Guangzhou has launched its first dedicated freight train for cross-border e-commerce shipments to Europe. The X8186 service departed this week packed with household appliances, clothing, and consumer goods from the city's eastern transport hub. It will pass through Khorgos port and reach Europe in 13 days.

The service uses China's "9610" customs model for the first time in rail exports. This system simplifies paperwork for small online orders by allowing bulk declarations. It helps businesses achieve faster customs clearance and tax rebates while lowering shipping costs.

"These trains slash delivery times by over half compared to sea freight," said Yang Guozhong from Guangzhou Railway Logistics. "Costs fall to about one-quarter of air cargo prices. This is particularly effective for commercial shipments heavier than 3kg."

The move supports Guangdong province's growing e-commerce trade, which reached 745.4 billion yuan last year. Local logistics teams collaborated with customs authorities to develop the solution after businesses reported challenges in shipping small retail orders to Europe.

The service reduces total delivery times to European customers to roughly 20 days through synchronized procedures. Goods spend about four days at Guangzhou's logistics center for consolidation and clearance before boarding trains. The thirteen-day rail journey through Central Asia precedes final delivery within three days after European customs processing.

Cargo handling at the departure terminal improved significantly after staff refined procedures. Processing time dropped from ten hours to six hours due to workflow adjustments.

Further European connections are planned this year, including direct routes to Germany's Duisburg and Hungary's Budapest. 

Photo | Nanfang Plus