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.
As the demand for shipping and air freight exceeds supply, the China-Europe Railway Express has become a vital export channel for foreign trade. The dispatch volume of the China-Europe Railway Express from Yiwu has significantly increased, leading to severe truck unloading queues and urgent bookings by foreign trade enterprises. Especially in the context of high shipping costs and uncertain timeliness, the advantages of the China-Europe Railway Express have become increasingly apparent, making logistics transportation a key focus for companies.
The Lanzhou Dongchuan Railway Logistics Center officially opened on December 31, marking its successful integration with domestic and international trade markets. This new project, which includes the Dongchuan Railway Freight Center and Lanzhou Railway Comprehensive Cargo Yard, lays the foundation for improved regional logistics efficiency. With a layout of 'two zones and five parks,' the expected cargo throughput by 2020 is projected to reach 7.08 million tons, with a forecast of 15.42 million tons by 2030, further promoting the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt.
As of August this year, the China-Europe Railway Express has operated a total of 10,000 trains, promoting efficient and convenient international trade. Various digitalization and infrastructure upgrade measures have significantly improved transportation quality, supporting the efficient connection of global goods transport and establishing a benchmark in the logistics sector.
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.
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.
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.
The construction of Suining's logistics port project is gaining momentum, combining rail freight with e-commerce logistics to inject new vitality into the market. Companies such as Western Logistics Park and Shunyi Tong Logistics are actively expanding their businesses, utilizing technology and service innovations to enhance logistics value and promote regional economic development.
The China-Europe Railway Express portal has officially launched, offering multilingual services and one-stop freight forwarding to enhance international logistics optimization. The website features multiple sections that provide relevant news and statistical data, along with specialized services to improve user experience and support the Belt and Road Initiative.
On August 21, the Lanzhou Railway Bureau successfully launched its first China-Europe international freight train from Lanzhou to Hamburg, Germany, reducing transport time by 15 days compared to sea freight. The train covers a distance of 8027 kilometers and operates in about 15 days with 42 cars. This project leverages the geographical advantages of the Lanzhou railway hub, promoting the development of international logistics brands. Starting from August 29, it plans to operate regularly on a weekly basis to boost regional economic development.
