Introduction to Road Freight Service in China: A Beginner’s Guide to Logistics and Transport

Road freight service in China refers to the transportation of goods via trucks and commercial vehicles over the country’s vast network of highways and roads. As a critical component of China's logistics ecosystem, road freight enables the movement of raw materials, manufactured goods, and imported/exported items between cities, provinces, and ports.

Given China’s size and economic complexity, road transport plays a crucial role in linking factories, warehouses, e-commerce hubs, and distribution centers. The service spans a wide range of freight categories, from full truckloads (FTL) to less-than-truckload (LTL), and supports industries like manufacturing, agriculture, retail, and electronics.

Whether you're a new importer, a small business owner, or a student of supply chain management, understanding the basics of road freight service in China offers valuable insights into how goods move across the world's second-largest economy.

Why Road Freight Service in China Matters

China’s road freight industry is vital to both domestic and global supply chains. With the rise of e-commerce, urbanization, and global trade demands, the efficiency of China's road freight network directly impacts the delivery of goods across Asia and beyond.

Who It Affects:

• Local manufacturers rely on trucking to transport goods to seaports or rail hubs.

• Exporters and importers use road freight to move containers between inland cities and coastal ports.

• Retailers and e-commerce businesses depend on logistics providers for last-mile deliveries.

• Consumers benefit from the system through faster and more reliable access to products.

Problems It Solves:

• Bridging gaps in rail or sea transport by offering flexible, point-to-point delivery.

• Reaching remote or rural areas that other modes can't easily access.

• Enabling just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing through precise scheduling and delivery.

Recent Trends and Developments

Over the past year, several key changes have reshaped the road freight sector in China:

Growth in Digital Freight Platforms

Platforms like Manbang Group, Yimidida, and JD Logistics have accelerated the digitalization of freight matching. These apps allow shippers to connect with available truckers, monitor routes, and optimize logistics operations in real-time.

Green Logistics and Emissions Regulations

Starting in January 2024, China tightened emissions standards for diesel trucks under the China VI Emission Standard, similar to the Euro VI model. This has led to a surge in electric freight vehicles (EFVs), especially for urban deliveries.

Infrastructure Expansion

The 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) has continued to improve China’s highway network. As of mid-2024, China has over 5.5 million km of highways, with expressways making up nearly 180,000 km. This ongoing development enhances connectivity between logistics hubs.

Cross-Border Trade Enhancements

With the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continuing to boost regional connectivity, road freight routes have expanded into Central Asia and Eastern Europe. For example, truck shipments from Xi’an to Kazakhstan or Germany via road and multimodal options have grown significantly.

Key Laws and Regulations in China’s Road Freight Sector

Transporting goods by road in China involves compliance with national laws and industry standards. Some of the most relevant legal frameworks include:

1. Road Traffic Safety Law

Regulates vehicle safety, driver licensing, and compliance with speed and weight limits.

2. Logistics Industry Standardization Plan (2021–2025)

Encourages uniformity in pallet sizes, cargo packaging, and truck specifications to improve efficiency.

3. China VI Emission Standard

Affects vehicle registration and fuel-type selection, pushing for greener logistics solutions.

4. Permit and Licensing Requirements

Trucking companies and independent drivers must register with the Ministry of Transport and obtain proper freight transport permits (道路运输许可证).

5. Highway Toll System

Tolls are calculated based on distance and vehicle type. China implemented an electronic toll collection (ETC) system nationwide in 2020, streamlining cost calculations.

Vehicle Emission Timeline in China

If you're planning to engage with or understand the road freight sector, the following tools and platforms can help streamline operations and learning:

Freight Platforms and Marketplaces

• Manbang – The largest digital freight matching platform in China.

• JD Logistics – Offers integrated trucking services with warehousing.

• Cainiao Network – Alibaba’s logistics arm providing real-time cargo tracking.

Route Planning and Tracking Tools

• Gaode Map – Widely used GPS and truck route planning.

• Baidu Map – Supports truck-specific navigation and traffic conditions.

• China ETC Services – Toll calculator and ETC account management app.

Educational Resources

• China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) – Reports and statistics on road freight trends.

• Alibaba Logistics University – Free resources and webinars for SMEs.

Online Calculators and Cost Estimators

• Freightos – Global freight cost calculator including Chinese domestic legs.

• Container xChange – Helps users compare container trucking costs across regions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the average cost of road freight in China?
Costs vary depending on distance, cargo weight, and truck type. On average, long-haul trucking within China may cost between ¥0.8 to ¥1.5 per ton-kilometer, while urban short-haul may be slightly higher due to congestion and tolls.

2. Can foreign companies operate trucking services in China?
Foreign companies cannot directly own trucking fleets for domestic operations unless through a joint venture with a local partner, as per China's transport regulations.

3. What types of trucks are commonly used for freight?
Popular vehicle types include:

• Mini trucks for urban deliveries

• Heavy-duty trailers for intercity bulk cargo

• Refrigerated trucks for perishable goods

4. Are there restrictions on truck driving hours in China?
Yes. Regulations limit drivers to no more than 8 hours of continuous driving and require mandatory rest periods. Nighttime travel may be restricted in certain cities for large freight vehicles.

5. How is cargo tracked during road transport?
Modern logistics providers use GPS tracking, electronic waybills (e-CMR), and real-time monitoring systems to provide cargo visibility. Most large platforms offer these features as standard.

Final Thoughts

Understanding road freight service in China is essential for anyone involved in supply chain management, trade, or logistics education. With a strong highway network, growing digital platforms, and evolving policies, the road transport system in China is both complex and innovative. Whether you're sending a container to a port or delivering products across cities, knowing the basics of this system can help you navigate one of the world’s most dynamic logistics landscapes.

As China continues to invest in infrastructure, automation, and green logistics, staying updated on the latest policies and tools is key for both local and international stakeholders.