Rail Freight

Rail freight refers to the transportation costs incurred when shipping goods by rail. It is a core cost item in international rail intermodal transport and domestic rail transport. Use cases include: cross-border rail transport such as China-Europe Railway Express, Central Asia Railway Express, and China-Laos Railway; cargo consolidation and distribution between landlocked countries or inland cities; and as a third option besides sea and air freight, especially suitable for bulk cargo and time-sensitive but cost-conscious goods. Notes: 1) Rail freight is usually charged by weight or volume, with different rates for full carload, less-than-carload, and container shipments; 2) Cross-border rail freight involves multiple national railway segments and may include additional charges such as transit fees, gauge-change fees, and port handling fees; 3) Compared with sea freight, rail freight is higher but faster; compared with air freight, rail freight is lower but slower; 4) It is necessary to clarify who bears the freight under trade terms (e.g., FCA, CIP, DAP) and whether final delivery is included. Difference: Rail freight refers only to the rail segment transportation cost and does not include customs clearance, insurance, loading/unloading, and other miscellaneous charges, whereas 'international rail intermodal freight' may include the full journey cost.