For a long period, transporting goods by train has been considered one of the most effective and reliable means of transport of goods over long distances. Whether it is relocation to a new city or managing logistics for your business, transporting goods by train in India offers you an established and economical framework for ensuring your items reach their destination safe and on time.
Reasons to Choose Transporting Goods by Train
Rail transport is also very beneficial and convenient in India, which makes this method of transportation employable both for business and personal purposes. Its affordability, safety, and speed create a fine combination that is very attractive for businesses and people with diverse shipping needs.
1. Affordability
Transport household goods by train does provide a big economy in carrying heavy volumes of cargo, for indeed it can move large volumes at low costs per tonne compared to other modes of transport. This makes it the ideal choice for those who want to cut down shipping costs and for people who require an inexpensive way of moving bulky items.
2. Safety
The safety of goods during transit is paramount, and transportation of goods by rail offers a safer and more stable environment. Unlike road transport, which risks being involved in a traffic accident, or air transport, on which the weather conditions sometimes have the utmost influence, trains are safer for the receipt of undamaged goods at their destination.
3. Speed
While air travel may be quicker for some routes, the carriage of goods by train is far quicker than using the road, especially for long-distance travel. Trains run on their own tracks and therefore make minimal stops, hence the consistent speed in the delivery of goods.
4. Environmental Benefits
It is also stipulated that besides its efficiency in train transportation, it is an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Trains have a much lower carbon footprint compared to road and air transportation; hence, they can be more ECO Friendly Moving for people concerned with the impact on the environment.
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Types of Services for Transporting Goods by Train
Indian Railways offers a host of services, each meeting varied needs of the customers for transportation of goods by train. A broad outline of various services offered is as under:
1. Parcel Service
The Parcel Service becomes important to people who wish to send goods but cannot travel with them. Through this service, one can send items or goods with the use of trains at different stations in India. You can easily book this service, either from any railway parcel office or online, so that your items are sent efficiently and safely.
2. Luggage Service
Luggage Service-In cases where you are travelling with the goods, the Luggage Service will have your belongings travel with you. This service is very helpful in moving goods by train, especially where there is a need for personal supervision of items like fragile goods or personal belongings.
3. Lease of Wagons
This can also be further extended to large-scale shipping by leasing whole or rakes of the train wagons. House transportation by train is very economical for those industries that require heavy or bulk commodities.
4. Container Transport
The facility for the movement of containerized cargo is available through the service provided under the Indian Railways known as Container Transport. Most goods, particularly perishables and electronics, along with other items which are highly sensitive to the elements, are protected while the movement of goods is carried out in containers by train and reach the destination securely.
5. Automobile Freight Train Operator (AFTO)
The AFTO service has been specifically designed for goods items like automobiles to be moved by train, and this uses specifically designed rakes to move cars, Bike Transport By Train, and tractors around India safely
How to Pack Your Goods for Transporting by Train?
Proper packing is the key to keeping your goods safe while on the move. The following packing tips, if followed while sending goods by train, will prevent your items from being damaged.
Requisite Packing Materials
Rigid Boxes: Good quality cardboard cartons will keep the goods out of any trouble and is safe while traveling by train. It also prevents any damage due to possible stacking.
Wrapping Material: Get the items wrapped with bubble wrap, foam sheets, or old newspapers to provide cushioning for movement.
Packing Tape: Firm packing tape avoids accidents like the accidental opening of boxes.
Labels: Handling instructions of the boxes like “Fragile” or “This Side Up” should be attached strongly to the boxes.
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Packing Tips for Safe Transportation
Choose the Right-Sized Box: This involves the usage of appropriate-sized boxes that could fit your items snugly. This would avoid shifting in the boxes while in transit, which is considered very important during transportation by train.
Wrap Items Individually: Each item should be wrapped to save them from scratches and breakage in case of jerking during travel.
Fill Gaps: No gap must be left in the boxes. The gaps should be filled with appropriate packing materials so that safe transit by train is ensured for your goods.
Secure Boxes with Tape: All seams and openings of boxes should be tightly taped so that your boxes remain secure from starting point to the end.
