Kerry Logistics has expanded its freight capability through the launch of its first rail and road multimodal freight service from Lanzhou, China to Islamabad, Pakistan. Its aim is to reinforce its overland network in South Asia and cooperation along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The first rail and road freight service from Lanzhou to Islamabad departed Lanzhou by block train on October 23 and travelled 3,300 km to the Kashgar Comprehensive Bonded Zone in Xinjiang. From there, goods were transferred to trucks which covered the remaining 1,200 km to Islamabad. The total journey was 4,500 km and reached altitudes of 5,000 m, it took just 13 days, 15 days less than conventional ocean-road freight. The first shipment included mechanical equipment, auto parts, commodities, and snow melting agent.
The multimodal freight solution between Lanzhou and Islamabad is set to become a regular service in 2019. Kerry Logistics introduced the new cross-border rail and trucking services from China through Kazakhstan to Caucasus and Turkey in June 2018, and is now focusing on the CPEC, offering freight services from multiple regions in China through Kashgar and Sost to Islamabad, Lahore and even Karachi in Pakistan through Lanzhou Pacific Logistics Corporation Limited.
Edwardo Erni, Managing Director of China and North Asia of Kerry Logistics, said, “As we continue to expand our capabilities and implement our development blueprint of capturing the opportunities along the Belt and Road trade route, we are thrilled to launch this new service that offers a significantly time-saving option to our customers. Following the establishment of a new subsidiary in Pakistan in July 2018, this new service will help to better equip us to capitalise on the increasing trade activities between China and Pakistan facilitated by the CPEC. “
Source: Kerry Logistics
