Focusing on Three Major Directions: Smart Logistics, Smart Mobility, and New Infrastructure — Two Departments Launch National Smart Transportation Standardization Pilot

Recently, the Ministry of Transport and the State Administration for Market Regulation released the first list of national-level service industry standardization pilot projects (smart transportation special program), with 25 initiatives selected. These projects span multiple provinces and regions, including Hebei, Shanxi, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Guangdong, and Guangxi. Participating entities include China Post, China Communications Construction Group, China Merchants Group, COSCO Shipping, and other organizations under the Ministry of Transport.

In October last year, the two agencies jointly issued the Implementation Plan for National-Level Service Industry Standardization Pilot Projects (Smart Transportation Special Program) and initiated the call for 2024 pilot projects. The effort concentrates on three key areas: smart logistics, smart mobility, and related new infrastructure. It aims to establish a robust smart transportation standard system, advance the validation and development of comprehensive and cutting-edge standards, strengthen foundational standardization capabilities, and promote the implementation and application of standards. These measures are designed to foster deep integration of technological and industrial innovation, leveraging standards to lead the evolution of intelligent transportation.

Under the smart logistics theme, emphasis is placed on using standards to drive technological innovation and enhance the efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of transportation and logistics. Pilot projects include digital processing centers for postal and express delivery, automated cargo distribution, smart shipping, intelligent navigation systems for inland hubs, unmanned port container trucks, electric vessels, and international maritime blockchain electronic bill of lading services. For example, China Post is developing a standard system for digital processing centers using in-house technology to improve operational management through large-scale application and advance the digital transformation of postal logistics parks. China Merchants Group is standardizing blockchain-based electronic bills of lading for international shipping to streamline processing, reduce document exchange time, spur innovation in maritime logistics, and support the digital transition of shipping trade. Meituan is developing and applying standards for automated delivery freight to scale and regulate the industry, boost last-mile delivery efficiency, and help Shenzhen achieve its goal of deploying a thousand automated delivery vehicles citywide.

In smart mobility, the focus is on standards that enable innovative service models and ensure efficient, convenient transportation. Projects cover integrated highway-waterway travel, digital-intelligent management of comprehensive passenger transport hubs, smart mobility services for highways and national/provincial roads, and intelligent urban rail and bus transit. Jiangsu, for instance, is creating a standards framework for integrated smart mobility along a high-volume demonstration corridor, improving connections between different transport modes. Liaoning is implementing full-chain digital-intelligent travel services, including smart travel companions, intelligent dispatch and command, automated rescue, AI customer support, and smart rest areas, to enhance the passenger experience. Guangxi is prioritizing smart and green technologies to refine the operational service standards for Nanning’s rail transit, boosting safety and punctuality, and fostering green station initiatives to save energy and reduce emissions.

For new infrastructure, the goal is to accelerate the development of standards for modern transportation infrastructure and guide its digital upgrade. Initiatives include smart highways, intelligent urban rail, smart bridge-tunnel maintenance and disaster prevention, and low-altitude flight service support. Guangdong is utilizing a technology cluster for the digital Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, employing IoT, big data, and AI to establish data standards for intelligent maintenance of bridges, islands, and tunnels, and developing standards for smart upkeep and equipment to improve management. Zhejiang is setting standards for upgrading in-service highways to enhance network monitoring, early warning, and multi-stakeholder coordination. Hebei is concentrating on the low-altitude economy, standardizing low-altitude flight support systems, expanding applications for low-altitude aircraft, and promoting growth in low-altitude transportation.