Label Everything: Correct labeling can help railway staff to manage goods in a proper manner when sending items through the train.
How to Book Train to Transport your Goods?
About the booking procedure as related to sending goods by a train, it is quite simple. Whether by Parcel or Luggage service, here is all you need to know:
Booking Parcel Transport
In terms of the transportation of goods by train through the services of a Parcel Service, one can book either at the railway parcel office or online. Here is how one books:
At the Railway Parcel Office:
Visit the Parcel Office: One gets started by visiting any nearest railway parcel office.
Fill Up the Form: Provide details about your consignments, including commodity, weight, and destination.
Submit Documents: Provide proof of your identification and other relevant documents.
Pay Freight Charges: Pay the charges based on the commodity weight and by railways distance.
Take Your Receipt: Keep the receipt safe with you because you will need it while picking up the goods at the delivering end.
Online Booking:
Log On to the Official Website: Visit the Indian Railways parcel website at.
Provide Information: Fill in all the details regarding shipment you want to send.
Submit Online Form: Fill the booking form and submit it online.
Pay Online: Use the facility of online payment for paying the railway charges against transporting your goods.
Print E-Forwarding Note: You will need it at the time of dropping and picking up your parcel.
Book Luggage Transport
If you travel with your goods, the booking of luggage transport ensures that they remain with you throughout the journey. Here’s how to go about transporting goods by train via Luggage Service:
Have a Valid Travel Ticket: Have a confirmed ticket to travel by train.
Visit the Luggage Office: Go to the Luggage office at your departure station.
Fill Out the Luggage Form: Provide details of your ticket and goods being transported.
Pay the registration fees for luggage, according to the weight and nature of goods. Take the receipt along with you for sending goods by train.
Arrival Earlier on the Travel Day: Your early arrival will make it possible to handle your luggage smoothly much earlier before departure.
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What are the Charges for Transporting Goods by Train
Once one is set to seek services involving the transportation of goods by rail in India, understanding what is involved in terms of charges becomes important. Charges may be determined by the following aspects:
Freight Charges
The freight charges of transportation of goods by train depend on:
Type of Goods: Rates include everything from perishable goods, fragile goods, hazardous goods.
Weight and Volume: Heavy and bulky consignments are priced higher.
Distance: The greater the distance, the higher will be the charge.
Service Type: Prices for the Parcel and Luggage services vary. Usually, in cases of sending non-accompanied items, the prices for the Parcel service are cheaper.
The price for sending by rail can be determined using the Indian Railways freight calculator. Details to be fed include weight, commodity type, distance among other details to get the best estimate.
Tips to Reduce Expenses When Transporting Goods by Train
Packaging intelligently: The lesser the weight and volume, the lesser the cost of shipment by rail.
Choose Your Service: Options like Parcel and Luggage-the choice depends on requirement and budget.
Book in Advance: Early bookings are available at lower prices sometimes.
Check for Discounts: Check on discounts that may be declared for transportation by rail.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Transporting Goods by Train
Rail transportation of goods is helpful to some and troublesome to others, depending on an individual’s needs. Here is a little background:
Advantages of Transportation of Goods by Train
Economical: It is most of the times cheaper to transport goods by train, especially if the shipment is sizeable.
Safety: Reduced accidents and theft during the delivery process.
Environmental Impact: Reduced amount of greenhouse gas emissions unlike to road and air transportation.
Capacity: Can transport enormous amounts of goods.
Disadvantages of Transportation of Goods by Train
Speed: Slower than air travel, although generally faster than road transport.
Fixed Schedules: Trains run according to fixed schedules, which will not always suit your requirement or convenience.
Last-Mile Delivery: Additional arrangement and expense may be required for delivering the goods from the station onward.
Collecting Your Goods After Transporting by Train
Once your consignment actually reaches the destination station, it is now time to take delivery. Here is how to ensure smooth delivery once you have transported your goods by train:
Required Documents
Railway Receipt: The receipt of the day you booked your goods.
Identity Proof: Government-issued ID matching the Railway Receipt.
