A freight train loaded with electronic devices, home appliances, and other goods departed from the Changsha North Railway Station on November 21, 2025. Under the supervision and approval of the Xingsha Customs Authority, a branch of the Changsha Customs Authority, the train will cross the border via the Khorgos Port, bound for Poznan in Poland. This marked that the China-Europe (Changsha) freight trains start operating on full timetables.

This freight train service adopts a comprehensive "Five Priority Principles" approach—priority in loading, customs clearance, cabin allocation, transshipment, and preferential pricing—specializing in Less than Container Load (LCL) and e-commerce cargo transportation. Departing every Friday, the freight train operates along the route extending 10,396 kilometers with a stable transit time of 12 days and 17 hours. It traverses the Khorgos Port before reaching Poznan, with distribution capabilities to major European logistics hubs such as Rotterdam, Duisburg, Hamburg, Prague, and Budapest.

The core advantage of full timetable service lies in its unparalleled certainty of delivery times.
It enjoys priority marshaling, loading, and departure at the port, with every step precisely controlled and managed. The service saves approximately 72 hours compared to regular freight trains, with its advantages becoming even more pronounced during periods of congestion. Supply chain reliability and stability are ensured, with the "On-Time Delivery" commitment enabling enterprises to precisely plan production and inventory, accept orders with shorter lead times, and reduce capital tied up and market risks.

In February of this year, the General Administration of Customs has piloted an "Inspect First, Ship Later" supervision model in Hunan, which results in significant reduction of the inspection time for LCL export. For time-sensitive goods such as electronics, automotive components, and high-end consumer products, the freight train service offers an ideal solution that is more cost-effective than air freight and faster and more reliable than sea freight. According to estimates, the new model can lower enterprises' overall logistics costs by 15%.

According to officials from the Changsha Logistics and Port Office, with support from provincial and municipal port authorities in optimizing logistics chains and strengthening cross-departmental collaboration, the China-Europe (Changsha) freight train service has established a three-pronged operational framework covering eastern, central, and western routes. This achievement solidifies its position among the nation's top performers.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Yu Jiangjiang

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn