Block train service to Russia on fast track

Exporters can reduce costs, shipping time

A train from Zhengzhou arrives at Hamburg, Germany. Provided to China Daily

DB Schenker, the international transport and logistics arm of Germany's national railway, plans to offer regular block train services between China and Russia, as well as China and Central Asia, over the next two years.

Having set up regular block trains from a number of major Chinese cities to Europe starting in 2011, DB Schenker now is working with partners such as Russian state firm JSC (Joint Stock Co) Russian Railways and China Railway Corp.

The block train service could cut rail cargo travel time between China and Moscow by half, the German company said.

A subsidiary of the Deutsche Bahn rail network, DB Schenker ran 250 container trains between China and Europe in 2012. It started westbound block train service from Chongqing in Southwest China to Germany's Duisburg and eastbound service from Leipzig to Northeast China's Shenyang in 2011.

Bernhard Wiezorek, director of rail logistics and forwarding of Schenker (China) Ltd, said that increased financial and environmental awareness, as well as improved product categories, make rail transportation a preferred transport option.

China's rail system was previously like those in other Asian countries, mainly carrying bulk goods such as coal, steel, ore and agricultural products.

A FASTER ROUTE FOR TRADE.FENG XIUXIA/CHINA DAILY