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Dec 05 2023

Amazon scales up intermodal game in Europe

Global e-commerce giant Amazon seems to be taking decisive steps to decarbonise its European supply chains. The company has revealed that during 2023, rail and sea transport’s share in its logistical solutions increased by 50 per cent. Trucks still play an important role in first and last-mile operations; however, Amazon claims it is committed to enhancing rail and sea transport solutions even more in the near future.

Back in 2020, the company reported an impressive 300 per cent increase in rail movements across Europe, which in 2023 increased by 50 per cent more. Currently, it claims to be using 100 rail lines within Europe. The growth is seemingly immense, and one would expect all Amazon shipments to move around via rail or sea to reach destinations around Europe.

 

However, it should also be noted that Amazon, being a traditional online retailer focusing on quick logistics, has been using trucks and road transport extensively to fulfil this role. Consequently, even if the share of rail is indeed steadily increasing in its operations, its total share still has space to grow, making the company a customer with great potential for rail and intermodal operators.

 

Some rail and multimodal logistics companies that Amazon already cooperates with in Europe include CargoBeamer, Mercitalia, VIIA and DFDS. The company also has contracts with sea operators Stena Line and Grimaldi. Read more

 

Source: RAILFREIGHT.COM