Experience in international transport and logistics
Rail transport from China
Rail freight from China
Rail transport of goods between Europe and Asia, both in FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments.
Rail transport from China to Poland is a solution that enables fast delivery of goods at a moderate cost. With Terramar, you can choose between shipping smaller quantities of goods consolidated in LCL (Less than Container Load) containers or sending larger consignments that occupy full FCL (Full Container Load) containers.
Why choose rail transport with Terramar?
Comprehensive service including customs clearance, transport, transshipment, delivery.
Collection of goods in China from the client at any location in China.
Fixed, regular connections from Asia to Europe, own LCL and FCL consoles.
Dedicated supervisor and support in transport, logistics, and customs clearance.
Door-to-door service, transport between warehouses.
Worldwide network of agents, consolidation and operational warehouses.
Own customs agency – clearance in all procedures.
Offer transparency, cargo security, and dedicated insurance.
Full-container and groupage deliveries, average travel time 14–18 days.
Punctuality, top service standards, and over 30 years of experience.
Transport from China to Poland with Terramar means:
- regular, scheduled rail connections to and from Asia and Europe,
- both full-container (FCL) and less-than-container (LCL) deliveries,
- services available “door-to-door” or between warehouses,
- transport of containerized oversized and heavy cargo,
- pickup from any location in China,
- comprehensive customs services provided by Terramar – clearances in all procedures,
- a network of consolidation warehouses minimizing transport costs,
- more frequent deliveries of smaller quantities of goods, reducing storage costs,
- average transit time between 14 and 20 days.
Comprehensive rail freight services – from documentation and customs clearance to full door-to-door logistics.
Terramar is your trusted partner in international rail freight.
Rail transport from China to Poland step by step
LCL (Less than Container Load) means shipping in a consolidated container shared by several final consignees. Cargo is grouped together to fill one container, which helps minimize transport costs and each consignee pays only for the space occupied by their goods. FCL (Full Container Load), on the other hand, involves reserving an entire container for a single consignee. This method is faster than LCL, as it does not require the time-consuming process of consolidating shipments from multiple companies or the extended unloading time at the destination. It is a direct and more efficient solution, suitable for larger loads or high-volume shipments.
For our clients, the rail transport process is limited to simply providing the shipper’s contact details – we take care of the rest. Once the order is received, our agent in China contacts the shipper to arrange delivery details such as shipment readiness date, confirmation of quantity, volume, and weight, as well as all information necessary to organize the transport. The delivery of goods is carried out in accordance with the agreed Incoterms conditions. Pickup in China can either be organized by our agent or the shipper can deliver the goods to the designated location.
For our clients, the rail transport process is as simple as providing the shipper’s contact details – we handle everything else. Once we receive the order, our agent in China contacts the shipper to confirm delivery details, including the shipment readiness date, quantity, volume, weight, and all other information necessary to arrange transport. The delivery of goods is carried out in accordance with the agreed Incoterms. Pickup in China can either be organized by our agent or the shipper may deliver the goods directly to the designated location.
Cargo train to Asia
While the train is en route from Asia to Poland, our agent issues transport confirmations (bills of lading) for each shipment loaded into the container. At the same time, we prepare all the commercial documents required for customs clearance in Poland, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, necessary permits, and certificates of origin.
When the container arrives at the terminal in Małaszewicze or Łódź, Terramar Customs Agency submits it for a transfer customs clearance procedure, which allows the goods to be transported to our warehouse in Pruszków. Upon arrival, the cargo is unloaded and placed under the supervision of the Customs Office. At this stage, we carry out the final customs clearance, after which the goods are released for free circulation within the EU. The process is then completed with road transport to individual consignees,
What is the cost of rail transport from China?
The cost of rail transport from China to Poland depends on many factors, such as the type of goods, their weight, volume, and the chosen shipping method – LCL or FCL. LCL, or Less than Container Load, is more affordable because the transport cost is shared among several consignees. FCL, or Full Container Load, on the other hand, is more expensive but more efficient and faster for larger shipments.
Rail transport is a compromise between time and cost. Its price is higher than sea freight, but significantly lower than air freight. The cheapest option remains sea freight, which costs about half as much as rail transport. Air freight, on the other hand, is the most expensive, with costs up to 4–5 times higher than rail from China. This type of transport is ideal for high-value goods or urgent shipments.
