Zhong Guo Ji Jin Bao·2025-09-29 08:16Core Insights - The introduction of the "Railway Freight Certificate" by Zheshang Bank in collaboration with China National Railway Group effectively addresses the financial pressures faced by commodity enterprises in railway transportation [1][2][5] Group 1: Industry Context - Railway freight is a major 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 represent 15% to 30% of total procurement costs, influenced by factors such as distance, loading efficiency, and energy price fluctuations [2] Group 2: Financial Innovation - The "Railway Freight Certificate" integrates domestic letters of credit with railway logistics, allowing for an online process that alleviates the payment pressure and funding turnover issues faced by commodity companies [2][3] - The process involves companies using bank credit to pay freight, with repayment due at a later date, and can be completed online without the need for physical documentation, offering 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 credit amount of 1 billion 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 payment for rail services, reducing financial costs for companies, and expanding financial service opportunities for banks [5] - Zheshang Bank has supported over 85,000 supply chain enterprises with financing, indicating a strong commitment to enhancing supply chain financial services [6]