DP World has successfully increased rail freight at Southampton, cutting 13,500 lorry journeys.
- The company’s Modal Shift Programme incentivises rail transport, reducing road haulage emissions.
- A rise from 21% to 35% in freight transported by rail was observed from September to February.
- New train services to Cardiff, East Midlands, Hams Hall, and Doncaster bolster the programme.
- DP World’s initiative contributes to significant carbon dioxide savings, equating to 13,500 fewer lorry journeys.
DP World, a leader in supply chain solutions, is pioneering a shift from road to rail at its Southampton logistics hub. By increasing the percentage of freight moved by rail from 21% to 35% within a span of months, the company has effectively reduced road congestion significantly, equating this achievement to the removal of 13,500 lorry journeys. This transformation is a testament to the success of their Modal Shift Programme, first trialled in September.
The Modal Shift Programme has been a driving force in making rail a more attractive option for cargo transport. By extending a financial incentive, initially set at £70 and adjusted to £100 before settling at £80, DP World encourages its customers to opt for rail freight instead of traditional road haulage. This, they assert, not only aids in reducing costs but also plays a pivotal role in achieving lower carbon international supply chains.
In its commitment to expanding rail freight options, DP World introduced four new train services from Southampton to strategic locations including Cardiff, East Midlands Gateway, Hams Hall, and Doncaster. These services have significantly strengthened their logistics offerings, providing greater efficiency and reliability for cargo owners and freight forwarders alike. Furthermore, DP World reports that these initiatives have led to a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, approximately 4,500 tonnes, which surpasses the total emissions produced by the Southampton operations.
John Trenchard, Vice President of UK Commercial & Supply Chain at DP World, highlights the critical need for such initiatives during times where cost management, reliability, and speed are more essential than ever. “We are continually engaging with the market to strengthen this service, so we look forward to providing our customers with new options to meet their decarbonisation goals,” he stated, emphasising the ongoing efforts to innovate within the logistics space.
Alongside boosting rail freight, DP World remains committed to integrating logistics, forwarding, and European transport with its global network, handling a substantial portion of the world’s trade. The steps taken at the Southampton hub are part of a broader strategy to achieve a 40% rail freight share by 2026, thereby reinforcing DP World’s position as a forward-thinking leader in the logistics industry.
DP World’s initiatives at Southampton exemplify a strategic shift towards more sustainable and efficient logistics solutions through rail freight.
