China is considering high-speed freight trains, to meet growing demand for faster shipping in the world’s biggest e-commerce market.
China Railway is setting its sights on two different types of freight trains – super fast trains with a speed of 300 kilometers per hour that would compete with air cargo, and trains with a lower speed of 160 kilometers per hour to compete with road transport.
The faster freight trains may come out next year, and the slower ones are expected to start rolling before that.
Experts say high-speed freight trains are likely to take business from cargo flights and road freight, as trains are less affected by weather swings and traffic control.
Right now, most rail freight is carried on passenger trains, which have limited routes and frequency.
Earlier this year, China Railway kicked off an express delivery service and special freight trains for big courier companies. The high-speed freight trains will further satisfy China’s demand for faster freight shipping.