According to XPO Logistics, the 4,500 square metre hub has 46 docks and can manage up to 700 deliveries per day.
Moreover, the company has reserved an additional plot allowing for an expansion to 6,000 square metres. The site, just 5 km from the Marseille-Provence airport, and also close to the A7 motorway, is said to be a strategic location for XPO’s regional LTL development and international reach.
In addition to LTL, XPO will use the hub to expand its last mile service.
Commenting on the opening of the new hub, Bruno Kloeckner, managing director of XPO Logistics France, said:
“We are excited to expand our LTL network in the south of France to support the demand for our services. Our strategic choice of Vitrolles adds significant distribution capabilities close to our customers’ markets. This is a fast-growing region, and the hub will shorten the length of our nightly distribution runs by 35 minutes on average.”
Other key aspects of the facility are as follows:
- home to a team of 75 trained employees, including 39 professional drivers, 18 dock workers, and a customer sales and service team
- Accessibility-compliant premises with elevator access
- BREEAM-certified, energy-efficient facility design
- 100% LED lighting, sensor-automated to adjust to ambient light and activity
- Charging stations for electric vehicles
- Photovoltaic panels covering more than half of the roof surface
XPO says its LTL network in France currently serves approximately 4,500 customers with nationwide coverage. It’s lorry and van drivers make approximately four million deliveries per year, including 600 nighttime hauls per day.