Steps to Collect Your Goods
1. Visit the Parcel or Luggage Office: Proceed to the relevant office at the destination station.
2. Present Your Documents: Display your Railway Receipt and Identification.
3. Inspect Your Goods: Check for any damage or tampering carefully before receiving the delivery.
4. Sign the Delivery Note: Confirm receipt by signing.
5. Collect Your Goods: Once everything is in order, take possession of your items.
Cost of Shipping for Different Distance Ranges
This table shows the shipping costs for 100 kg items across various distance ranges. The costs are specified for distance intervals of 2000 kilometers, reflecting the price adjustments based on the weight of the items.
| Distance (km) | 1-10 Kg | 11-20 Kg | 21-30 Kg | 31-40 Kg | 41-50 Kg | 51-60 Kg | 61-70 Kg | 71-80 Kg | 81-90 Kg | 91-100 Kg |
| 01-10 | 47.25 | 94.5 | 141.75 | 189 | 236.25 | 283.5 | 330.75 | 378 | 425.25 | 472.5 |
| 11-20 | 50.63 | 101.26 | 151.89 | 202.52 | 253.15 | 303.78 | 354.41 | 405.04 | 455.67 | 506.3 |
| 21-30 | 54 | 108 | 162 | 216 | 270 | 324 | 378 | 432 | 486 | 540 |
| 31-40 | 57.38 | 114.76 | 172.14 | 229.52 | 286.9 | 344.28 | 401.66 | 459.04 | 516.42 | 573.8 |
| 41-50 | 60.75 | 121.5 | 182.25 | 243 | 303.75 | 364.5 | 425.25 | 486 | 546.75 | 607.5 |
| 51-60 | 64.13 | 128.26 | 192.39 | 256.52 | 320.65 | 384.78 | 448.91 | 513.04 | 577.17 | 641.3 |
| 61-70 | 67.5 | 135 | 202.5 | 270 | 337.5 | 405 | 472.5 | 540 | 607.5 | 675 |
| 71-80 | 70.88 | 141.75 | 212.62 | 283.5 | 354.38 | 425.25 | 496.12 | 567 | 637.88 | 708.75 |
| 81-90 | 74.25 | 148.5 | 222.75 | 297 | 371.25 | 445.5 | 519.75 | 594 | 668.25 | 742.5 |
| 91-100 | 77.63 | 155.25 | 232.88 | 310.5 | 388.13 | 465.75 | 543.38 | 621 | 698.63 | 776.25 |
For more information, you can checkout Railway Bike Parcel Charges Calculator too
Tips by Rajbala Packers and Movers When Transporting Goods by Train
For a hassle-free experience of transport of goods by train, here are a few tips:
Plan Ahead: Book your transport in advance, especially during peak times.
Pack Smart: Avail quality packing materials to protect your goods.
Track Your Shipment: Make full use of the tracking services provided by Indian Railways.
Be Prepared for Collection: Have all documents ready and know the collection procedures of the station.
Further if you’re looking to calculate your Moving Cost Fare then without any doubt you can checkout our Packers and Movers Cost Calculator for your next move.
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Conclusion
Option of transportation by train is quite practical because it efficiently moves goods over a long distance at low costs. Its cost-effectiveness along with safety and reduced environmental impacts makes it attractive.
Therefore, to make your transportation of goods via train smooth, Rajbala Packers and Movers give you the warranty of secure handling and timely delivery of goods so that you are out of all hassles during the transition. We provide the best shifting services in India.
Frequent Asked Questions
The charges for train transport for goods depend on the nature of the product, weight, volume, and distance to be covered. You may use the Indian railway bike parcel charges calculator to obtain approximate charges.
Rate per kg varies with distance and the type of goods. For example, transporting goods over 1-10 km can cost approximately ₹47.25 for 1-10 kg. The rates go on increasing with weight and distance.
Booking a railway parcel is a straightforward process from an online reservation platform; one needs to go to the website of Indian Railways parcels, fill in shipment details, and submit the form. The person can then make the payment and print an e-forwarding note for dropping and collecting his parcel.