European logistics provider XPO has expanded its multimodal transportation solutions with the launch of a new corridor between Antwerp in Belgium, and Istanbul in Turkey.
The new 2,600km-long route combines road and rail transportation to reduce transit time from 10 days to eight, compared with road transportation alone. It will enable companies to move greater volumes of products between the two trade hubs.
According to XPO, the new multimodal corridor also offers customers more regular service throughout the year, even in peak season, while reducing road congestion. The company will also give customers the option to combine short sea shipping and rail, with rail transit between Duisburg in Germany and the port at Trieste in Italy, connecting to sea transit between Trieste and Izmir in Turkey.
This new multimodal route offers environmental benefits. Rail transportation produces approximately 80% fewer emissions than traditional road transportation, which equates to approximately 3,100kg less CO2 emitted per trip on this route.
Christophe Vérot, managing director – central Europe at XPO Logistics, said, “Our dedication to multimodal transport solutions has been highly successful, strengthening XPO’s position in the combined road, sea and rail transportation market. The implementation of multimodal solutions is a crucial step in enhancing the efficiency of our customers’ goods movement while also reducing their supply chain carbon footprint to help them meet sustainability objectives. We are confident that the new corridor between Belgium and Turkey will result in environmental efficiencies, enhanced safety and reduced transit times for our customers.”