China Railway Corporation (CRC) will launch six express trains for an e-commerce logistics service on July 1, which will connect four first-tier cities, China National Radio reported.
Freight trains, carrying critical business supplies into major cities in the UK, may start rolling again for the first time in over 20 years, following a test train from Rugby to London's Euston Station on June 5, which the operator claims delivers a faster service, and potentially saves thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions compared to that of road haulage.
Several spots along North America's new oil-by-rail corridors find residents and officials restless, following six fiery derailments in the past 10 months. Some want to limit or halt the traffic, fearful that existing precautions will not prevent deadly blasts, air and waterway pollution, or nuisances including nasty odors.
The lower cost of fuel for natural gas-powered highway tractors compared to their diesel-fired brethren could make it more profitable for trucking companies to engage in longer lengths of haul for intermodal shipments.
The benefits of rail freight are being highlighted in an industry report, which claims that businesses are saving $4.5m (£2.7m) a day by using trains to transport their goods.
China's National Development and Reform Commission has announced that freight rates on the new 179-kilometer Zhunchi Railway, which is due to open in June, will be determined by the carrier, its clients and investors.
CN expressed disappointment with Canadian government legislation tabled by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Transportation Minister Lisa Raitt to increase regulatory intrusion and oversight for rail grain transportation, and to introduce new rules for the extension of interswitching limits in the rail industry.
China has completed constructing one of its longest tunnels which will help it build a rail link with Pakistan. It has also announced plans for building the world's longest undersea tunnel, measuring 123 kilometers (km) to link two major cities.
President Obama announced an initiative to improve the fuel efficiency of trucks. That's a lofty goal, but here's an even better idea: Let's make an effort to move more freight by rail and less by road. Trains are far more energy-efficient than trucks "” and they always will be.
