Rail freight can be arranged through Van der Helm
Want your goods transported efficiently, sustainably and at a good price? At Van der Helm Logistics, we offer a reliable and sustainable rail freight service, perfect for customers seeking an intermediate solution between ocean freight and air freight. With our train services, we provide fast turnaround times, a cost-effective alternative, and an environmentally friendly option.
Why choose rail freight?
Train freight offers an ideal middle ground between cost and transit time. It is perfect for shipments where air freight is too expensive and sea freight too slow. In addition, rail freight is often a more sustainable alternative, with a lower environmental impact compared to air freight. Thanks to the reliability and flexibility of this mode of transportation, it provides an efficient solution for various logistics needs.
Our services
Train freight offers an excellent balance between speed and cost, ideal if you want to ship goods faster than with ocean freight, but at a lower cost than air freight. Our rail freight services are designed to be flexible and sustainable to suit your needs.
Full Container Load (FCL)
If you have enough goods to fill an entire container, we will make sure your goods are placed on the train efficiently and without stops for a quick and direct route to the final destination.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
Don’t need a full container? No problem. We combine your goods with other loads, making for an efficient and cost-friendly option.
We take care of all customs formalities, so you don’t have to worry about complicated paperwork and border crossings go smoothly.
Pre- and post-transportation
We arrange transportation to and from the train terminals so that your goods make their way smoothly to their final destination.
Why Van der Helm for your train freight?
With our network of reliable partners, we make sure your shipments are always in good hands. These are the main advantages of our train freight service:
Fast turnaround time
Our rail freight service typically offers a transit time of about 25 days from China to the Netherlands, which is about twice as fast as sea freight. With fixed transit times and flexible routes, we ensure efficient transit of your goods.
Global network and dedicated partners
Thanks to our reliable partners in both Europe and Asia, we can smoothly move your shipments from point of departure to final destination. Our strategic partners guarantee optimal service and careful handling of your goods throughout the entire route.
Storage and transshipment in European hubs
We use hubs in key locations, such as Duisburg and Poland, to process shipments efficiently and minimize delays due to congestion. This makes our process fast and flexible, without compromising on reliability.
Personalized service
At Van der Helm, you are not a number. Our customers always receive personalized support and transparent communication about the status of their shipment.
Safe and reliable
Although rail freight can sometimes be delayed due to congestion or border crossings, we keep you constantly informed. We work closely with our partners, who monitor your shipments for maximum control and insight into transportation progress.
How does the train freight process work?
Although rail freight may seem simple at first glance, there is a lot of planning and coordination behind it. We work closely with specialized partners to ensure that your shipments are transported efficiently and with as little delay as possible. From container loading to on-carriage, every part of the process is carefully monitored. Although trains often encounter multiple stops and border crossings, our partners ensure that logistics run smoothly and goods reach their final destination on time. If something unexpected does happen, we will notify you immediately.
We offer our customers and their suppliers the same conditions as sea freight, which allows the incoterm to be maintained. This gives us, and ultimately the importing customer, more control over meeting the desired closings before departure. For example, the supplier can hand over the shipment on a FOB Shanghai basis. Together with our rail partner, we arrange transport to the train terminal in inland China so that the desired closing is always met.
What do our clients say?
Our customers appreciate the flexibility and reliability of our train freight service. Whether transporting fashion, industrial goods or consumer goods, we always offer a suitable solution. Read below what customers say about us:
Roderick van Welsum
"We have been working with Van der Helm Logistics for Customs Services for decades and we greatly appreciate the reliability and flexibility of their service. They always think well of us and provide an extra check on tariff preferences and customs legislation, which is essential for us. Our cooperation is always professional and relaxed, with a personal touch that makes all the difference."
Diederik Enneking
"Van der Helm is a reliable partner that relieves us in totality. They handle our seasonal peaks in import, storage and distribution extremely flexibly. The direct communication in this regard is a big plus."
Camille
"Communication with the assigned contacts is smooth and efficient, which is essential for our order processing, especially during peak seasons. Since switching to their services, we have seen a significant improvement in delivery times within the Netherlands."
Remco Glasbergen
"Van der Helm has helped us solve our logistics challenges with their flexible and reliable approach. They think with us and make sure we always have the space and capacity we need, especially during seasonal peaks."
Frequently asked questions about train freight
The average transit time is about 25 days, depending on the route and any congestion at border crossings.
Yes, rail freight is suitable for most types of goods, with the exception of very time-sensitive products or hazardous materials.
We work with reliable partners who use GPS tracking to ensure the safety of your shipments.
Absolutely. We handle the complete transportation of your goods, from the pick-up point to the final destination.
The cost is usually in between that of ocean freight and air freight, depending on the size of your shipment and the desired lead time.
Find out how rail freight can solve your logistics challenges.
Our team of logistics experts is ready to work with you to find the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for your transportation needs. Whether it’s moving full or partial loads, handling customs clearance, or arranging pre- and post-transportation – we make sure your goods reach their destination on time and without worry.
Contact us today and find out what we can do for your logistics processes
