It is now possible to move rail freight in a continuous journey from one continent to another in 15 days. If all goes according to plan, the new direct cargo rail service between Berlin and Beijing should start in August. The cost will be higher than sea-freight, but the overall journey time should be quicker, and the operators are hoping that shippers with large volumes will be interested. The train passes through six countries which meant that there could have been possible border delays, but the test journey eariler this year was successful.