We run the lane in both directions. If you are shipping from Europe to China, the eastbound return train is often the cheapest way in: return slots are more competitive than westbound, and we handle European pickup, export declaration in Europe and China import clearance at the other end. For urgent or non-rail cargo we also arrange ocean and air import into China.
Most forwarders are set up for one direction — China out. We run both, and the reverse lane is a real service, not a favour. European buyers sourcing from China often also need to move goods, returns, equipment or samples into China, and the same network runs the other way.
The eastbound return train is our main product on this lane, because the volumes are imbalanced: westbound traffic is heavier, so eastbound equipment has to be repositioned and return slots are usually cheaper than westbound. We arrange collection across Europe, load at the nearest terminal, and hand over for China import clearance.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Direction | Europe → China (import / return leg) |
| Main product | Eastbound return train |
| European pickup | Collection in Milan, Duisburg, Hamburg, Malaszewicze, Prague or Budapest into the nearest terminal |
| Transit | 11–18 days by rail |
| China end | Import clearance at the arrival hub (for example Xi'an) and inland delivery |
| Other modes | Ocean and air import into China where rail does not fit |
Westbound China–Europe volumes are much larger than eastbound, so eastbound equipment has to be repositioned rather than sent back full. That imbalance is the reason return slots are usually cheaper than westbound — a buyer importing into China gets the benefit of the imbalance.
What we handle on a return move:
Typical inbound cargo: furniture, auto parts, machinery, cosmetics, and specialty food and raw materials. Tell us the commodity and the China delivery address and we will lay out the route, the duty position and the transit.
| Mode | Best for | Indicative transit |
|---|---|---|
| Return-leg rail | Steady volume where cost matters and a few weeks is acceptable — usually the cheapest into central and northwest China | 11–18 days |
| Ocean import | Large volume, deadline not critical, lowest unit cost | 30–45 days |
| Air import | Urgent or high-value cargo | 3–7 days |
We quote the modes side by side against your volume and delivery address, so the choice is made on total landed cost and transit.
Yes. We run the lane in both directions. The reverse service covers European collection, export declaration in Europe, the eastbound return train (or ocean and air), and China import clearance with inland delivery.
Westbound volumes are larger than eastbound, so eastbound equipment has to be repositioned rather than sent back full. That imbalance makes return slots more competitive than westbound.
Milan, Duisburg, Hamburg, Malaszewicze, Prague and Budapest are the usual pickup points, into the nearest terminal. We price collection against the pickup address.
Yes. Import clearance at the arrival hub, including duty and VAT, plus inland delivery. Send the commodity and the delivery address and we will lay out the duty position.