ECL and DSV are expanding their intermodal network with the “Moravia Shuttle”
European Cargo Logistics (ECL), an associated company of Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft mbH (LHG), and DSV Road AB, a part of DSV – Global Transport and Logistics, are now reaching another spot on the map, Zajeci in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic.
ECL says in its press release: "This is now the most easterly destination in the ECL network. For DSV this is not a new destination, but it is a way to handle transports to eastern Europe in a more environmentally friendly way."
“We do always look at alternatives for reducing the environmental impact, and this intermodal solution will also help in the current market situation with high demand for transports and limited capacity in some areas due to lack of drivers”, says Christian Gerdtsson, Deputy MD for DSV Road AB.
“Our Czech partners have specially prepared the terminal in Zajeci for this connection. Until recently, only steel was handled here”, explains Tobias Behncke, who is responsible for ECL’s intermodal division.
Last weekend, the first “Moravia Shuttle” departed from the Intermodal Terminal in Lübeck- Travemünde (Baltic Rail Gate). Initially, the new train will transport trailers and containers between Scandinavia and the Czech Republic via Lübeck twice a week. The initial frequency of two departures is to be doubled early next year and ECL expects to transport 7,000 units on the trains during the first twelve months. These were mostly routed via Poland before.
DSV will take up a substantial number of capacity on the “Moravia Shuttle”, reveals ECL Managing Director Jörg Ullrich, also saying that: “Freight forwarders have everything they need here in Lübeck: a large number of ferry and rail links, plus short lead times and acknowledged high-quality handling.”
ECL’s intermodal network is experiencing constant growth. In 2017, the company recorded an increase of 17% compared with the previous year, transporting a good 30,000 cargo units. Also new this year is the cooperation with Kombiverkehr on the Duisburg – Lübeck route. It is reactivating the popular “Ruhr Shuttle” in the ECL portfolio so as to take pressure of the highways. It is linking the Ruhr area and the hanseatic city of Lübeck by rail eleven times per week and direction. Without tolls and traffic congestion.