Zhong Jin Zai Xian·2025-09-24 06:48Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the "Railway Freight Certificate" by Zheshang Bank in collaboration with China National Railway Group effectively alleviates the financial pressure faced by bulk commodity enterprises in railway transportation, marking a significant advancement in financial and logistics integration [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Context - Railway freight is a crucial component of bulk commodity transportation, with national railway freight volume expected to exceed 5.1 billion tons in 2024, of which coal accounts for over 55%, translating to an annual volume of approximately 2.8 billion tons [2]. - Transportation costs for coal can constitute 15% to 30% of total procurement costs, influenced by factors such as transport distance, loading efficiency, and energy price fluctuations [2]. Group 2: Financial Innovation - The "Railway Freight Certificate" combines domestic letters of credit with railway logistics, allowing enterprises to pay freight using bank credit and repay later, thus streamlining the payment process [3]. - The process is fully online, enabling companies to generate freight bills on the national railway platform and apply for certificates without the need for physical documentation, with the possibility of a repayment period of up to one year [3]. Group 3: Implementation and Impact - The first transaction of the "Railway Freight Certificate" was successfully executed for Huainan Mining Group, with a certificate amount of 100 million yuan, significantly easing their freight payment pressures [4]. - Following the initial success, Zheshang Bank has expanded the service to other regions, including Chengdu, Beijing, and Xi'an, demonstrating a growing adoption among both state-owned and large private logistics enterprises [4]. Group 4: Collaborative Benefits - The "Railway Freight Certificate" creates a win-win situation for the railway bureau, banks, and enterprises, ensuring timely freight payments, reducing financial costs for companies, and expanding financial service opportunities for banks [5]. - This innovation reflects Zheshang Bank's commitment to enhancing supply chain financial services, having supported over 85,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in various sectors by mid-2025 [6].