International multimodal transport: Overview of efficient logistics system and development of China-Europe trains
Definition and classification of international multimodal transport
According to the United Nations Convention on International Multimodal Transport of Goods, international multimodal transport is defined as a type of transport that uses at least two different modes of transport in accordance with an international multimodal transport contract, and the multimodal transport operator is responsible for moving goods from one place to another. A method of transporting goods from a take-over location in one country (region) to a designated delivery location in another country (region).
Organizational style and system
International intermodal transport is usually divided into two categories: collaborative intermodal transport and connecting intermodal transport. The former means that enterprises with different modes of transportation jointly complete cargo transportation tasks in accordance with unified regulations or agreements, while the latter means that a multimodal transport operator comprehensively organizes enterprises of various modes of transportation to transport goods.
China-Europe trains – an important form of international multimodal transport
Development status
As a specific application of international multimodal transport, China-Europe trains currently rely on the Siberian Continental Bridge and the New Eurasian Continental Bridge to form three main transportation corridors in the west, middle and east. As of the end of June 2016, a total of 1,881 China-Europe freight trains had been launched, with 16 domestic departure cities and 12 overseas arrival cities, with 39 operating lines, achieving a total import and export trade volume of approximately US$17 billion.
Introduction to main routes
1. Chongqing—Duisburg
It originates from Chongqing Tuanjie Village Station and exits via Alashankou to Duisburg, Germany. The total length is about 11,000 kilometers and the operation time is about 15 days.
2. Chengdu—Lodz
Departing from Chengdu Chengxiang Station, it also departs from Alashankou to Lodz, Poland. The total distance is 9,965 kilometers and takes about 14 days.
3. Zhengzhou—Hamburg
Starting from Zhengzhou Putian Station to Hamburg, Germany, the total journey is 10,245 kilometers and takes about 15 days.
4. Suzhou—Warsaw
Starting from Suzhou and passing through Manzhouli to Warsaw, Poland, the total length is 11,200 kilometers and takes about 15 days.
5. Wuhan—Czech Republic/Poland
It starts from Wuhan Wujiashan Station and exits through Alashankou to Poland, the Czech Republic and other places. The total distance is about 10,700 kilometers and the running time is about 15 days.
6. Changsha-Duisburg
Starting from Changsha to Duisburg, Germany, and exiting through Alashankou, the total length is 11,808 kilometers and takes 18 days.
7. Yiwu—Madrid
It starts from Yiwu West Railway Station to Madrid, Spain, with a total length of 13,052 kilometers and takes about 21 days.
8. Harbin—Russia
Starting from Harbin to central Russia, the total length is 6,578 kilometers. The running time is not specified in detail.
9. Harbin—Hamburg
It starts from Harbin and ends in Hamburg, Germany, with a total length of 9,820 kilometers. It has gained international attention due to its advantages of “close distance, fast speed and low cost”.
10. Xining-Antwerp
Departing from Xining to Antwerp, Belgium, the total length is not specified, and the estimated running time is 12 days.
11. Guangzhou—Moscow
Starting from Guangzhou Dalang Station to Moscow, Russia, the total length is 11,500 kilometers and takes 15 days.
New requirements for international multimodal transport in the context of cross-border e-commerce
With the rapid development of the cross-border e-commerce industry, the traditional international multimodal transport service system is facing the need for transformation and upgrading. Modern international multimodal transport is no longer just a simple combination of several transportation modes or a single transportation service, but a comprehensive smart logistics service system covering transportation, warehousing, trading and other aspects, aiming to open up various aspects of transportation. Barriers between factors improve the efficiency of the entire supply chain.
Conclusion
The development of international multimodal transport, especially China-Europe trains, not only promotes the facilitation of international trade, but also brings faster, safer and lower-cost logistics experience to global consumers. In the future, driven by policy support and technological progress, this field will usher in more innovation and development opportunities.