How to Consign Luggage When Taking a Train in China?

Many travelers visiting China often carry a substantial amount of luggage. However, with luggage allowances in place for train travel, they may need to consign some of their belongings. To ensure a smooth consignment process, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the rules in advance.

Why Consider Luggage Consignment for Train Travel in China?

Exceeding Luggage Allowance: Passengers can carry up to 20 kg of luggage as carry-on. If your luggage exceeds this limit, you will need to arrange for consignment. For details, refer to the luggage allowance policy.

Restricted Items: Certain items cannot be brought onboard as carry-on luggage but can be shipped through consignment services instead. The restricted items for carry-on luggage include:

• Knives: Includes kitchen knives, fruit knives, scissors, scalpels, sculpting knives, art knives, paper-cutting knives, and other knives exceeding 60 mm in length.
• Cudgels: Items like baseball bats, cue sticks, hockey sticks, and any long pole-shaped objects.
• Industrial or Agricultural Tools: Drilling machines, saws, hammers, axes, chisels, rakes, shovels, welding guns, farm forks, sickles, and other tools.
• Weapons: Reflex bows, compound bows, darts, slingshots, non-mechanical bows, fire guns, and self-defense spray under 50 ml.
• Pets: Require an Animal Quarantine Conformity Certificate, which can be obtained from the Animal Health Surveillance Office in your departure city.

Where and How to Consign Luggage?

To consign luggage, passengers must visit the consignment office at the departure station. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Present Your Passport and Train Tickets: Bring your passport and train tickets for identification.
• Fill Out the Consignment Form: Complete the required consignment form with luggage details.
• Weighing and Security Check: Your luggage will be weighed and checked for prohibited items.
• Payment: Pay the consignment fee based on the weight and size of your luggage.

How Much Does It Cost to Consign Luggage?

The luggage consignment service is managed by China Railway Express (CRE), a subsidiary of China Railway. There are no fixed, official pricing guidelines, as fees vary depending on the location and specific conditions at the departure station. It is recommended to inquire directly at the consignment office of your station for precise rates.

General Pricing Tips:

• Flexible Pricing: Charges can be based on weight for heavy items or volume for large but light items.
• Distance Factor: The farther the destination, the higher the consignment fee.

For an accurate estimate, check with the consignment office prior to your travel.

Size Restrictions for Luggage Consignment

When using the luggage consignment service, the following size limitations apply:

• Weight Limit: Each item should weigh no more than 50 kg.
• Dimension Limit: The sum of length + height + width must be between 60 cm and 200 cm.

When Will the Consigned Luggage Arrive?

The arrival time of your consigned luggage depends on whether it travels with you or on a separate train. Here’s what you need to know:

1.Same Train as Passenger:

If your luggage is transported on the same train as you, it will be available for pickup immediately upon your arrival.

2.Different Train from Passenger:

If your luggage is sent on a different train, the estimated arrival time is as follows:

• For destinations within 600 km, the luggage will typically arrive in 3 days.
• For destinations over 600 km, add 1 extra day for each additional 600 km.
• Even if the remaining distance is less than 600 km, an extra day is still required.

3.Storage and Pickup:

• If your luggage arrives early or on time, China Railway Express (CRE) will hold it for 3 days free of charge.
• For delayed luggage, CRE will store it for 10 days without an additional fee. Passengers can also request a compensation fee for delayed luggage. The compensation request must be submitted within 10 days of the luggage's arrival.
• If the luggage is not picked up within the free storage period, extra fees will apply (note: no official pricing rules are set).

4.Delivery Service:

• You can opt for home delivery of your luggage instead of picking it up at the arrival station.
• If you choose this option, notify the consignment office at your departure station. Additional charges will apply for the delivery service.

Is It Possible to Change or Cancel a Consignment?

Passengers can request one-time changes or cancellations for their luggage consignment under the following scenarios:

1. Cancellation Before Loading:

If the consignment is canceled before the luggage is loaded, the full consignment fee will be refunded. However, a storage fee will be deducted.

2.Cancellation After Loading

If the transportation train has not departed, the refund policy is the same as in scenario 1.

If the train has already departed, the luggage will be sent to the original destination and then returned to the departure station. In this case, the consignment fee doubles.

3.Destination Change Before Loading

If the new price is lower, CRE will refund the difference. If the new price is higher, the passenger must pay the additional amount.

4.Destination Change After Loading

The original consignment fee will not be refunded, and passengers must pay an additional shipment fee to transport the luggage from the original destination to the new one.

5.Passenger Disembarks at a Different Station

If a passenger gets off the train at a station along the route, the luggage will be transported from the original destination to the new station. Passengers must pay the extra shipment fee for this change.

What to Do If the Consigned Luggage Is Damaged or Lost?

In most cases, China Railway Express (CRE) provides compensation for luggage that is damaged or lost during consignment. The amount of compensation depends on whether the luggage was insured or uninsured.

For Insured Consignments

• Passengers are compensated based on the declared value of the consignment when insured.
• The compensation amount is proportional to the degree of damage or the full declared value if the luggage is lost.
• Passengers must pay an additional fee for insured consignments.

For Uninsured Consignments

• Compensation is capped at CNY 15 per kilogram, including the weight of the packing materials.
• If there is clear evidence of serious negligence by CRE, the compensation may match the actual value of the lost or damaged luggage.

How to Ask for Compensation?

Passengers should submit a compensation request within 7 days of receiving the consigned luggage. The following documents are required:

• Invoice for the consignment
• Accident record for the damaged or lost luggage
• Proof of the luggage’s value

In Which Scenarios Does CRE Refuse to Compensate?

CRE will not provide compensation in the following scenarios:

• Force majeure events such as natural disasters, wars, or strikes
• Items that are perishable or degrade over time, such as consumables
• Damage caused by poor packaging or containers that showed no external signs of damage