly aspects. Moreover, rail freight is an excellent solution for the transport of heavy and bulky goods, as it has a high carrying capacity and guarantees reliable, punctual delivery. But how exactly is rail freight transport actually defined? And isn’t rail freight the same as rail freight?
Basically, rail freight transport comprises the transport of goods of any kind by rail. The goods transported on the rail network are then referred to as rail freight. Thus, the term “rail freight” refers to the goods themselves, while “rail freight transport” describes the entire process of transport by rail. In recent years, the importance of rail transport has increased worldwide and there has been a significant expansion of the network. This is also due to the fact that a wide range of goods can be transported by rail.
There are many different types of goods that can be transported by rail freight. These include, among others:
Automobiles and heavy machinery, on the other hand, require special wagons with lifting devices to be loaded and unloaded safely. And container traffic – like the other goods – requires good coordination and organisation to ensure punctual loading and final loading. The costs for rail freight vary according to the different conditions for the freight.
The cost of rail freight varies depending on the type of freight, the route length and the transport service provider. As a rule, costs in rail freight transport are therefore made up of the following factors:
With the new Silk Road, rail transport of goods between China and Europe has continued to grow. And in the future, rail freight transport between China and Europe is expected to continue to grow. Both the increasing demand for fast and environmentally friendly transport options and the growing trade relations between China and Europe are the driving forces behind this. Germany’s logistics companies also play an important role here, as Germany is a key transit country for freight traffic between China and Europe. Thus, by developing efficient transport networks and optimising logistics processes, German logistics companies like Huettemann can contribute to increasing the competitiveness of rail freight transport between China and Europe.
Rail transport via the new Silk Road offers some advantages that also apply to rail freight beyond. Here are the advantages at a glance:
However, it is important to note that freight transport often involves a combination of different means of transport logistics, such as ships, trucks and rail, which may be the best choice depending on the cargo and destination. As a lead logistics provider, Huettemann therefore develops individual transport concepts that efficiently meet all customer needs.
As a freight forwarding and logistics service provider, Huettemann offers its customers a wide range of advantages in the execution of international rail transports. Intermodality – the possibility of transporting goods by rail as well as by truck or ship – plays an important role here. As a lead logistics provider, Huettemann can thus make optimal use of the advantages of the different modes of transport in order to transport goods efficiently for customers. The extensive network of partners and agents forms an important basis for the safe implementation of the transports – from collection, loading, transport, customs clearance and storage to delivery to the destination.
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