Direct Rail Services (DRS) and supermarket chain Tesco have partnered to introduce a new intermodal service across the UK.
The new service will see Tesco use refrigerated rail freight for the first time in the region, distributing chilled goods from Tilbury to Coatbridge by low CO2 rail twice a day, seven days a week.
Opting to move goods by rail also presents a number of environmental advantages. The 415-mile route will use DRS’s Class 88 bi-mode electric locomotives which can run on electricity and produce zero exhaust and greenhouse gas emissions.
“We’ve been using rail to transport our goods since 2008 and this new service reflects our continuing commitment to rail which has clear advantages for our business, our customers and the planet,” said Jason Tarry, CEO of Tesco UK and ROI.
“Our rail service will be an important part of our efforts to deliver a fantastic Christmas for our customers, but the journey doesn’t stop here as we continue to increase the number of containers we transport by rail as part of our commitment to reach net-zero emissions in our operations by 2035.”
Chris Connelly, NTS Deputy CEO and Rail Director, added “This is fantastic news, not only for DRS and Tesco but also for the environment. This is an example of how rail can play an integral part in the race to net zero. Each train will remove around 40 lorries from Britain’s roads and we’re running two trains a day, seven days a week, saving 9,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Tesco on this new service, helping them drive down their carbon footprint as they deliver for their customers throughout the UK.”
Also in the UK, GB Railfreight has recently announced that it has successfully operated a series of intermodal services from the Port of Tyne to strategic hubs in Yorkshire and the Midlands.
The campaign saw the rail company operate intermodal services from the port to Yorkshire twice a week in addition to service to the Midlands once a week.
