The China-Europe Railway Express (Qilu Number) consolidation center in Jinan, Shandong Province, has recently begun construction, becoming a vital logistics hub connecting China and Europe. This project includes a multifunctional area providing both basic and value-added services, supporting the robust development of the international logistics network.
On September 25, 2023, the Dongguan Shilong officially launched the trial operation of the China-Europe Railway (Guangdong-Manzhouli-Russia), marking the opening of this international logistics channel. The train is expected to cover over 11,000 kilometers in just 15 days, linking trade between China and Russia. Since its operations began in 2013, the Shilong Logistics Center has continuously provided efficient logistical services for trade with Central Asia and Central Europe. The launch of this route will enhance the construction of the Sino-Russian trade industrial park and promote regional economic development.
Since its inception in 2014, the Zhengzhou to Luxembourg 'Sky Silk Road' has cumulatively transported over 1.2 million tons of cargo, elevating Luxembourg Cargo Airlines to the fifth position globally. This route connects 24 countries and over 200 cities across Europe, America, and Asia, making Zhengzhou Airport the fifth largest international air freight hub in China.
Recently, a national conference for the China-Europe International Freight Train Alliance was held in Urumqi, announcing the official establishment of the alliance under the Belt and Road Initiative. The aim is to encourage the operational enterprises of the China-Europe Railway Express to settle in Xinjiang, facilitating resource and information sharing and optimizing operational efficiency.
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.
Liège Airport in Belgium is the seventh largest cargo airport in Europe, strategically located to serve over 400 million consumers with round-the-clock runway access. In recent years, cargo traffic has steadily increased at an annual growth rate of 8%. It closely integrates with the China-Europe Railway Express and e-commerce logistics to provide efficient freight solutions, aiming to play a significant role in the cross-border e-commerce and express delivery markets.
The first China-Europe Railway Express e-commerce fast line from Guangzhou has officially launched, with e-commerce goods expected to arrive in Italy within 13 days. This new model effectively enhances the transportation efficiency of cross-border e-commerce and helps meet the demand of the European market.
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.
The operational process of railway freight transportation includes steps such as order submission, waybill completion, payment of transportation fees, and receipt of certificates. During transportation, the carrier is responsible for managing the transportation contract and handling any obstacles. The process also involves declaration planning, goods application, vehicle requests, loading, and transport, ensuring that goods are delivered safely and efficiently to their destination.
With policy support, the China-Europe Railway Express and the New Western Land-Sea Corridor have successfully promoted the development of corridor economies. By innovating customs clearance models and enhancing import trade capabilities, these initiatives have fostered international trade cooperation, which will further drive regional economic integration and growth in the future.
