News Analysis: The 11,000 Km. (6,835 Mi.) Rail Line from Chongqing, China to Duisburg, Germany allow Railroad Trains to traverse the distance in just 16 days. This is faster than Cargo Ship travel between the two cities and far less expensive than Air Freight for the distance.
Since China To Germany Rail Line Beats: Cargo Ships On Speed, Airlines On Cost; it also adds the element of “Shipping Diversity.” The old concept of “One not putting all of his eggs in one basket” applies here.
The Tri-Partite use of Airlines, Rail Lines, and Cargo Shipping Lines is very wise; especially from a Security Perspective. If one wants to damage or steal Particular Products STEALTHILY en-route to Germany or vice versa, the Shipping Methodology Problem must first be determined. The Second Problem is Tactical: Three Different Environments (Air, Land, or Sea). The Third Problem is Size: Airplane Dimension increased to Cargo Ship Dimension increased to Railroad Train Dimension. The Fourth Problem is Location: Air (Only Airports); Rail (Only Rail Yards); Sea (Only Harbors).
The Environmental Limitations of the Products such as Fragility – Lithium Ion Batteries?(if any); their Cost; their Size and Weight; and their Chronologic Importance to the Customers will all determine which manner of shipping is chosen. Also, Insurance Rates may be less in shipping by Rail.
Asia and Europe both win in Shipping via this 11,000 Km. (6,835 Mi.) Transportation Conduit.
Reality.
Reference: http://www.arabnews.com/news/548401