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

Gosselin is a leading provider of international moving and destination services. Our clients are  multinationals, relocation management companies, expats, diplomats, military personnel and private persons. With 56 offices in 34 countries, Gosselin has a strong presence in Europe, Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia.  

Gosselin is a division of the Gosselin Group that has its headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium. The company was founded in 1930 and employs a staff of 975 that generates more than 450 million euros in turnover.