Rail freight & intermodal
Rail freight between China, Kazakhstan and Europe — one contractor, whole route
Container block trains, wagon-load shipments and intermodal chains via Dostyk, Altynkol and Khorgos. We handle booking, rolling stock, terminals and customs so your cargo moves on schedule.
- 12–16
- days China → EU border by rail
- 40+
- containers per block train
- 8
- countries on our Central Asia network
Why Confidex
Rail expertise built on the Baltic–Central Asia corridor
- Block trains and single containers
- From one 40 ft box to full 40+ container trains — we book capacity and assemble consolidated departures.
- Wagon-load shipments
- Covered wagons, platforms, hoppers and tank wagons for bulk, grain, timber and industrial cargo.
- Border and terminal control
- Transloading at Dostyk / Altynkol, terminal slots, sealing and inspections handled by our operators.
- Customs transit
- T1/TIR/CIM-SMGS documents, transit declarations and EAEU procedures without delays.
- Intermodal chains
- Rail + sea via Aktau, Poti/Batumi or Baltic ports; rail + truck for last mile across Kazakhstan.
- One point of contact
- A dedicated coordinator, daily status updates and full document set in your language.
How it works
From enquiry to delivery
A predictable process with clear checkpoints, so you always know where your cargo is.
-
01
Enquiry & rate
Send route, cargo and volume — we reply with rate, transit time and equipment plan within one business day.
-
02
Booking
We secure train capacity, wagons or containers and confirm the departure date.
-
03
Documents & customs
Preparation of CIM/SMGS, transit declarations and border formalities.
-
04
Transit & delivery
Tracking at each border and terminal, final delivery and document hand-over.
Geography
Corridors we operate
Regular departures on the Middle Corridor and northern routes, with Kazakhstan as the hub.
- 01 China (Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Urumqi) → Kazakhstan → EU
- 02 Kazakhstan ↔ Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan
- 03 Kazakhstan → Aktau → Caucasus → Turkey (Middle Corridor)
- 04 Kazakhstan ↔ Baltic ports (Riga, Klaipėda)
- 05 Kazakhstan ↔ Russia, Belarus, Mongolia
- 06 Domestic Kazakhstan: Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Aktobe, Atyrau
Equipment
Rolling stock and equipment options
| Equipment | Typical cargo | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 20 / 40 ft containers, HC | General cargo, machinery, consumer goods | up to 26–28 t per unit |
| Covered wagons | Palletised and bagged goods | 68 t / 120–138 m³ |
| Hopper wagons | Grain, fertilisers, minerals | 70–76 t |
| Tank wagons | Oils, chemicals, fuels | 60–73 m³ |
| Flat / platform wagons | Pipes, timber, equipment, containers | 60–72 t |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does rail freight from China to Europe via Kazakhstan take?
Typically 12–16 days to the EU border and 16–22 days door-to-door, depending on origin, border congestion and the final destination.
Can you ship a single container, not a full train?
Yes. We consolidate single containers into scheduled block trains and also handle LCL consolidation for smaller lots.
Who handles customs in Kazakhstan and at the borders?
Our team prepares transit documents and coordinates with licensed brokers at Dostyk, Altynkol, Khorgos and destination terminals.
Do you provide wagons if there is a shortage?
We supply platforms, hoppers and tank wagons from partner fleets — see our Wagon Supply service.
Is cargo insurance included?
Insurance is arranged on request; we recommend all-risk coverage for high-value cargo.
Get a quote
Get a rail freight quote
Tell us the route, cargo and volume. We reply within one business day with rate, transit time and an equipment plan.