Can I ship my goods from China to the US or Canada by train?

Unfortunately, no. Currently, TranBay only offers rail transport to the EU and the UK, thanks to a combination of factors like the Eurasian continent, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and the China-Europe Railway Express, which all support our Fast Train service. For destinations like the US, Canada, and Australia, there’s a vast Pacific Ocean in the way, and shipping by sea is actually similar in cost and even more economical than rail transport, especially when considering trade routes through the Middle East. So, at this time, Fast Train service is only available for the EU and the UK.

What’s the transit time like for rail transport?

During the off-season, especially when there’s a good number of available slots on the China-Europe Railway Express, the lead time from China to the EU or UK is typically around 30 days. Sometimes, shipments to the EU can even take as little as 20 days. However, rail transport has been less reliable over the past year, particularly with disruptions caused by factors like the ongoing war, changing policies, and weather conditions. So, we now advise our customers to expect a lead time of 30-40 days when choosing rail transport.

Are the dimensions of railway containers the same as sea freight containers?

Yes, the dimensions of railway containers are generally the same as sea freight containers, and the cargo capacity is also quite similar. Both 40-foot and 20-foot containers are commonly used. In fact, intermodal transportation has become quite popular globally, with many countries and regions using a combination of sea and rail transport. As a result, railway containers and sea freight containers are standardized to ensure smooth transitions between these two modes of transport.

For e-commerce sellers, which cities can receive railway shipments?

Unlike sea freight, which typically requires coastal cities, most railway containers originate from inland cities in China that are also industrial hubs. These include cities like Yiwu, Changsha, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Xi'an, where factories are densely located. These inland cities are key points for railway shipments heading to Europe and other regions.

When calculating volumetric weight, does train freight use a divisor of 6000 or 5000?

Unlike Global Express, train freight is essentially our own service, with every step controlled by TranBay. So, the volumetric weight calculation for train freight follows the same method as other direct services, using a divisor of 6000. The calculation formula of volumetric weight: volumetric weight = L (cm) × H (cm) × D (cm) ÷ 6000 (Only for Gloabal Express, other service it’s 6000). For example, when the length of a carton = 48cm, width = 45cm, height = 39cm, then the volumetric weight of this carton = 48×45×39 ÷ 6000 = 14.04kg.

I have other questions. If I contact you, will you respond to my inquiries immediately?

Yes, we offer 24/7 live support, so no matter what time it is—even in the middle of the night in China—we’ve got someone on duty ready to help. Whether you need a quote, want to track your shipment, or even need to escalate an issue with one of our sales reps, just give us a call on our international hotline: +8615377327800, or shoot us an email at info@tranbay.cn. We guarantee a response within 2 hours. Trust me, a responsible freight forwarder should be doing this, and we’re proud to be one of them.

Train Freight, Railway Cargo Transportation Service From China

Why Choose TranBay for Your Ground Train Freight Needs

Wheels on the Ground

Fueled by China's Belt and Road Initiative, TranBay's robust railway network spans across the entire Eurasian continent.
Chief Negotiator

TranBay has maintained close communication with the Chinese transportation authorities over an extended period. It has consistently submitted numerous plans to the China Railway Container Corporation's International Railway Container Intermodal Information System platform. This ensures that TranBay receives adequate railway container plans to secure stable rail capacity, whether in peak or off-peak seasons.
The Optimal Route to Europe

Rail transit to Europe typically takes around 20 days, with the exception of occasional railway strikes or severe weather disruptions. This cost-effective shipping method has proven to be a boon for small-scale sellers.

Different Types of Our Train Freight

Fast Train Freight To UK Fast Train Freight To Europe

Intelligent Intermodal Transportation Network

Railways undeniably form a crucial element in the intermodal transport network. Within Canada, railways prevail significantly over trucks for intercity movements. Departing from the port of Los Angeles to key Amazon fulfillment centers in the United States, the primary mode for transporting goods is via railway systems, not trucks. Diverse transport combinations like Train+Truck, Train+Air, and Train+Express (Truck) establish distinct transport hierarchies across the Eurasian and American continents.

