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by paradite 3449 days ago
For anyone looking for a quick answer, this is from the 4th paragraph in the article:

While the train can carry about 200 containers, versus 20,000 on a large cargo vessel, the trip takes about half as long as a 30-day sailing between East Asia and northern Europe. That will make rail a competitive option when maritime shipments are held up or miss the booked departure, especially compared with airfreight, which costs twice as much, according to Michael White, operations director at Brunel Shipping, the U.K. booking agent for the service.
2 comments
jessriedel 3449 days ago
It's amazing the contrast in usefulness between samhamilton's comment and jakozaur's Fermi estimate elsewhere in this thread:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13317649

It's just a completely different method of going about arguments.

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jessaustin 3448 days ago
The arguments have different content, as well. One says air freight costs twice what rail freight costs, while the other, more correct, comment observes that it's actually (6-18)x.
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Shivetya 3449 days ago
I will be very curious if the savings hold up. Then throw in the risk of cargo theft which will be higher by this method of transport and this method is also more subject to mechanical issues with both vehicle and the rails it rides on.
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ju-st 3449 days ago
If shipping by air only cost 2x more than by train, then using air cargo is a no brainer.
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neals 3449 days ago
No, it is never just that simple. And I don't believe anybody would say such a thing.

I can imagine being in a position where shipments can be ordered 15 days in advance, but where 45 days would be unacceptable. (train vs ship)

If that's the case, you set up your logistics to come by rail, rolling in every 15 days, instead of air and you save a bunch on your shipping.

There's so many variables and volume here, it probably makes perfect sense for a whole lot of businesses.

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