Taller auto containers debut on China-Europe Railway Express

A new freight train carrying 35-ton automobile containers left Chongqing's Tuanjiecun Station on Monday and headed for Vorsino Station in Russia. This journey marks the first major use of these innovative containers in the China-Europe Railway Express.

The train, called X8013, is transporting 182 Chang'an passenger vehicles to Russia. On the return trip, it will carry various goods that fit in these containers.

Developed by China Railway Container Transport Corporation, these containers are specifically designed for the export of domestically manufactured passenger vehicles. With an internal volume of 84.3 cubic meters, these containers are 234 millimeters taller than traditional 40-foot standard containers. This increased height allows them to accommodate four sedans or three SUVs — one more vehicle than the standard container.

For this journey, China Railway Container Transport Corp collaborated with Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics to overcome international transport challenges. Additionally, China Railway Chengdu Group ensured that all arrangements were in place for the train's timely and efficient departure.

According to China State Railway Group, this June marks the 10th anniversary of the unified China-Europe Railway Express brand. Over the past decade, the annual number of train operations has increased from 1,702 in 2016 to 20,022 in 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 31.5 percent.

Nearly 130 cities within China have launched China-Europe Railway Express services, reaching 236 cities across 26 European countries. The service area now effectively covers the entire Eurasian continent.