XPO road-rail freight solution for Wavin

XPO Logistics has introduced an innovative road-rail freight solution to reduce emissions for Wavin, one of the world’s top manufacturers of plastic pipe systems for residential and non-residential use. XPO has partnered with Wavin since 2018, managing the transport of products from plants in Wiltshire and South Yorkshire to destinations throughout the UK.

XPO successfully trialled the road-rail combination in June and implemented the full solution in September through a rail service agreement with Malcolm Logistics. XPO transports Wavin products by road from a production site in Chippenham, Wiltshire, to Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), near Crick, where they are transported by rail to Grangemouth Rail Terminal in Scotland. From there, the XPO fleet and drivers are deployed to complete the final deliveries.

It is envisaged that the service will be used five days per week, with up to six multimodal rail containers transported daily. The road-rail combination will significantly lower annual C02 emissions by an estimated 58% and reduce NOx by18.8 tonnes yearly, with the full benefits realised once all the rail freight containers are in place. The solution is managed by XPO’s technology platform, which integrates all of the company’s transport services for Wavin, including dedicated truckload, less-than-truckload and a bespoke parcel delivery service.

Andrew Crosby, global director – indirect procurement, Wavin, said: “XPO’s road-rail solution is another example of our partner’s proactive approach to innovation. Our collaboration with XPO is delivering measurable improvements in on-time performance and cost reduction, and now we are further reducing the emissions of our operations on pace with our sustainability goals.”

Dan Myers, managing director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “Both Wavin and XPO understand the importance of taking responsibility to drive innovation and step changes in environmental performance. With our latest initiative, we are achieving these two critical goals together. As partners, we will continue to deliver for Wavin’s customers and the environment.”