Linyi-Russia freight trains see cargo value jump 77.7%

Freight train services between Linyi and Russia posted growth in the first four months, highlighting Linyi's rising role as a logistics gateway linking southern Shandong province with Belt and Road markets.

From January to April, 61 China-Europe freight trains traveled between Linyi and Russia, up 27.08 percent year-on-year, while cargo value rose 77.67 percent to 785 million yuan ($109 million), the fastest growth among Linyi's international routes.

Recently, an outbound train carrying washing machines, refrigerators and hydraulic presses departed Zhubao Station for Moscow via the Erenhot border port. Meanwhile, an inbound train loaded with Russian timber arrived at Linyi International Land Port.

Shandong Eurasian Railway Logistics has launched a point-to-point Linyi-Moscow service, which runs without transfers or intermediate stops and takes 15 to 20 days, cutting transport time by about two-thirds compared with sea shipping.

"The service has improved transport efficiency, giving local exporters a faster logistics option for Russia," said Song Zhen, deputy general manager of the company.

The growth reflects industrial complementarity. Linyi-made construction machinery, agricultural equipment, labor-protection products, willow and straw handicrafts, and nonwoven products are gaining traction in Russia, while Russian timber supports Linyi's panel and furniture industries.

In the first four months, 27 timber import trains carried 4,048 TEUs from Russia to Linyi, with the total import value surging 231.75 percent to 80.28 million yuan. A customs freight-deduction model helped 44 companies reduce costs and taxes.

A container is loaded onto a freight train in Linyi.

Editor：韩蒙蒙