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Tesco has announced it will begin to use a refrigerated rail freight service to transport goods across the UK over the festive season.
The new rail service marks the first time Tesco has used refrigerated rail freight in the UK. It will be operated by Direct Rail Services (DRS), who will help to distribute chilled goods from the Port of Tilbury to Coatbridge twice a day, seven days a week.
The supermarket said the move will help slash its carbon emissions by keeping more lorries off the road. It will also help the group navigate the ongoing HGV driver shortage.
The 415-mile route will use DRS’s Class 88 bi-mode electric locomotives which can run on electricity and produce zero exhaust and greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Tesco, the service will take “at least” 17,000 containers off the road each year, saving the group 7.3 million road miles and nearly 9,000 tonnes of CO2.
The move comes as Tesco is increasing its efforts to meet its commitment to net zero emissions in its own operations by 2035. Over the past year alone, the supermarket has increased the number of containers with produce destined for stores transported by rail by nearly 50%.
Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and ROI CEO said: “We’ve been using rail to transport our goods since 2008 and this new service reflects our continuing commitment to rail which has clear advantages for our business, our customers and the planet.
“Our rail service will be an important part of our efforts to deliver a fantastic Christmas for our customers but the journey doesn’t stop here as we continue to increase the number of containers we transport by rail as part of our commitment to reach net-zero emissions in our operations by 2035.”
Chris Connelly, NTS deputy CEO and Rail director, said: “This is fantastic news, not only for DRS and Tesco but also for the environment. This is an example of how rail can play an integral part in the race to net zero.
“Each train will remove around 40 lorries from Britain’s roads and save 9,000 tonnes of CO2e, and we’re running two trains a day, seven days a week. We’re thrilled to be working with Tesco on this new service, helping them drive down their carbon footprint as they deliver for their customers throughout the UK.”
