Human effort behind massive transcontinental tasks

Each successful departure of a China-Europe freight train reflects not just a cross-border shipment, but the culmination of meticulous coordination and firm determination. Behind the scenes are professionals like Huang Jiaxuan and Yu Chenhuan, whose stories reveal the human engine powering this transcontinental corridor.

As the lead locomotive driver at China Railway Jinan Group, Huang Jiaxuan, 25, plays a pivotal role in operating China-Europe freight trains from Jiaozhou Station. His daily work includes navigating one of the most dangerous segments of the Jiaozhou-Jinan Railway — a mountainous stretch.

"Driving here is like walking a tightrope while holding a bowl of water," Huang said, referring to the steep incline and sharp turns on the line.

Over the past few years, Huang has driven on rail more than 165,000 kilometers — a testament to skill and focus beyond his age. In June, he was entrusted to operate the milestone 110,000th China-Europe freight train.

As the first locomotive driver of the 110,000th China-Europe freight train, he was responsible for the segment from Jiaozhou to Jinan West — a 326-km route that crosses more than 400 bridges.

"Near Weifang, the train must climb a slope nearly seven stories high within just 3 km, and navigate five sharp turns. During the journey, I will double-check every key parameter and operation, continuously optimizing procedures in real time to ensure safe, punctual and smooth operation," Huang said. The train left China via the Ereenhot border in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and arrived in Moscow via Mongolia.

"My biggest mission is to deliver this 'steel camel caravan' to the next driver, safely and on time," Huang said.

Each China-Europe freight train journey typically involves a team of more than a dozen locomotive drivers, working in coordinated shifts to ensure the train reaches its destination safely and on schedule.

On the commercial side, Yu Chenhuan, assistant general manager at Shandong Hi-Speed Qilu Eurasia Railway Logistics, ensures that every train has the right cargo, and that it gets where it needs to go.

Since joining the company in 2019, Yu has led efforts to serve over 22 major manufacturers, including Haier and Linglong Tire, and has helped launch more than 500 trains customized to their supply chain needs. "Each China-Europe train is a 'super-link' involving multiple stages across borders and modes of transport," Yu said.

Yu and his team provide highly personalized logistics planning. "We offer a one-on-one service model to ensure customized and high-quality logistics for each client," he said.

Managing a China-Europe train involves much more than booking a container. It requires mapping the client's supply chain, coordinating domestic rail schedules, reserving containers and railcars abroad, and integrating road, sea, air and rail segments — all while monitoring progress and troubleshooting exceptions.

"We need to understand each client's supply chain and design tailored solutions, while ensuring real-time tracking and issue resolution. Every successfully delivered container is backed by teamwork and professionalism."

From Huang's precision on the tracks to Yu's orchestration of global cargo flows, both men exemplify the expertise and dedication powering China-Europe freight trains.

"We're not just running trains," Huang said. "We're connecting countries and people."