Nestlé And Tesco Launch Double-Stacked Rail Freight Trial
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Logistics Manager.
This is the sub-heading.
Nestlé UK and Ireland has successfully completed its first delivery to supermarket chain Tesco using a ‘first-of-its-kind’ rail container, as part of a new rail freight trial.
These are the first three paragraphs.
The container features a roof-raising mechanism allowing products to be “double-stacked from floor to ceiling operating at full capacity before the roof is lowered for transit”. The appeal of this is its capability to store potentially twice as much freight in one journey, reducing costs and emissions.
This is part of Nestlé’s plans to increase freight capacity on trains as a means of reducing the negative impact that the company’s logistics operations have on the environment. It is hoped that the trial will allow the process to be refined over time, providing further opportunities for Nestlé to expand the volume of goods that can be transported via rail in a single shipment.
This focus is integral to Nestlé’s strategy to reduce its reliance on the consumption of diesel in its road transport network. According to a 2021 report from the Rail Delivery Group, rail freight produces, on average, 76% fewer emissions than road transport. This, it claims, equates to a reduction of around 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ nationally each year.
Note.
- This article would appear to be a follow-on to Nestlé Unveils New Double-Stacking Rail Logistics Plan To Reduce Carbon Footprint, which I wrote in June 2022.
- In From 2025, Nestlé Waters France Will Use The First Hydrogen-Powered Freight Train Through An Innovative Solution Developed by Alstom and ENGIE, I talk about how Nestlé are experimenting with hydrogen-powered locomotives.
Nestlé certainly seem to be working on reducing the carbon dioxide produced by their logistic operations.
The Anonymous Widower 
Ireland has just released a railway investment plan including reopening and new rail lines. Where is the UK one?
Comment by Ben | August 16, 2023 |
It’s progressing but slowly. I do wonder that a lot of voters feel it is a waste of money. But some areas like Liverpool, Bristol and Birmingham have plans.
But every time we build a new railway passenger numbers exceed predictions.
Comment by AnonW | August 16, 2023 |
It’s called HS2, whatever your views on it. Part of the concept is by moving express paths off the current WCML it will open up more paths for slower commuter trains and even slower freight trains.
(There is some tinkering around the edges, e.g. the potential reopening of the Duddington line in North London for passengers as the West London orbital will also refresh the line for freight traffic use)
Comment by MilesT | August 17, 2023 |
I am unsure what to feel about this. I have big concerns with Nestle as a company, and can’t decide whether they are reforming as a company to truly be more ethical and sustainable, or whether this is a mixture of greenwashing and cost containment.
As a broader concept for general use I like it.
Even more confusing is Nestle subsidiary Nespresso achieving B-Corp certification, although achieving a just passing score and poor scores on some categories most would think important (and are potentially underweighted in the B corp assessment process)
Comment by MilesT | August 17, 2023 |