Croft Cargo Move To Improve UK Transport Sustainability

As part of an ongoing drive to improve sustainability within our service provision, Croft Cargo will be making a modal shift to using rail freight as our primary transport method for moving containers within the UK.

Therefore, with immediate effect, our standard offering for collections and deliveries of full container loads (FCL) to and from southern ports, such as Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton, will be via a rail freight service.

What is the purpose of this?

The primary goal is to play our part by reducing the environmental impact of our business activities. In the UK, rail freight movements save around 250kgs of of CO₂e per journey on average, and also contribute to reducing road congestion.

Why do this now?

Since the Covid outbreak, the UK has witnessed a decline in the efficiency of container ports and terminals, high levels of congestion, driver shortages and a steep rise in container transport costs. Meanwhile, rail freight services have become more efficient and in many cases can be more cost effective.

Do customers have a choice?

Yes, of course. If you would prefer to not use rail freight services as a primary method for your shipments then just let us know. There may be occasions that direct road freight services work better for particular collections and deliveries. This notice is just to advise that our default position will be to look to move containers by rail.  

Does this apply to the whole of the UK?

The majority of our customers are based in the northern regions of England and Wales or in Scotland - these areas will primarily be served by rail. Many southern based collection and delivery points will be better served by a direct road service, depending on the port of import/export.  

Will this change collection/delivery costs?

‍Naturally, there will be some movement in costs, but we will NOT automatically move over to a rail freight service if that means an increase in our price to you. As mentioned above, there will be some collection and delivery points where a cost saving can be made and our sales price will reflect that.

Croft Cargo has been monitoring and measuring the performance levels of both transport methods for some time and are confident that there will be little or no increase in standard turnaround times. There will certainly be no reduction in the high levels of personal service we provide to our customers.

We hope the above has explained the reasoning for our decision to shift our primary transport mode, but realise you may have more questions and would welcome the opportunity to discuss further. Therefore, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Assuring you of our best intentions at all times.

Your Croft Cargo Team

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