Freightliner Limited, the UK’s leading intermodal rail freight provider, has signed a new contract with CMA CGM to transport containers for ASDA, to serve the North East of the UK
Freightliner will initially be running contract services from Southampton port to Freightliner’s Cleveland Terminal which is ideally situated to service Asda’s North East Distribution centres.
Alex Linton, Import Supply Chain Manager for Asda said:
“We are delighted that we have successfully implemented this major milestone in reducing our carbon footprint. CMA CGM and Freightliner were able to respond quickly with a solution for us.
“This enables us to ship a greater amount of product through Southampton port with the added benefit of fast transit and reduced emissions by placing our product within a few short miles of the target destination.
“We see this only as the start of our vision to expand rail operations with Freightliner.”
The new services will help Asda and CMA CGM to maximise the use of transport by rail to reduce congestion and pollution in the region contributing to Asda’s goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% from their transport fleet.
The new services will remove up to 10,000 road miles from the UK’s heavily congested road network each week.
This new services marks the first contract wagon arrangement between the two companies but reinforces the commitment between CMA CGM and Freightliner, with the two companies looking forward to further developing their partnership for future opportunities across Freightliner’s extensive network of 14 destinations.
Adam Cunliffe, Managing Director, Freightliner Limited commented:
“We are excited about this innovative arrangement between Freightliner, CMA CGM and Asda and we are equally delighted that we have achieved the challenge set by our customers and so quickly.
“The opportunity provides for the re-opening of a new route to Cleveland from Southampton and brings with it new to rail business.”
Graham Fraser General Manager CMA CGM UK Agency commented:
“Freightliner has been a valued supplier for many years and offers the very best standard of service.
“Rail freight is a key component of our shipping supply chain in the UK and with this partnership CMA CGM Group shows once again its ability to provide its customers with innovative solutions”
