DP World’s ambitious Modal Shift Programme significantly cuts road congestion.
- Over 64,000 truck journeys replaced by rail, easing road traffic.
- Carbon emissions reduced by more than 17,000 tonnes through enhanced rail use.
- Four new rail services launched, improving logistical options.
- Aiming for greater rail freight increases as part of sustainability efforts.
In its first year, DP World’s Modal Shift Programme has made a remarkable impact on reducing road congestion and lowering carbon emissions. The initiative has successfully replaced 64,300 truck journeys with rail transport, substantially easing traffic on UK roads while cutting carbon output by 17,000 tonnes. This shift is a crucial component of DP World’s strategy to enhance sustainability within its logistics operations.
Launched in September 2023 at the Port of Southampton, the programme incentivises the use of rail for transporting containers. Customers receive financial rewards for choosing rail over road transport for journeys within a 140-mile radius. Such incentives have already increased the share of rail freight from a baseline of 21% to over 30%, indicating a strong shift towards rail in the logistics landscape.
To support this transition, DP World has introduced four new rail freight services, offering routes from Southampton to key destinations including Birmingham, Cardiff, East Midlands Gateway, and Doncaster. Recently, it doubled its rail services between Southampton and London Gateway, potentially removing up to one million miles of road travel annually. This expansion highlights DP World’s commitment to providing sustainable transport options.
John Trenchard from DP World lauded the initiative’s success, stating it offers customers enhanced choices while aligning with broader sustainability goals. The move of approximately six million road miles to rail underscores the potential benefits to supply chain resilience and environmental impact reduction. Trenchard emphasised the company’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions across its operations by 2050, a sentiment echoed by public support from local MP Satvir Kaur, who highlighted the programme’s contribution to improving air quality and reducing road congestion.
Industry feedback has been positive, with companies like Supreme Freight Services adjusting their logistics practices to embrace rail options. Craig Barnes of Supreme Freight acknowledged the programme’s influence, noting a significant shift in their standard practices to accommodate and promote rail transport for customers. This change signifies a broader acceptance and integration of rail solutions within the industry, reinforcing the Modal Shift Programme’s impact.
Through strategic enhancements and a focus on integrated logistics, DP World is poised to continue its influence on global trade efficiency, as it operates in 78 countries worldwide. By advancing rail options and reducing dependency on road transport, the company is paving the way for a more sustainable future in freight logistics.
The Modal Shift Programme exemplifies a significant step towards sustainable freight logistics by effectively reducing road congestion and emissions.
