01.05.20
Network Rail aids London’s vital supermarket supplies with new freight route from Spain
Network Rail have been working hard to help keep supermarket shelves full by working with suppliers on two new food routes from Valencia and Murcia into London.
DB Cargo UK and Transfesa Logistics have successfully launched a new fast 72-hour rail service to transport essential hygiene, medical and food products from terminals in Valencia and Murcia to London.
This type of traffic is carried in refrigerated containers and furthers the activity that Transfesa Logistics had so far operated on a national and international scale. The objective is to develop these railway operations with a daily train to keep supermarkets shelves full.
The new services operate into DB Cargo UK’s Barking Intermodal Terminal in London which is strategically connected to the High Speed 1 (HS1) rail link. Rail freight is one of the most sustainable modes of transport, emitting less CO2 with each of these rail services removing 30 HGVs from the road network.
Thousands of tonnes of goods will be transported by freight to support the economy and keep supermarkets stocked up with vital supplies.
John Halsall, Managing Director for Network Rail Southern region, said: “Rail freight plays a vital role in supporting our economy as we continue to battle coronavirus.
“It is essential we keep freight services running so that goods can be delivered to supermarkets, power stations are fuelled and crucial upgrades on the rail network continue so we can keep people who have to travel, moving.”
Head of Sales at DB Cargo UK, Roger Neary, said: “Despite the ongoing restrictions, we continue to provide our customers with new, reliable and sustainable rail solutions on both a national and international level.
“We are delighted to be working with our DB Cargo group partners at Transfesa Logistics to deliver this essential rail freight service across the continent in these challenging times. Rail freight has a vital role to play in the sustainable transportation of international goods and it’s currently more important than ever that we ensure these supplies reach the UK.”
Image: Network Rail