In 2021, the logistics industry introduced another new regulation!

2020 At the end of the year, four national logistics standards—proposed and managed by the National Logistics Standardization Technical Committee—were officially released by the State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Standardization Management Committee. These standards include: “Management Specification for Third-Party Warehousing Services in E-commerce” ( GB/T 39439-2020 ), “Requirements for the Configuration of Multimodal Transport Facilities and Equipment in Complete Vehicle Logistics” ( GB/T 39448-2020 ), “Parameter Requirements for the Selection of Logistics Facilities and Equipment” ( GB/T 39660-2020 ), “Management Specification for Cold-Chain Logistics and Delivery Services in E-commerce” ( GB/T 39664-2020 ) 。

Among them, “Requirements for the Configuration of Multimodal Transport Facilities and Equipment in Complete Vehicle Logistics” ( GB/T 39448-2020 ) The standard has already been 2021 year 6 Effective this month, the following content will provide a detailed interpretation of the standard, covering its background, key technical aspects, and significance.

1. Background of Standard Development

With the rapid development of China’s automotive industry, China has become the world’s largest producer and consumer of automobiles, and whole-vehicle sales have risen from… 2009 year's 1362 increased from ten thousand vehicles to 2019 year's 2577 ten thousand vehicles, with an average annual growth of 8% The automotive market’s promising growth prospects are attracting an increasing number of logistics companies, equipment manufacturers, and investment firms to enter the automotive logistics sector, thereby accelerating its development. Given that automobile sales predominantly follow an order‑based model, there is a strong demand for timely delivery of complete vehicles. Moreover, the automotive industry is relatively concentrated in certain regions, while end‑market locations are widely dispersed; coupled with frequent import‑export trade, transportation distances between most production and sales centers tend to be considerable. These characteristics—high time sensitivity and long‑to‑medium‑distance shipments—mean that relying on a single mode of transport can no longer meet the logistical requirements of full‑vehicle distribution.

In the automotive complete‑vehicle logistics sector, road transport has long operated in violation of weight and dimension limits, while price‑driven competition has rendered rail and waterway transport uncompetitive, making intermodal transport difficult to implement. 2016 Year, along with GB1589 The introduction of new vehicle standards, 9 month 21 On [date], five ministries, including the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, jointly launched a special campaign to regulate vehicle transport vehicles, gradually phasing out “double‑row trucks” that have long engaged in illegal operations and excessively long “single‑row trucks.” After two years of concerted efforts, the initiative—lasting… 2 The year’s targeted remediation efforts have yielded significant results: the road transport market is now operating in compliance, multimodal transport has experienced rapid growth, and transport prices have returned to reasonable levels. Since… 2018 year 7 month 1 Effective from today, the entire industry has completely phased out… 4 Over ten thousand non-compliant vehicles have been transported, and a new fleet of center-axle vehicle transporters meeting national standards has been added. 2 Ten thousand vehicles, semi-trailers 5 With tens of thousands of vehicles, vehicle transport has achieved full standardization and compliance. The safety and operational standards of the road‑transport market have been comprehensively enhanced. The full‑truckload logistics sector has shifted from a primarily direct‑delivery model dominated by road transport to a multimodal transport system featuring rail‑water trunk‑line haulage supplemented by short‑haul road feeder services at both ends. The share of rail and waterway transport has risen markedly, while the capacity of rail and inland waterways has been further unlocked, and the integrated transport system continues to improve.

In the railway sector, China Railway Special Freight Logistics Co., Ltd. has formulated a development plan for rail-based logistics of commercial vehicles, which outlines… 108 a logistics base, among which 14 a regional logistics hub, 94 A regional logistics hub, with a node network that spans China’s major vehicle‑manufacturing centers and key consumer markets, has significantly advanced the development of rail transport for complete‑vehicle logistics. 2018 In the year, China Railway Special Freight completed a full-truckload automotive transport volume of 580 ten thousand vehicles, compared to 2017 Year-over-year growth 26% ; Newly added dedicated railway cars for transporting commercial vehicles 4000 vehicles, an increase of 28% , with a total of dedicated vehicles 18500 vehicles; meanwhile, further optimizing transport organization, the weekly transit time for road transport is 10.1 Heaven, relatively 2017 Decreased by the year 0.7 Heaven; to possess 42 A logistics hub capable of storing simultaneously 23.1 Ten thousand vehicles, with railway transport’s advantages markedly strengthened.

