Rail Freight
Efficient continental transport for medium to heavy shipments
What is Rail Freight?
Rail freight is the transportation of goods via train networks. It offers a strong balance between cost and speed for continental shipping, and is particularly efficient for moving heavy or bulk cargo over land.
Process
- Booking — Book with rail operator or freight forwarder
- Loading — Load cargo onto railcars
- Documentation — Shipping documents & customs (for cross‑border)
- Rail Transit — Transport to destination terminal
- Unloading — At destination terminal
- Final Delivery — Truck to final destination
Tracking Systems
- Rail car tracking numbers
- RFID tracking systems
- Rail operator portals
- Intermodal tracking platforms
Ideal Shipping Weight & Needs
| Service Type | Weight Range | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermodal Container | 20–30 tons | 3–7 days | Containerized cargo |
| Boxcar | 50–100 tons | 5–10 days | Palletized goods |
| Bulk Cargo | 80–100+ tons | 5–14 days | Coal, grain, minerals |
Transit Time: Typically days to a week, depending on distance
Cost Efficiency: More cost‑effective than trucking for long distances
Special Requirements: Access to rail terminals, suitable for continental transport
Environmental Impact: Lower carbon emissions versus road transport for equivalent cargo