Shandong issues restricted yet multi-functional logistics credit card

EASTERN Shandong province has launched a credit card for logistics use for paying road tolls and refuelling, which is said to reduce costs.

Cardholders can enjoy a five per cent discount in highway tolls, according Xinhua. The card works at a number of logistics parks in the province. Cardholders can enjoy preferences when using services in these logistics parks such as transporting cargo, refuelling, catering and accommodation.

The Shandong Province Logistics and Transportation Association will negotiate more discounts with logistics and traffic administration authorities for users of the card in road tolls, refuelling, insurance and vehicle maintenance.

Estimation shows that with the CNY30,000 (US$4,807) cost of the card can be saved for per truck every year, and a total of CNY28.8 billion can be saved for 960,000 trucks in the whole province.

During the first three quarters of this year, Shandong's logistics industry value grew 10.4 per cent year on year to CNY10.97 billion. In 2011, the province's logistics cost increased 14.7 per cent to CNY81.25 billion, taking up 17.9 per cent in the GDP.