Shanghai, China (Aug. 02, 2022) —C.H. Robinson, the world’s most powerful logistics platform, has launched a new rail-truck solution via the China-Laos rail link, to and from Vientiane, Laos and Kunming, China. The new service, which links China to Southeast Asia, provides a competitive option both in terms of cost savings and transit time for shippers looking for an alternative to air and ocean shipping. It offers a dependable and effective transport mode that helps to mitigate global supply chain disruptions and rising logistics costs.
“At the core of our customer promise is our global suite of services,” said Andrew Coldrey, Vice President APAC, C.H. Robinson. “Customers choose C.H. Robinson because we find innovative solutions to their supply chain needs and our expansion into services connecting China to Southeast Asia is another example of delivering on this promise.”
“The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains China’s largest trading partner, with over US$800 billion in goods—from electronics to apparel, footwear, and fresh food—relying predominantly on maritime or cross-border trucking routes. The transnational China-Laos railway continues to strengthen China’s connectivity with members of ASEAN and signatories of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP),” said John Chen, Vice President North Asia, C.H. Robinson. “Our newly launched rail-truck service has further facilitated seamless and affordable transport across borders. The service will shorten border customs clearance time by 24 hours, while transit time from Kunming to Thailand can also be reduced from 8 days via road to 2-3 days.”
“Our customers have shared their concerns about supply chain volatility and rising logistics costs, and many of them are looking at more cost efficient and flexible options. We launched the new service to better meet their needs and provide them with a viable alternative to air and ocean freight, with similar or faster transit times,” said Shawn Chen, Vice President Southeast Asia, C.H. Robinson. “By leveraging our sophisticated multimodal network in Greater China and Southeast Asia, customers will experience end-to-end shipment management support, customized route solution design, and gain a competitive edge to stay ahead of disruptions.”
With the new routes, customers have access to more sustainable service and wider coverage. With multiple weekly departures in both directions between China and Southeast Asia, the service will provide stable rates year-round with less peak seasons and fuel surcharges. Full block train, single or multiple containers, LCL shipments and oversized cargo are available options. As part of efforts to enhance logistics sustainability for customers, the China-Laos railway service will help organizations reduce CO2 by 25 percent as compared to ocean shipping and emit 12 times less CO2 than air freight.
“The Southeast Asia region is a burgeoning market for trade and logistics. As a leading player in logistics, we welcome the region’s efforts to develop logistics networks. We are confident that our new rail service will help foster greater connectivity for businesses and facilitate trade across our regional borders,” added Shawn.
About C.H. Robinson
C.H. Robinson solves logistics problems for companies across the globe and across industries, from the simple to the most complex. With $28 billion in freight under management and 20 million shipments annually, we are one of the world’s largest logistics platforms. Our global suite of services accelerates trade to seamlessly deliver the products and goods that drive the world’s economy. With the combination of our multimodal transportation management system and expertise, we use our information advantage to deliver smarter solutions for our 100,000 customers and our 85,000 contract carriers. Our technology is built by and for supply chain experts to bring faster, more meaningful improvements to our customers’ businesses. As a responsible global citizen, we are also proud to contribute millions of dollars to support causes that matter to our company, our Foundation and our employees. For more information, visit us at www.chrobinson.com (Nasdaq: CHRW).
