The rise of intermodal freight transport in Britain is reshaping the logistics landscape, driven by both environmental benefits and efficiency improvements. Intermodal transport, which involves using containers across multiple modes of transportation, has become a cornerstone of British logistics.
Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator in Britain, is set to launch 25 additional services starting in October. These include new routes from the port of Felixstowe to Daventry and from Southampton to Cardiff. This expansion aims to reduce road congestion and carbon emissions significantly. For each intermodal train introduced, up to 52 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are taken off the roads, cutting carbon emissions by up to 76%.
The growth in intermodal freight is part of a broader trend of increasing rail freight volumes in Britain, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) reported a 36.5% increase in net tonne-kilometres of freight moved by rail between April and June, compared to the same period in 2020, and a 1.3% rise compared to 2019. The construction sector has seen substantial benefits, with a 77.8% increase in construction materials moved by rail, largely driven by projects like HS2.
Domestic intermodal freight, which includes transport to and from ports, holds the largest share of rail freight in Britain. Despite disruptions caused by the global pandemic, including a shortage of containers, intermodal volumes have remained resilient. Shifting freight from road to rail not only reduces congestion but also supports environmental targets.
As the logistics industry continues to evolve, the role of intermodal freight in Britain is expected to grow. The expansion of services by operators like Freightliner and the overall increase in rail freight volumes reflect a strong commitment to sustainable and efficient freight transport. This shift is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of logistics and enhancing the efficiency of freight movement across the country.
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