Realogistics air exported a pure EV sedan to Hamburg

Today, Realogistics shares a real-world case study involving a FAW Hongqi Electric Vehicle Bidding Project, demonstrating how we optimize solutions to balance timeliness and cost efficiency.

I. Project Background

• Timeline: July 2025

• Cargo Content: FAW Hongqi EHS7 Pure Electric Sedan (1 Unit)

• Port of Destination: Hamburg, Germany (HAM)

• Cargo Specifications:

• Dimensions: 430 × 195 × 169 CM (Unpacked vehicle dimensions)

• Weight: Gross Weight 2441 KG / Volume 16.2 CBM

• Nature: Pure Electric Vehicle (Class 9 Dangerous Goods)

II. Core Challenges

Upon receiving the inquiry, Realogistics quickly identified three core difficulties that would determine the success or failure of the proposal:

1. Strict Timeliness (Exhibition Goods): As the vehicle was destined for an exhibition, the deadline was immovable. The margin for error was zero.

2. Cost Sensitivity (Bidding Project): As a competitive bid, the price had to be extremely competitive within the market. Simultaneously, the solution had to be realistic and executable, with no hidden costs or surcharges.

3. Operational Complexity (Dangerous Goods): Pure electric vehicles involve lithium battery transportation, which imposes strict limitations on airport acceptance qualifications and airline Dangerous Goods (DG) carriage capabilities.

III. The Solution

To find the optimal solution, Realogistics immediately screened routes nationwide that possessed both "Dangerous Goods Qualifications" and met the "Timeliness Requirements." After multiple rounds of selection, we narrowed our focus to three gateways: Beijing (PEK), Zhengzhou (CGO), and Chengdu (CTU).

1. Beijing Proposal (Eliminated):Although Beijing offers frequent flights, the airline required that if such cargo were loaded unpacked (naked), it must be settled based on the chargeable weight of a 20ft Pallet (P6P). For a car with a gross weight of only 2.4 tons, this would result in massive "dead freight" charges (paying for empty space), causing the total cost to skyrocket and destroying the price advantage needed for the bid.

2. Zhengzhou vs. Chengdu (Shortlisted):Both gateways accepted a "Wooden Crate + Consolidation" solution, which allows for effective utilization of cargo space and lowers the per-kilogram cost.

3. Final Decision: Zhengzhou U3 (Suparna Airlines)After a deep comparative analysis, Realogistics locked in the Zhengzhou-Hahn (CGO-HHN) route.

• Core Advantage: The U3 airline was able to offer a commitment of "Locked Space, Locked Price, and All-in Fees."

• Decision Logic: For bidding cargo, cost certainty is paramount. The U3 solution not only guaranteed the space (protected flight status) but the "All-in Fee" model also capped the cost ceiling. This allowed Realogistics to provide our Sales team with a bottom price that was both competitive and risk-free.

IV. Execution & Operations

Securing airline capacity was just the first step; the real test lay in the seamless coordination of ground operations. Realogistics formulated a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for this case:

• Packaging Reinforcement: Coordinated with ground staff to build professional wooden crating, ensuring compliance with airline consolidation requirements.

• DG Compliance: Arranged DGM inspection in advance to ensure all lithium battery transport documentation was compliant.

• Documentation Escort: Specifically monitored the ATA Carnet customs clearance timeline for exhibition vehicles to ensure zero delays in customs procedures.

V. Summary

Before submitting the proposal, Realogistics had already simulated the entire process in our minds: from the selection of the Unit Load Device (ULD) and palletization limits to the Dangerous Goods declaration flow. Only by mastering every single detail could Realogistics tell our Sales team with full confidence:

"Go negotiate. This solution is absolutely solid!"

Contact Realogistics today for a quick quote!

WhatsApp: +85269373282

Email: tony.wu_hkg@realogistics.net

Skype: tony.wu_hkg@hotmail.com

Web: www.realogistics.com.hk

Realogistics International Group Co., Ltd. Established in 2012 in Hong Kong.