The service, operated through a joint venture between UK and Italian logistics firms, uses Huckepack trailers designed for both rail and road transport. Six of the reinforced trailers have already been delivered and will be used to carry a wide range of goods.
Under the operation, trailers will be collected from the Humber region, transported by road to Hull, shipped by ferry to Zeebrugge, and then loaded onto freight trains for the onward journey to Italy.
The companies involved say the service complements existing road and sea operations while giving customers the chance to reduce their supply chain emissions. They have also highlighted growing demand for alternatives to traditional road haulage.
According to the logistics director behind the project, the partnership builds on long-established daily UK–Italy services and marks a major investment in rail freight as a reliable, efficient and sustainable mode of transport.