In the waterway sector, the development of full‑vehicle import ports along rivers and coastlines, as well as automotive water‑transport hubs and supporting infrastructure, continues to advance. Meanwhile, the construction of roll‑on/roll‑off terminals serving as full‑vehicle import ports is steadily improving, thereby boosting the growth of full‑vehicle logistics via inland and coastal waterways. 2018 Annual completed volume of full-truckload automotive transportation 320 With tens of thousands of vehicles, China’s full‑vehicle waterway transport continues to rely primarily on Ro‑Ro shipping, with containerized transport accounting for only a small share. 2018 In that year, shipping companies including Shenzhen Changhang, Shanghai Ansheng, Minsheng Steamship, COSCO Shipping, Zhongfu Shipping, Huajia Shipping, and Dafeng Port Changming Shipping collectively owned 90 Numerous roll-on/roll-off vessels have provided a solid service foundation for the development of China’s waterway transport. A multimodal transport system, in which the comparative advantages of various modes of transport are fully leveraged, is gradually taking shape.

Meanwhile, as the state continues to prioritize cost reduction and efficiency gains, as well as energy conservation and emissions reduction, the development of multimodal transport has gradually been elevated to the national level. 2011 year 5 In [month], the Ministry of Transport and the former Ministry of Railways jointly signed the “Cooperation Agreement on Jointly Promoting the Development of Rail–Water Intermodal Transport,” actively advancing the construction of demonstration corridors for container rail–water intermodal transport. 2013 year 6 In [month], the Ministry of Transport issued the “Guiding Opinions of the Ministry of Transport on Promoting the Healthy Development of the Logistics Industry through Transportation,” which designated multimodal transport as a top priority for leveraging transportation to drive the growth of the logistics sector. 2016 In [year], the Ministry of Transport issued the “…” 2016 the “Work Plan for Promoting the Development of Multimodal Transport,” organized a comprehensive survey of the entire multimodal transport industry chain, and conducted research to draft several policy recommendations aimed at fostering the development of multimodal transport, among other initiatives. 2017 year 1 In [month], the issuance and implementation of the “Notice from the Ministry of Transport and 17 other departments on Further Encouraging the Development of Multimodal Transport” elevated multimodal transport to a national strategy. 2018 year 10 In [month], the General Office of the State Council issued the “Three-Year Action Plan for Promoting the Adjustment of the Transport Structure (” 2018-2020 “Notice (Year),” which calls for vigorously developing multimodal transport and shifting freight volumes from road to rail and waterway. The enabling environment for the development of multimodal transport continues to improve.

At present, the share of rail‑water transport in China’s full‑vehicle trunk‑line logistics is steadily increasing, and multimodal transport for automobiles is expanding rapidly. However, because the facilities and equipment used in automotive logistics are highly specialized, the infrastructure and equipment involved in multimodal operations constitute the core foundation of this mode. Moreover, regulatory requirements for such facilities and equipment vary across different transport modes, and low levels of information sharing among them hinder effective interconnection. This not only impairs operational efficiency and raises logistics costs but also increases the risk of damage to complete vehicles. Developing the “Configuration Requirements” standard will help ensure smoother integration among the various transport modes in full‑vehicle logistics, thereby enhancing system efficiency, reducing logistics expenses, and supporting the high‑quality development of this sector.

2. Main Contents of the Standard

This standard primarily includes 7 Chapter: Scope, Normative References, Terms and Definitions, General Requirements, Facility Configuration Requirements, Equipment Configuration Requirements, and Information System Configuration Requirements.

