Wedoany.com Report-Jun 24, A freight train carrying auto components, LED monitors, and various other goods departed from Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, on Saturday, en route to Duisburg, Germany. This marks a key milestone for the China-Europe Railway Express, as the number of freight trains operating under a full timetable system has now surpassed 1,000.

The full timetable service, introduced in October 2022, allows trains to run based on pre-arranged schedules, with set train numbers, routes, and specific departure and arrival times. This structure enhances efficiency and coordination across multiple countries along the route, contributing to the system's overall reliability.

Since the program’s launch, 11 full timetable routes have been established, with 17 trains operating on a consistent weekly basis. The continued expansion of these scheduled services is expected to further improve delivery stability and transport efficiency for cross-border cargo.

The full timetable trains have become a preferred choice for transporting high-value-added goods. These include photovoltaic panels, solar modules, marine diesel engine components, and other precision equipment. According to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., the average value per container transported via these trains is approximately 41% higher compared to other freight services.

So far, more than 98,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of goods have been shipped using the full timetable train model, demonstrating its growing appeal and market recognition. This development underscores the strategic importance of rail connectivity for the movement of time-sensitive and high-value goods between Asia and Europe.

The China-Europe Railway Express has become a vital element of international logistics, supporting trade and supply chain integration. Currently, freight train services connect 128 cities in China with 229 cities across 26 European countries. Additionally, the network reaches over 100 cities in 11 Asian nations, creating a wide-reaching transportation corridor that supports global trade.

As China continues to strengthen its international logistics infrastructure, services like the full timetable trains are playing a critical role in enhancing the predictability and competitiveness of rail freight. These efforts align with broader strategies to deepen international connectivity and support the movement of diversified cargo categories across long distances with increased speed and reliability.

The departure of the Xi’an-Duisburg train is not only a sign of operational progress but also a reflection of growing market demand for efficient rail transport linking East and West. With ongoing improvements and route expansions, the China-Europe Railway Express is poised to contribute further to the resilience and integration of global trade networks.