The expanded schedule will see departures from Calais every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Return trips from Perpignan will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The transit time between the final drop-off and first pick-up at terminals is approximately 26 hours. The company has partnered with DB Cargo France for rail traction services on this route.
CargoBeamer’s service accommodates both craneable and non-craneable semi-trailers, in addition to containers, swap bodies, and specialised trailers, including silo and refrigerated units. Each train can carry up to 42 units.
The Calais-Perpignan route, which will be operational by mid-2021, is a key link between northern and southern Europe. CargoBeamer’s terminal at Calais provides access to further rail and sea connections to the UK, Northern France and the Benelux region, while Perpignan acts as a gateway to Southern France and the industrial areas around Barcelona, Spain.
The environmental benefits of using rail over road are highlighted by the company, with an estimated 47 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved per departure. According to CargoBeamer, the route achieves a 93% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to road transport, with an average payload of 18 tonnes per unit.
“We are thrilled to enhance our offerings in France following a challenging year in 2023. The Calais-Perpignan connection, bridging the English Channel and the Mediterranean region, has proven to be a dependable route. It allows freight forwarders to transport goods nearly 1,400 kilometres by rail while achieving over 90% CO2 savings. The increased frequency to four round trips per week offers our customers greater flexibility and reinforces our commitment to expanding intermodal solutions for non-craneable semi-trailers in France,” said Boris Timm, Chief Operating Officer at CargoBeamer.