Van der Vlist has officially launched its new intermodal rail service for oversized cargo, dubbed the S-Bolster. The service, which uses self-designed and patented railway platforms, is aimed at transporting large equipment such as excavators, aerial platforms, agricultural machinery, and campervans – items that do not fit into standard containers.
The new rail service is currently operating routes from the Netherlands and Belgium to several terminals in Italy, with further expansion to Germany and Scandinavia planned later this year.
According to Van der Vlist, daily train departures ensure short and reliable transit times. The inaugural shipment was carried out in collaboration with Cargobeamer, enabling smooth intermodal transfers and maintaining consistent scheduling.
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The company claims that the modal shift from road to rail can cut CO₂ emissions by 60–75%, while still offering door-to-door delivery, CMR insurance, and real-time GPS tracking via the Van der Vlist portal.
Van der Vlist says the S-Bolster is part of a broader effort to expand the range of cargo that can be moved sustainably by rail, including even taller and wider loads in the future.
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