During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak is disrupting supply chains across business sectors and is impacting ocean freight capacity and rates. This unprecedented situation demands immediate action to guarantee on-time deliveries and prevent workshops and store shelves from going empty. While air freight remains the fastest transportation mode, it may not be the most adapted to your business’s own specific needs considering its CO₂ impact, premium cost, and capacity challenges. In these uncertain times, lean on a forwarder’s expertise: read on to explore 3 agile alternatives to boost your supply chain today – and for better times, too.

1) Rail Freight from China to Europe (& Back): the New Silk Road

Containers do not only belong on massive vessels and truck trailers: all across China – be it Northern, Western, or Southern China, or off the coast – containers can be moved via an extensive network of rail freight connections to all major European destinations via Kazakhstan, Russia & Belarus. While rail has rapidly expanded over the past years, the interest of European buyers is rising with the COVID-19 outbreak. As ocean freight services are being rolled over and air freight rates are soaring, the rail freight capacity increases – at a reasonable cost. Of course, DHL’s rail capabilities also mean you can ship your cargo from Europe to South-East Asia via rail.