By Maria Kalamatas | July 23, 2025

Section: International / Rail Freight & Trade Connectivity

Hamburg, July 23 — Retailers across Europe are rushing to secure rail freight slots for shipments from China as ocean carriers grapple with port congestion and weather-related delays, turning the Eurasian rail corridor into a critical supply chain artery.

“Every available departure is filling fast,” said Anja Keller, who oversees Asia-Europe logistics for a German retail group. “Sea freight remains cheaper, but our priority right now is getting stock to stores on time, even at a premium.”

Speed outweighs savings

Rail transit between China and Europe averages less than three weeks — nearly half the current transit time by sea, where vessel delays and lengthy port waits have disrupted supply schedules. High-demand goods like consumer electronics, fashion, and seasonal products are dominating the switch.

“We can’t risk empty shelves during back-to-school season,” Keller explained. “For some categories, speed is worth more than the rate gap.”

Terminals stretch to accommodate demand

Key hubs in Poland and Germany are nearing full capacity, prompting operators to add train departures and extend handling shifts to avoid bottlenecks. Some forwarders are blending rail with short-sea services to reach southern European markets.

“We’re scaling up carefully so the solution doesn’t create new problems,” said Marek Kowalski, operations head at a Polish intermodal terminal. “The flow has to stay smooth, or we all lose.”

Rates reflect the rush

Spot pricing on the China–Europe rail corridor has risen 10 to 15 percent over the past month. For many retailers, the cost increase is acceptable compared with the risk of missing critical sales periods.

“Predictable delivery is more valuable than shaving off a few euros per unit,” Kowalski noted. “Rail gives us that predictability when the seas don’t.”

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