This shift is expected to result in a reduction of approximately 400 tons of CO₂ emissions by the end of 2025, with the annual savings projected to increase to around 700 tons by 2026. dm drogerie markt has partnered with LKW Walter, which offers over 300 daily departures on more than 250 sea and rail routes, connecting major economic centers across Europe.
The company plans to transition 14 suppliers for its distribution center in Enns, Austria, and 13 suppliers for its brand distribution center in Páty, Hungary, to intermodal transport by July 2024. This strategy mainly involves long-distance transportation from suppliers located in Belgium, Germany, France, and Sweden. The majority of these journeys will be carried out by rail, with only the initial and final legs of the journey from production sites to terminals and from terminals to distribution centers being handled by trucks.
One key advantage of intermodal transport is that goods do not need to be reloaded, as the entire trailer is transferred between different modes of transport. This method is currently experiencing a resurgence in the logistics industry due to various benefits, including its contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions. The potential CO₂ savings are significant, with reductions of 60 to 80 percent compared to road transport, depending on distance and load.
Additional benefits of intermodal transport include the ability to transport heavier loads, up to 29 tons compared to 24 tons by road, and a higher resilience to disruptions such as holidays, traffic bans, and congestion. The shorter driving distances and local deployment also help address the driver shortage in long-haul transport, making the job more appealing by reducing workload and improving work-life balance.
