UTi joins forwarders offering China-Europe rail alternative to air

UTi Worldwide has joined the growing number of forwarders offering railfreight alternatives to ocean and air cargo between China and Europe.
The global supply chain services  provider launched its weekly Iron Silk Road rail service between Harbin and Hamburg to provide clients “more cost-effective transport options in these markets and beyond”.
UTi joins DHL Global Forwarding, Panalpina, Kuehne+Nagel and UPS in offering containerised railfreight options.
UTi says that its new rail 15-day service features “lower rates than airfreight and shorter transit times than ocean freight”.
Adding: “Other major destinations in northern China and northern Europe, including ports, are accessible within a few days without additional on-carriage charges.
“The service also offers environmental and security benefits compared to air and ocean transport. UTi is offering promotional pricing through September 30 2015 to encourage current and prospective clients to try the Iron Silk Road rail service."
The UTi rail service is part of a joint venture agreement with strategic China-based partner Changjiu Logistics, Harbin Railway Bureau and Dalian Port Investment Corp.
"We are excited to provide economical and reliable rail service between China and Europe to our clients," said Ditlev Blicher, UTi president, freight forwarding.
"This is only the first link in our Iron Silk Road rail service and only one of the many ways we are serving the logistics requirements of automotive, aerospace and other manufacturers."
Further analysis of the potential threat to airfreight from China-Europe rail services can be found on page eight of the latest issue of Air Cargo News, by signing up for free access to the online digital edition.