Case study
China → Poland
Four containers of automotive parts from Xingtai to Warsaw
Four 40’ High Cube containers of bodywork parts and other automotive components moved from Xingtai to Warsaw via Małaszewicze in 18 days. They travelled on one express train, then by road in the same containers.
Project brief
Key shipment parameters
- Route
- Xingtai, Hebei → Chinese rail terminal → Małaszewicze → Warsaw
- Format
- Intermodal delivery of automotive parts
- Actual delivery time
- 18 days for this shipment
- Transport
- Road haulage + express rail + final container delivery
Operational proof
How we handled the client brief
- Client
- Automotive dealer receiving a large parts shipment
- Objective
- Organise an EXW shipment of automotive parts for a dealer in 2026: supply four containers to the exporter in the Xingtai area of Hebei, move them by express rail to Poland and deliver the loaded containers to Warsaw for unloading.
- Key considerations
- All four 40’ High Cube containers were fully loaded, with approximately 12–14 tonnes of parts in each. We needed to coordinate container supply, rail departure, import clearance by the recipient, delivery to Warsaw and empty container return.
- Outcome
- All four containers travelled on the same express train and arrived together. After import clearance in Małaszewicze, they were delivered to Warsaw, unloaded by the client and returned empty to the terminal. The actual shipment time was 18 days.
Route in detail
How the project was handled
Empty container delivery to the sender
In 2026, we arranged road delivery of four empty 40’ High Cube containers to the exporter in the Xingtai area, Hebei, China, postcode 054602. This EXW shipment began with container loading at the sender’s premises.
Loading and export clearance by the sender
The sender loaded bodywork parts and other automotive components into the containers and handled export clearance. Each container’s loading space was fully used, with approximately 12–14 tonnes of cargo. We provided photo reports on the shipment.
Road transfer to the Chinese rail terminal
The loaded containers were trucked from the exporter’s premises to the Chinese railway terminal for the express service to Poland.
One express train to Małaszewicze
All four containers were dispatched on the same express train to Małaszewicze, Poland, and arrived together. The batch was not split between separate trains.
Consignee clearance and delivery to Warsaw
The recipient handled import clearance in Małaszewicze. After clearance, we arranged road delivery of the loaded containers to Warsaw. The cargo was not transferred into a curtainsider for the Polish road leg.
Client unloading and empty container return
The client unloaded the parts from the containers in Warsaw. We then arranged the return of the empty containers to the terminal.
Four full High Cube containers, one rail departure
The automotive dealer’s shipment included bodywork parts and other automotive components. It filled the loading space of four 40’ High Cube containers. Cargo weight varied between approximately 12 and 14 tonnes per container; that range is not the total shipment weight.
All four travelled on one express train and reached the Polish terminal together. This kept the batch together for import clearance and onward delivery to Warsaw.
This case concerns automotive parts, not complete vehicles. It demonstrates a container supply chain for that cargo; its 18-day result is not a transit-time estimate for shipping cars.
Who loaded, cleared and delivered the cargo
For this EXW shipment, the agreed division of work was clear: the sender loaded the containers and handled export clearance in China. West Matterhorn arranged road–rail–road transport, photo reports, final container delivery and empty container return. The recipient handled import clearance in Małaszewicze and unloaded the cargo in Warsaw.
For the Polish road leg, the goods stayed in the containers. After import clearance, we arranged delivery of the loaded containers to Warsaw rather than transferring the cargo into a curtainsider at Małaszewicze.
The client did not order cargo insurance through West Matterhorn for this shipment. This does not rule out cover arranged separately by the sender or recipient. Any insurance requested for a new shipment is agreed separately.
Actual time: 18 days, not a standard guarantee
The actual delivery time for this batch was 18 days, with the express train contributing to that result. Comparable deliveries can take around 25 days; this is neither a guaranteed duration nor an upper limit for every shipment.
A new quotation needs a confirmed collection address, ready-to-load date, container quantity, cargo weight and volume, rail departure, customs responsibilities, unloading point and empty-return arrangements. These define the service and the timing that can be offered for the next project.
Rail transit time is only one part of the delivery schedule. Empty container supply, export readiness, import clearance, final unloading and empty container return must also be coordinated. These stages need to be considered when comparing quotations and delivery estimates.
Visual record
Project photos
Questions about this shipment
What was shipped, and in what containers?
Bodywork parts and other automotive components in four 40’ High Cube containers. Each container’s loading space was fully used, with approximately 12–14 tonnes of cargo per container. The shipment was for an automotive dealer.
Did all four containers travel together?
Yes. All four were on the same express train to Małaszewicze and arrived together. They were not dispatched on separate trains.
Who handled loading and customs clearance?
The sender loaded the containers and handled export clearance in China. The recipient handled import clearance in Małaszewicze and unloaded the parts in Warsaw. West Matterhorn arranged logistics and photo reports, not those customs clearances.
Was the cargo transferred into a curtainsider in Poland?
No. After import clearance, the loaded containers were trucked to Warsaw. The client unloaded the cargo there, and the empty containers were returned to the terminal.
Can the same 18-day delivery time be guaranteed?
No. Eighteen days was the actual result of this batch. Similar shipments can take around 25 days, but this is not a maximum. The next project needs its own departure, clearance, unloading and return schedule.
Was cargo insurance included in our service?
No cargo insurance was ordered through West Matterhorn for this shipment. This does not establish whether another party arranged separate coverage. Insurance for a new shipment must be agreed separately.
Case study