The 1 Chapter Scope

This standard specifies the general requirements, facility‑configuration requirements, equipment‑configuration requirements, and information‑system‑configuration requirements for multimodal transport facilities and equipment in full‑vehicle logistics. It applies to the planning, selection, and configuration of facilities and equipment used in the multimodal transport of passenger vehicles as commodities, but does not apply to containerized multimodal transport of complete vehicles.

The 2 Chapter Normative References

This standard simplifies its content by incorporating relevant standards through normative references and draws upon various published standards, citing a total of… 10 A national standard.

The 3 Chapter Terms and Definitions

In the standard Terms such as “complete vehicle,” “multimodal transport,” “car carrier,” “roll-on/roll-off vessel,” “lightering barge,” and “floating pier” were cited. GB/T 8487 、 GB/T 31152-2014 、 GB/T 18354-2006 and also GB/T 26774-2016 。

According to the “Automotive Logistics Terminology” ( GB/T 31152-2014 ) in 5.7 The definition of railway freight cars dedicated to automobiles has been revised to redefine “double-deck car‑carrying specialized vehicles.” Refer to the “Service Specification for Road‑to‑Water Transport of Passenger Vehicles” ( WB/T 1033-2006 ) The version provides a definition of “roll-on/roll-off.” It also defines terms such as terminal‑type platforms, double‑deck adjustable loading/unloading platforms, and shuttle buses for short‑haul drivers.

The 4 Chapter: General Requirements

This standard sets forth requirements for the configuration of multimodal transport facilities and equipment in full‑vehicle logistics, ensuring they meet basic operational needs as well as supporting production and living requirements. It specifies interface criteria that promote spatial connectivity, capacity alignment, smooth workflow, and operational convenience, while also emphasizing safety, cost‑effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it defines the fundamental components of such facilities and establishes baseline requirements for them. In practice, multimodal transport facilities and equipment for full‑vehicle logistics comprise a combination of infrastructure and equipment from road, rail, water, and—given the very low share of air transport in China’s full‑vehicle logistics sector—the working group, after soliciting industry feedback, decided not to include specific requirements for air transport. To avoid excessive overlap with the requirements of other relevant standards when listing configuration specifications for each mode separately, the standard categorizes intermodal facilities into three functional groups: interface facilities, ancillary facilities, and office facilities, and classifies equipment by operational function into transport equipment, handling equipment, fixed installations, and so on.

The 5 Chapter: Facility Configuration Requirements

When specifying requirements for facility selection, this standard takes into account not only the facilities themselves but also their interrelationships with associated facilities. In referencing the “Design Code for Railway Logistics Centers” ( Q/CR 9133-2016 Based on these and other relevant standards, the document ensures the practicality of facility and equipment configuration requirements in multimodal automotive logistics and their consistency with related standards. It sets forth clear specifications for the spatial coordination, capacity alignment, and operational integration of facilities such as railway loading and unloading tracks, railway platforms, vehicle‑transporter loading and unloading areas, terminals, handover buffer zones, and finished‑vehicle storage yards.

The 6 Chapter: Equipment Configuration Requirements

This standard provides detailed specifications for equipment with specific service characteristics in multimodal automotive full‑vehicle logistics operations, with particular emphasis on transport equipment, handling equipment, fixed installations, and other ancillary equipment.

The 7 Chapter: Information System Configuration Requirements

As efficient information exchange is also a key means of enhancing intermodal transport efficiency, this standard dedicates an entire chapter to the configuration requirements for information systems, underscoring the critical role of digitalization in the intermodal transport process and setting forth clear specifications for both information systems and related equipment.

3. Significance of Standard Implementation

The formulation and implementation of this standard are of great significance for advancing the development of multimodal transport at both the national and industry levels, enhancing the coordination of full‑vehicle logistics in multimodal transport, and promoting the growth of automotive logistics through multimodal transport.

( 1 ) The implementation of this standard is fully aligned with the national policy of promoting multimodal transport.