Railway systems play an indispensable role in point-to-point transportation. This colossal steel network spanning the Eurasian and American continents remains an unparalleled choice in the realm of transportation.

FAQs of Train Freight



Can I ship my goods from China to the US or Canada by train?

Unfortunately, no. Currently, TranBay only offers rail transport to the EU and the UK, thanks to a combination of factors like the Eurasian continent, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and the China-Europe Railway Express, which all support our Fast Train service.
For destinations like the US, Canada, and Australia, there’s a vast Pacific Ocean in the way, and shipping by sea is actually similar in cost and even more economical than rail transport, especially when considering trade routes through the Middle East. So, at this time, Fast Train service is only available for the EU and the UK.


What’s the transit time like for rail transport?

During the off-season, especially when there’s a good number of available slots on the China-Europe Railway Express, the lead time from China to the EU or UK is typically around 30 days. Sometimes, shipments to the EU can even take as little as 20 days.
However, rail transport has been less reliable over the past year, particularly with disruptions caused by factors like the ongoing war, changing policies, and weather conditions. So, we now advise our customers to expect a lead time of 30-40 days when choosing rail transport.


Are the dimensions of railway containers the same as sea freight containers?

Yes, the dimensions of railway containers are generally the same as sea freight containers, and the cargo capacity is also quite similar. Both 40-foot and 20-foot containers are commonly used. In fact, intermodal transportation has become quite popular globally, with many countries and regions using a combination of sea and rail transport. As a result, railway containers and sea freight containers are standardized to ensure smooth transitions between these two modes of transport.


For e-commerce sellers, which cities can receive railway shipments?

Unlike sea freight, which typically requires coastal cities, most railway containers originate from inland cities in China that are also industrial hubs. These include cities like Yiwu, Changsha, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Xi'an, where factories are densely located. These inland cities are key points for railway shipments heading to Europe and other regions.


When calculating volumetric weight, does train freight use a divisor of 6000 or 5000?

Unlike Global Express, train freight is essentially our own service, with every step controlled by TranBay. So, the volumetric weight calculation for train freight follows the same method as other direct services, using a divisor of 6000.
The calculation formula of volumetric weight: volumetric weight = L (cm) × H (cm) × D (cm) ÷ 6000 (Only for Gloabal Express, other service it’s 6000).
For example, when the length of a carton = 48cm, width = 45cm, height = 39cm, then the volumetric weight of this carton = 48×45×39 ÷ 6000 = 14.04kg.


I have other questions. If I contact you, will you respond to my inquiries immediately?

Yes, we offer 24/7 live support, so no matter what time it is—even in the middle of the night in China—we’ve got someone on duty ready to help. Whether you need a quote, want to track your shipment, or even need to escalate an issue with one of our sales reps, just give us a call on our international hotline: +8615377327800, or shoot us an email at info@tranbay.cn. We guarantee a response within 2 hours. Trust me, a responsible freight forwarder should be doing this, and we’re proud to be one of them.

Introduction of China Railway Express

The China-Europe Express, also known as China Railway Express (CR Express), is a leading freight train service connecting China with Europe. Operating with fixed schedules and routes, it provides a reliable, cost-effective, and timely logistics solution for container transport under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Key Advantages

Speed: Faster than sea freight, typically reaching Europe in 15-20 days.
Cost-Effective: More economical than air freight while maintaining efficiency.
Reliable Capacity: Securely handles large volumes of goods.
Comprehensive Service: Recognized for high-quality logistics solutions.

Expanding Network

CR Express connects over 200 cities in more than 20 European countries through three main corridors:

West Corridor: Connects through Kazakhstan to Europe via Russia, Belarus, and Poland.
Middle Corridor: Routes through Mongolia to Europe.
East Corridor: Travels through Russia to Europe.

Strategic Importance

Known as the “steel camel fleet,” CR Express enhances trade, policy communication, infrastructure connectivity, and cultural exchange between China and Europe, becoming a vital component of the global supply chain.