Geopolitical tensions: why rail transport is making a difference once again

Due to the war and increasing tensions around Iran and surrounding countries, important shipping routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz and partly the Suez Canal, are temporarily risky or limited available for sea freight.

We draw our customers' attention to reliable logistics rail alternatives in order to limit the impact on the European and Dutch market as much as possible. In previous closures of the Suez Canal and re-routing due to geopolitical circumstances, transit times in sea freight ran up to 60 to sometimes as long as 75 days and container transport by train was a reliable solution.

Several shipping companies have now indicated that they will use re-routing on the usual shipping routes and to sail via the Cape of Good Hope.

As in previous situations, this will probably lead to:

• Longer transit times for sea freight containers due to rerouted routes
• Unclear arrival times due to busy ports and longer routes
• Additional costs due to risk premiums and higher insurance premiums, among other things

We therefore advise every company to reserve your container with Rail Bridge Cargo in good time and, where possible, to use freight transport by rail. Freight transport by train is a reliable alternative and has become a regular way for many companies to keep the supply chain as stable as possible. Of course, delays can also occur with rail, but the impact is much less significant than with sea freight. On average, container transport by train is 2 to 3 times faster than sea freight.

Advantages of rail transport:

• Twice as fast as sea freight, 55% cheaper than air freight
• Rail Bridge cargo has more than 43 economy and express routes
• Eastbound and westbound routes
• FCL and LCL solutions and temperature controlled solutions
• Door-to-door services
• Real-time track & trace
• Personal coordinators for end-to-end service

Our current transit times:

Please note that these transit times may vary and are not a guarantee. Due to the current situation in sea freight, we expect an increase in transport by rail in the coming period, which may affect these port-to-port times.

Book, discuss or reserve your shipment now:
By planning now together with our team, we can establish a rail route and schedule that takes into account the current situation, ensuring that your goods are transported safely and efficiently to or from Europe.

We are happy to give you personal advice on the best options and alternative routes. Contact us via [phone number] or [email address] to discuss your reservation or schedule or request a quote directly in 2 minutes via the button below:

https://www.railbridgecargo.nl/nl/offerteformulier-intercontinentaal-nl/

 We are closely monitoring the situation and constantly adapting our services to ensure continuity and safety for your goods.