GEODIS has been expanding its rail freight services with the launch of another liner service. Since 11 June, a freight train has been running between Łódź and Barcelona, the first direct rail link between the two countries.
On the inaugural trip, 44 containers and/or swap bodies, each with a payload of 26 tonnes, were loaded with customers' goods. The train left the Łódź freight terminal and took just three days to reach Barcelona, from where the "last mile" distribution will take place by road. Later on the same day of arrival, the train returns to Poland with import goods from Spain. Each successive train will also carry 44 units, replacing the same number of lorries that would otherwise be used.
The rail route between Łódź and Barcelona is almost 160 km longer than the road route. However, it reduces CO2e emissions by up to -79%. Energy consumption is also around 57% lower. In the first phase of the project's development, the timetable foresees one train a week, departing from Łódź every Tuesday. In the other direction, the train will depart from Barcelona on Fridays.
"The launch of the new Łódź - Barcelona rail connection provides customers a large number of benefits, as it will enable punctual transportation of shipments, while considerably limiting CO2 emissions. We have great ambitions for this new line, as we plan to increase the frequency to two trains per week in the near future,” said Marc Vollet, Chief Operations Officer at GEODIS European Road Network.