Rail transport time from China to Poland
The rail transport time from China to Poland usually ranges from 14 to 20 days. This is a much faster alternative compared to sea freight, which can take up to 40 days. The exact transit time depends on many factors, such as the chosen route, weather conditions, and possible delays at border crossings. Air freight is the fastest delivery method, typically taking between 3 and 7 days, but it is by far the most expensive option.
Rail freight from China
Available direct routes:
- Zhengzhou – Małaszewicze – 4/5 times per week, transit time 14–20 days
- Chengdu – Łódź – once per week, transit time 14–20 days
- Changsha – Warsaw – twice per week, transit time 14–20 days
- Wuhan – Małaszewicze – 3 times per week, transit time 14–20 days
Xi’an – Małaszewicze – 4/5 times per week, transit time 14–20 days
Regardless of the type of cargo – we ensure a safe, efficient and compliant rail freight process.
YEARS
CERTIFICATES
ISO 9001, WSK, AEO – customs simplifications.
THOUSAND
Over 15.000 satisfied clients
CUSTOMS AGENCY
We handle customs clearance under all procedures
WAREHOUSES
Warehouses in the ports of Gdynia and Gdańsk, and also in Pruszków
The impact of the war in Ukraine on rail transport from China
The armed conflict in Ukraine has not directly disrupted trans-Asian rail transport. Despite political and economic tensions between Russia and the EU, rail freight has not been subject to sanctions. After an initial decline in the first nine months of 2022, this mode of transport began to gradually recover. Małaszewicze, located on the Polish-Belarusian border, gained importance by becoming the main entry point into the EU for goods transported by rail from China.
Moreover, since the beginning of the conflict, China has been actively engaged both diplomatically and financially to maintain rail freight, treating it as an important niche in trade with the EU. Alternative routes, such as the Middle Corridor through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus, are being developed, which increases the flexibility of the transport system
Trust the professionals – rail transport from China with Terramar!
By choosing rail transport from China with Terramar, clients can count on comprehensive service and a professional approach. Our experience and knowledge of the Chinese market ensure that goods are transported efficiently and safely. We invite you to take advantage of our services and join the group of satisfied customers.
Most Commonly Shipped Goods
Rail transport operators can handle cargo including
Food
products
(including perishable goods, transported for example in special refrigerated containers)
Heavy
industry products
(steel, machines, cranes)
Shipbuilding
industry products
(ship parts)
Clothing
Cosmetics
Home
equipment
(furniture, electronics and household appliances)
Cars
and other machine parts
“Strategic”
cargo
(including dual-use goods)
Dangerous
cargo
Oversized
cargo
Rail freight FAQ
What documents are required to ship goods by rail from China to Poland?
To efficiently organize rail transport from China to Europe, the following documents are required:
- Commercial Invoice – contains the basic information about the transaction: shipper, consignee, description of goods, value, and trade terms, including INCOTERMS 2020;
- Packing List – a detailed specification of the shipment contents, including the number of packages, weight, and dimensions;
- Rail Waybill – CIM (for European countries), SMGS (for former USSR countries), or the unified CIM/SMGS waybill for imports from China;
- Certificates – phytosanitary, veterinary, and certificates of origin, required for certain categories of goods.
How long does rail freight from China to Poland take and what are the main routes?
How long does rail transport from China to Poland take?
The standard transit time is 14 to 20 days, depending on the chosen route as well as the points of origin and destination terminals.
Main rail routes from China to Poland/Europe:
- Eastern Corridor – from Chinese ports (Yiwu, Suzhou) via Manzhouli, Russia, Belarus, and into Poland.
- Central Corridor – from Chengdu or Chongqing via Erenhot (Mongolia), then through Russia and Poland to Europe.
- Western Corridor – from western regions of China (Xinjiang) via Khorgos or Alashankou, then through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and into Poland/EU.
What types of cargo can be transported by rail from China to Poland?
Rail transport from China to Poland is a versatile solution that allows for the shipment of a wide range of cargo – both in Full Container Loads (FCL) and consolidated in Less than Container Loads (LCL).
The most frequently transported goods include:
- electronics and household appliances,
- clothing and textiles,
- machinery and spare parts,
- interior furnishings and furniture,
- chemical products and plastics,
- FMCG products and cosmetics.
For cargo requiring special conditions (e.g., temperature control, ADR), a prior verification of transport feasibility is necessary.
At Terramar, we provide assistance in selecting the right solution, along with full documentation and customs support – ensuring that the process is safe and fully compliant with regulations.
