DP World’s Modal Shift Programme, initiated last September, has yielded remarkable results in increasing rail freight share from its Southampton logistics hub. Designed to enhance the appeal of intermodal rail transport, the program offers tailored financial incentives to customers. Since its inception, the share of freight units transported by rail instead of road at DP World Southampton has surged by two-thirds, rising from 21% to 35% between September and February.
This surge has been complemented by the introduction of four new train services connecting the terminal to Cardiff, East Midlands Gateway, Hams Hall, and Doncaster, bolstering DP World’s end-to-end logistics solutions for cargo owners and freight forwarders.
Furthermore, the program’s environmental benefits are substantial. Since its launch, DP World’s customers and supply chain partners have collectively saved approximately 4,500 additional tonnes of carbon dioxide by opting for rail over road transport—a figure equivalent to 13,500 lorry journeys. This surpasses the total emissions of DP World Southampton’s operations.
To incentivize customers further, DP World is offering an £80 financial incentive for moving import-laden containers via rail to a railhead within 140 miles of the logistics hub. This incentive, financed by a nominal charge on all import-laden containers, encourages freight movement via rail, which would typically travel by road haulage within this range.
John Trenchard, Vice President UK Commercial & Supply Chain at DP World, emphasized the program’s role in facilitating lower carbon international supply chains and addressing contemporary logistical challenges. He underlined DP World’s commitment to providing customers with innovative services and incentives to optimize cargo movement.
In addition to its UK hubs at Southampton and London Gateway, DP World offers comprehensive logistics, forwarding, and European transport capabilities, all seamlessly integrated into its global network. With operations spanning 78 countries, DP World handles 10% of world trade.
