European Logistics goes Multi-modal!

Gosselin currently launched a new trial project combining the usual road transport with train groupage in Europe. It is the perfect combination between handling large volumes, less reloads, less damage risks, and focusing on sustainability at the same time.

“Train groupage isn’t new,” Gert van Engelenburg, European Traffic & Supplier Manager, explains. “But it does come with a few challenges, despite its obvious advantages. You need a regular schedule which requires enough volume or you’ll be driving empty containers around. The main goal is to have them filled to the maximum capacity at all times.” The trial project will give us a lot of information to strengthen our Intra-European value proposition for moving.

But even with empty containers, it’s still more environmentally friendly to use a train. Gosselin Czechia has been using the railroad for inland transport for many years now. “About 95% of Czech Republic, Slovakian and Hungarian full container load (FCL) import and export shipments are handled by train. We work together with a rail company that runs 100% on green electricity,” Petr Prochazka, Country Representative of the Czech Republic, adds.

Where a truck with a trailer can take two 25ft demount containers, a train can take as many as fit in the station. “The standard size for a freight train in Czechia is 30 to 40 carriages, and no train station allows more than 50.” This is why Gosselin wants to try train groupage for the European destinations as well, next to using barges for inland shipments. “You don’t ‘loose’ a driver like you do with roadtransport. Only the containers are gone, but you’ll get those back with a new shipment.”

Another advantage is the use of swap or demount containers. These are 25ft demount containers you can load at the origin residence, drive to the station with a truck and put them directly onto a train and vice versa. “When it comes to loose shipments, we load them in the exact order they need to be unloaded at the destination residence,” Gert clarifies. “That way we eliminate multiple reloads and the risk of damages which results in a faster service and less claims.”

As Gosselin has high volumes of European groupage shipments, we are constantly on the lookout for local partners around Europe with trucks that can carry 25ft containers. This way we optimize costs and save the environment. The more companies joining the system, the merrier! Contact gert@gosselin-moving.com if you’re interested.

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ABOUT GOSSELIN: 

Founded in 1930, Gosselin currently employs more than 975 people who generate total sales of over 450 million Euros. Gosselin’s headquarters is located on the Albert Canal in Deurne where the container terminal connects the Port of Antwerp Bruges and the Port of Rotterdam with the European hinterland. With 56 offices in 34 countries, the company has strong representation in Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia and China. The Gosselin Group consists of two divisions: Gosselin Moving and Gosselin Logistics.  

Gosselin Moving handles international moves for multinationals, expats, diplomats, military personnel and private individuals.  

Gosselin Logistics provides logistics services to businesses, with activities ranging from forwarding, warehouse storage and container processing to industrial logistics projects for heavy machinery and entire factories.