Is the transport of goods from China to Europe an important basis for your company? For a lean cost structure, fast deliveries and reliable deadlines , a comparison of sea, air and rail transport routes is relevant. Find out in this article where you can get the best price/performance ratio.

What are the advantages of air freight as a transport route from China?

Air freight has long been the most popular route from China to Europe, served by a combination of cargo and passenger aircraft . The Covid pandemic saw a sharp reduction in demand and freight capacity.

If you now decide to use air freight as a transport route from China, you will be faced with the problem that it is difficult to transport large quantities at short notice.

The costs of shipping air freight are also an important point for your company. Compared to ocean freight and ground transport, the costs for air freight are significantly higher, as is the environmental impact.

Nevertheless, the “air” transport route has a decisive advantage: time. This route is unbeatable, especially for the transport of time-critical or perishable goods .

What are the advantages of transport by plane?

• Fast dispatch of time-critical products
• Fast dispatch of perishable products
• Short-term deliveries possible

What are the disadvantages of transport by plane?

• Heavy environmental pollution
• Capacities are severely limited
• High costs

What are the advantages of ocean freight as a transport route from China?

A popular transport route from China to Europe is by sea. During the coronavirus pandemic, sea transport was severely restricted as many carriers cancelled ships .Restrictions are currently still in place to a limited extent, which is affecting the timing of sea transport.

At the same time, this is currently being offset by rising demand for goods. The expansion of shipping capacity is only progressing slowly.

In addition, a container backlog has developed over the last few years. Container availability is low, even though shipping companies are ordering more containers. Transport times are another issue, as they average around four weeks.

A positive aspect to consider when deciding in favour of sea transport from China are strong alliances. Many carriers are forging links with each other, which ensures that freight rates and the range of services offered increase.

In addition, this creates the effect of cost reduction, which is relevant for your company's decision.

What are the advantages of transport by ship?

• Transport of large volumes possible
• Transport difficulties are cushioned by alliances

What are the disadvantages of transport by ship?

• No alternative for perishable goods
• No alternative for time-critical goods
• High capacity utilisation and container shortage
• Lack of transport ships

What are the advantages of rail freight as a transport route from China?

The connection between Europe and China is shaped by a solid rail network that makes overland transport possible. In recent decades, ground routes have improved to such an extent that they represent serious competition for Air und der Ocean transport.

An increasing focus is also being placed on the use of automated vehicles.

The "Silk Road Economic Belt", also known as the "One Belt, One Road" project , is the transport route from China. This is a combination of various land routes that enable transport from China to Europe.

The focus is still on the Trans-Euroasia-Express, i.e. transport by rail. The advantages of rail transport for you are the costs and speed compared to ship and air.

What are the advantages of transport by train?

• You pay 80 % less per tonne of transported goods than for a cargo flight
• Rail transport is characterised by punctuality and minimal disruptions
• Low transport volumes, unlike ship transport, are not available
• Environmental advantages over air and sea transport

What are the disadvantages of transport by train?

• No alternative for perishable goods
• No alternative for time-critical goods
• High route utilisation already in place

Conclusion about the transport routes from China

The three most important transport routes from China are air transport, shipping and ground transport - primarily by rail transport. In terms of costs, rail transport is an optimal choice. When it comes to transporting goods quickly and efficiently, air freight is still the leading option.