The cross-border cargo throughput between Shenzhen and Hong Kong reached more than 6,900 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) a day on average in April, up by 72% over March and 1.34% over April last year.
Since March 14, the city has implemented a transfer-at-the-checkpoint operation mode, where inbound Hong Kong truck drivers hand over their cargo to mainland drivers who will complete the transport of goods to inland cities. The Hong Kong drivers rest at transfer stations before they head back. This operation has helped in preventing the spread of COVID-19, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported.
Quotas for cross-border trucks have been increased from 500 to more than 3,500 trucks a day, without restrictions on the transport of live and fresh produce.
In April, Shenzhen Bay and Liantang checkpoints increased their capacity to handle trucks for transfer by offering them more parking spots. The time it takes to disinfect trucks has been reduced to 15 minutes.
In terms of sea routes, Dachan Bay Port, China Merchants Port in Chiwan and Yantian Port opened routes to ports in Hong Kong. Since Feb. 19, some 1.69 million tons of goods in 320,000 TEUs have been sent to Hong Kong.
The cross-border trains have sent 1,528 tons of cargo to Hong Kong since the railway service was restarted March 2.
Meanwhile, chartered flights running twice a day have transported 3,756 tons of cargo to Hong Kong since March 19.