Channel price cut means modal shift from truck to rail
Source:transportweekly 2014-5-15 10:38:00
Germany's DB Schenker Rail UK says the channel tunnel's recently announced move to reduce the cost of shipping rail freight will mean a modal shift from truck to rail freight.
A 20 per cent access rate reduction will apply to most rail freight services between Britain and the continent, which will run during off peak periods, reports Lloyd's Loading List.
"This welcome announcement from Eurotunnel will encourage the development of new international rail transport through the Channel Tunnel," said DB Schenker Rail UK's chief executive Geoff Spencer.
The reduced access charges for the Channel Tunnel come into effect next month, with no increases until at least 2018, said the report.
"These changes are positive news for the rail freight sector. Rail is the most environmentally friendly form of freight transport, and important in reducing the carbon footprint of freight transport," said Mr Spencer.