Stobart Group Ltd (LSE: STOB) said its Rail unit and Deutsche Bahn-owned British freight operator DB Schenker Rail (UK) have launched temperature controlled transport services from Valencia to the UK via the Channel Tunnel, operating three trains per week.
The service will offer a shared multi-client train for new and existing customers of both companies. By working together, all road and rail assets will achieve high levels of utilisation, thereby enabling a commercially sustainable door-to-door solution for companies involved in the export of fresh products, the logistics group said.
All rail traction will be provided by a single rail freight operator across three countries, with the involvement of DB Schenker's European subsidiaries: Euro Cargo Rail in France and Euro Cargo Rail in Spain.
Stobart's planning infrastructure and capability in the fresh and chilled sector will ensure that the product is monitored from the pack-house to the store as well as its delivery on time and in optimum condition.
Commenting on this new service, Stobart CEO Andrew Tinkler said: “We believe this adds a massive opportunity for both companies to enable a cost effective and environmentally friendly solution for moving fresh and ambient produce throughout Europe. Every train will contain 30 reefer boxes and the direct service from the pack-house to the store will reduce waste and increase the shelf life.”
Stobart cited DB Schenker Rail (UK) CEO Keith Heller as saying: “The development of this product has been made possible by the investments that we have made in Euro Cargo Rail in France and Euro Cargo Rail in Spain over the last four years. With increasing environmental and cost pressures we see tremendous growth opportunities for similar services to France and Germany.”