Railway freight has gradually become an important logistics option due to its advantages of efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Its features include stable transit times, relatively fast speeds, large transport capacity, and lower transportation costs. Although the initial construction investment is high, integrating collaboration across various business sectors can ensure the efficiency and safety of railway transportation.
In 2020, the China-Europe Railway Express 'Chang'an Hao' operated 3,720 trains, with a total cargo weight of 2.811 million tons, becoming the top performer in national core indicators. Its extensive reach covers Central Asia and South Asia, enhancing global logistics efficiency through an innovative sea-rail combined transport system. This development has also facilitated industrial agglomeration and foreign trade growth in the Xi'an region.
In 2018, the Port of Hamburg set a new record for sea-rail intermodal transport with 46.8 million tons, highlighting its core position in trade through stable port throughput and strong container operations. The Port continues to enhance its connections with global markets, and looking ahead, its convenient transportation and advanced technology make it a key hub for logistics in Central Europe and worldwide.
When arranging container transportation, the shipper's containers must comply with international standards and safety regulations, and valid certificates proving cargo suitability must be provided. For tank containers, the carrier may discharge necessary goods in hazardous situations, without assuming liability. The shipper is responsible for related costs and losses to ensure transportation safety.
Japan Transport is set to launch a China-Europe railway freight service aimed at facilitating the flow of goods between Europe and China. This new option for transporting small amounts of cargo offers a transit time of 18-21 days at only one-third the cost of air freight, catering to demands for quicker deliveries without urgency. Furthermore, Japan Transport plans to primarily target Japanese companies, providing them with more efficient logistics solutions for their operations in both China and Europe.
Union Pacific Railroad's acquisition of Norfolk Southern Railway for $85 billion aims to create the first coast-to-coast freight network in the U.S. This merger is expected to enhance logistics efficiency and generate approximately $2.75 billion in synergies. However, it has also raised concerns from unions and analysts.
The merger between UP and NS demonstrates the potential to redefine railway freight by adopting successful strategies from passenger transport and promoting pragmatic approaches for efficient service. Successful integration requires a focus on market demand and synergy effects, thus paving the way for future railway transportation.
According to the Association of American Railroads, June showed positive growth in U.S. rail freight volume, although cross-border freight experienced a decline. This trend reflects the complex changes in the economic environment, with a year-on-year increase in total load during the first half of the year. Future market dynamics will depend on fluctuations in global supply chains and consumer demand.
Recently, during the summer peak season, rail freight has intensified the transportation of thermal coal and essential goods. While increasing capacity, the railway department has also responded to the impact of heavy rainfall by enhancing the transportation efficiency of food and daily necessities. By innovating "iron-water combined transport" and optimizing maintenance processes, the railways have improved freight efficiency, ensured supply-demand stability, and provided strong support for economic prosperity and livelihood needs.
This article discusses the regulations for transporting oxygen cylinders, a new type of portable oxygen therapy device, as dangerous goods in sea freight exports. The UN number for oxygen cylinders is 1950, classifying them under hazard category 2.2, requiring compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. The primary shipping name is aerosol, with relevant emergency measures designated as F-D, S-U.
