China-Europe freight train services improve in first 11 months

A total of 16,145 freight trains between China and Europe were operated from January to November, transporting 1.75 million containers, a year-on-year increase of 7 and 19 percent, respectively. The cargo volume has set a record by exceeding the total amount from the previous year, the service's operator China State Railway Group said on Tuesday.

China-Europe freight train services have expanded to 217 cities in 25 countries. Measures have been carried out to improve the services' transport efficiency, cars and traction quality have been improved to increase the transport capacity by 10 percent.

China-Europe trains run along five routes with a set schedule that has been open since the end of November. This type of service has further reduced transport time by 20 percent. Coordination between the railway department, customs and border inspection has been strengthened to improve the customs clearance efficiency.

According to the group, the increased number of China-Europe freight trains has showcased the steady and sound trend of China's foreign trade.

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn