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Land bridge logistics: Transport solutions between Asia and Europe

Regarding the transportation of goods between Asia and Europe, there are multiple options available. Land bridge solutions link the two continents, providing environmentally friendly, efficient and reliable options by integrating sea and rail transport.

Efficient shipping solutions via the Silk Road

The Silk Road ranks among the oldest trade routes globally, connecting Asia and Europe via both land and sea. This route, referred to as the land bridge, includes several corridors, making it a reliable and flexible transportation solution.

Rhenus land bridge transportation is available as a full-container load (FCL), less-than-container load (LCL) or by means of freight consolidation along this corridor. FCL offers dedicated capacity with greater adaptability, while LCL or consolidation via inland hubs in China and Europe presents a rather cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution for smaller shipments. Lead times differ depending on the selected transport mode: Westbound transit averages between 11 to 22 days, while eastbound shipments take between 11 to 24 days. Daily tracking updates provide transparency and dependability throughout the transportation of your goods. The most used container equipment includes 40' high cube and 20' containers, although special equipment is available upon request if needed.

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Benefits of land bridge transportation

Land bridge logistics serve as a quicker alternative when compared to sea transport.

Rail transport can respond quickly to evolving demands, providing a high level of flexibility with a wide rangeof locations available for container pickup and drop-off.

Land bridge transport acts as a more cost-effective option to air freight, while offering faster transit times compared to sea transport.

Various route alternatives contribute to making land bridge transport especially reliable.

Rhenus as your partner for land bridge logistics

  • Our extensive experience in rail transport enables usto identifiy the optimal solution for your transport needs.
  • Container fleet of more than 21,000 containers: We manage and operate our own fleet to ensure availability and flexibility for your freight.
  • Dedicated terminal at Duisburg rail station: With a focus on land bridge operations, our own terminal at Duisburg serves as a key hub for efficient transshipment and distribution.
  • Strategic hubs for consolidation and distribution: We leverage inland hubs across China and Europe to streamline logistics processes and provide flexibility in delivery.
  • We bring together intercontinental expertise with local presence in all countries along the rail route, ensuring secure cargo transport and timely deliveries.
  • With fixed departure times and reliable transit schedules, we are dedicated to ensuring your goods reach the right place at the right time.

Value-added services

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Customs services

We provide a full range of customs services in China and Europe, including customs clearance, consulting and associated services.

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Warehousing

Make use of our warehouses along the land bridge route for temporary or long-term storage of your goods.

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Packaging

We offer tailored packaging, lashing and securing solutions for land bridge transport.

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Planning a cargo transport between China and Europe?

Our international experts are ready to design your land bridge logistics solution for efficient and reliable transportation along the Silk Road.

Frequently asked questions

Land bridge transport refers to the movement of goods along the new Silk Road between Europe and Asia. While mainly conducted over land, it also includes intermodal solutions that combine sea and land transport options.

The new Silk Road brings together the benefits of rail and sea transport. In contrast to transport solutions that rely solely on sea routes, using the land bridge is characterized by higher speed, greater adaptability and increased reliability. It also represents an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to air freight.

The new Silk Road enables connections to China, the CIS countries and Europe.

In land bridge transportation, security is maintained through the application of stringent procedures, including secure handling and monitoring of cargo at every stage. If necessary, we also provide special seals and motion detector tracking devices for enhanced security.