The Freight Transport Association has praised Britain’s retailers for attempting to move more goods by rail.
The FTA’s report, ‘On Track!’ points out the economic and environmental benefits of using rail in supply chain logistics. Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, the Co-Op and B&Q all contributed case studies to the report, outlining the challenges of switching to rail.
The report also shows the achievements they have made so far. On Track! is the result of co-operation between the FTA and the Department for Transport and hopes to increase rail freight traffic from retailers.
Says Christopher Snelling, FTA’s Head of Supply Chain Policy, ‘Retail has shown a leading-edge attitude to innovation in the supply chain.
‘Our study shows that the volume of goods in high street stores and supermarkets being regularly moved by rail is on the rise and that the retail sector’s appetite for modal shift is stronger than ever. Our study shows that it is clearly reaping the benefits.’