DSV Panalpina Banking on China-Europe Cargo Movements by Road

Intercontinental road transport may be an attractive alternative to air freight

As COVID-19 closed airports and grounded more than 90% of passenger airplanes, air cargo capacity has been slashed and prices on the remaining capacity have soared.

Transit time for air freight from Shanghai, China to an airport in Western Europe is now around 8 days, last month it was up to 14 days.

The DSV Panalpina management seems to think that with the still unusually high prices for air freight due to capacity constraints, road transport from China to Western Europe in just two and a half weeks is an attractive alternative.

The benefits the company foresees for a China - Europe truck service:

Short transit times (China-Europe in 15-17 days)
Considerably less expensive than air freight
Flexible departure times
Full and part truck loads (FTL and LTL)
All types of cargo
Hazardous materials only as FTL
Customs clearance incl. customs control to verify restricted goods such as personal protective equipment (PPE)
Trucks may stop only at secured parking lots
GPS in trucks loaded at DSV facilities

Tine Jørgensen Manager (Rail & Gateway) from DSV Panalpina's Air & Sea division said: "Our road transport service from Eastern China to Western Europe has gained in popularity while the COVID-19 crisis has spread throughout the continents as it is a viable alternative to both air, sea and rail.

"Our global network combined with a strong, local presence enables us to offer this attractive solution to our customers."

The distance from Shanghai in China to Western Europe is 8,500 kilometres equivalent to 5,300 miles.

Read More: DSV Launches Enhanced e-Commerce Solutions

Transport