In recent years, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council have attached great importance to the development of the logistics industry, particularly in promoting the growth of multimodal transport. 2016 In [year], the Ministry of Transport issued the “…” 2016 the “Work Plan for Promoting the Development of Multimodal Transport,” organized a comprehensive survey of the entire multimodal transport industry chain, and drafted several policy recommendations to facilitate the development of multimodal transport, among other initiatives. Since… 2016 In [year], for the third consecutive year, the Ministry of Transport and the National Development and Reform Commission organized and promoted the application process for three batches of multimodal transport demonstration projects. 2018 year 10 In [month], the General Office of the State Council issued the “Three-Year Action Plan for Promoting the Adjustment of the Transport Structure (” 2018-2020 “Notice on [Year]” was issued, calling for vigorous development of multimodal transport and the shift of freight volumes from road to rail and waterway. The formulation and implementation of these policies have significantly advanced the development of multimodal transport in China. Furthermore, the recently released 14th Five-Year Plan emphasizes “accelerating the building of a transportation powerhouse by improving comprehensive transport corridors, integrated transport hubs, and logistics networks.” Overall, the implementation of this standard is fully aligned with the nation’s key policy direction of promoting multimodal transport and holds great significance for enhancing China’s logistics network and advancing the country’s goals of becoming a strong transportation and logistics nation.

( 2 ) The implementation of this standard can help reduce costs and improve efficiency in automotive整车物流.

Automotive full‑vehicle logistics is characterized by stringent time constraints, high levels of specialization, and extensive medium- to long‑distance operations. In the automotive logistics sector, the industry is highly specialized, with a strong reliance on dedicated facilities and equipment. Vehicle sales typically follow an order‑driven model, placing significant demands on the timeliness of full‑vehicle logistics. Moreover, the automotive industry is relatively concentrated in certain regions, while end‑market locations are widely dispersed; coupled with frequent import‑export trade, transportation distances between most production and sales centers tend to be considerable.

Relying on a single mode of transport cannot meet the logistics requirements of complete vehicle transportation, especially when... 2018 Following the full implementation of compliant road transport nationwide, the freight‑rate system has returned to normal, highlighting the advantages of rail and waterway transport. The organizational benefits of multimodal transport have gained widespread recognition across the industry. However, to better leverage the strengths of multimodal transport and ensure seamless intermodal connectivity, this standard sets forth clear requirements. Once implemented, it will enable enterprises to achieve smoother, more convenient, and more efficient intermodal coordination when employing different modes of transport, thereby addressing inefficiencies in the logistics chain, optimizing the utilization of facilities and equipment, and ultimately reducing costs while enhancing efficiency in full‑truckload automotive logistics.

( 3 ) The implementation of this standard can effectively guide automotive OEMs in the configuration of intermodal transport facilities and equipment.

Due to the significant differences between automotive products and ordinary goods, the facilities and equipment used in automotive logistics are highly specialized. Examples include vehicle carriers, Ro‑Ro vessels, and dedicated railway cars, as well as specialized terminals such as Ro‑Ro terminals. In multimodal transport, the coordinated operation of these facilities and equipment is a key factor in enhancing intermodal efficiency, while the seamless integration of equipment across different modes of transport requires standardized frameworks as an essential foundation.

The implementation of this standard addresses the previous lack of industry‑specific standards for multimodal transport facilities and equipment in the automotive finished‑vehicle logistics sector. Prior standards were largely confined to single‑mode transportation—road, waterway, or rail—and some focused on specific logistics processes such as transport or warehousing. This standard tackles critical bottlenecks that have constrained the development of multimodal automotive logistics, including the absence of rapid intermodal transfer equipment, mismatches between transport modes and vehicle types, suboptimal terminal layouts, and inadequate logistics information sharing. Automotive finished‑vehicle logistics enterprises can, in accordance with this standard, effectively plan and deploy the necessary facilities and equipment to advance multimodal transport.