Hermes tests cross-border parcel transport by rail freight

In addition to focusing on the electrification of the last mile, the Hamburg logistics company is also seeking more climate-friendly solutions at other points along the logistics chain. For the first time, shipments are now being transported by rail – cross-border from Magdeburg to Lodz in Poland. Up to 1.3 million shipments will be moved annually along the 625-kilometer route. The pilot test has been running since July 1. The first transports have already been successfully carried out in collaboration with DB Cargo AG.

(Magdeburg/Lodz) “The primary goal of our pilot test is to gain experience with rail transport and to explore potential scaling,” explains Andreas Schuchardt, Division Manager Transport & Operations Management at Hermes Germany. “We look forward to further collaboration with DB Cargo AG and are excited to see how rail transport will impact cross-border traffic.”

“Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport and can optimally leverage this advantage, especially over long distances. In combination with our Eco Solutions, completely climate-neutral transport chains are already possible today, where we aim to avoid emissions wherever possible. We are pleased that sustainability plays such an important role in shaping logistics for Hermes and that we can support them in this,” says Pierre Timmermans, Sales Board Member of DB Cargo AG.

Transport is carried out once a week in each direction using swap bodies. “On the German side, we have booked the green electricity option DBeco plus through DB Cargo, allowing us to save approximately 57 tons of CO2 per year for the entire route, which is more than 50 percent compared to truck transport. On the Polish side, this is not yet feasible: however, we are utilizing the DBeco neutral offering from DB Cargo and can thus achieve an additional CO2 compensation of approximately 47 tons of CO2,” says Michael Peuker, Sustainability Manager at Hermes.

Low-emission alternative for long distances

In the field of city logistics, Hermes Germany has already created blueprints for completely emission-free deliveries to city centers – such as in Berlin, Magdeburg, Mainz, and soon also Hamburg. Emission-free solutions are not yet widely available for long distances. “Of course, we are also very interested in reducing our ecological footprint over long distances. This will continue to be a major focus for us in the future,” says Andreas Schuchardt. “In addition to rail transport, we are also relying on electric and hydrogen trucks, thus creating various low-emission alternatives for longer distances.”

Further possible domestic rail transports are being examined – especially with regard to time requirements. The experiences from the current pilot are particularly important for any potential expansion of rail transport.

Photo: © Hermes