Powering Greener Logistics: DRS and Tesco expand rail freight partnership
This year, Direct Rail Services (DRS) launched its ninth rail service in partnership with Tesco, a significant milestone in DRS’s long-standing relationship with the supermarket giant.
Gottfried Eymer, Managing Director of Rail at DRS, talks about the special relationships with its intermodal customers and how rail freight can bring real value to supply chains.
The journey with Tesco began over two decades ago when both organisations recognised the potential of rail freight to transform retail logistics. What started as a single service has grown into a robust, efficient, and sustainable network of intermodal routes spanning the UK. This latest service is a testament to the trust and strategic alignment between DRS and Tesco, ensuring the seamless and efficient movement of goods across the country.
Over the years, Tesco has been a forward-thinking partner, investing in greener supply chain solutions and pioneering the use of rail freight in the retail sector. By working together, we have built a network that not only delivers operational efficiency but also significantly reduces the environmental impact of goods transportation.
It’s not just Tesco we work closely with on our intermodal work, we also have a very close relationship with JG Russell, one of the UK’s leading logistics and transport providers.
We’ve worked with Russells over a number of years and have recently signed a new contract to ensure we can continue to build on our relationship. They share many similarities with Tesco in their desire to ensure they meet their customers’ exacting requirements but also ensure environmental responsibility, which is where rail is a great fit for the two businesses.
These successful partnerships are underpinned by operational excellence and a shared vision for reducing carbon emissions. Our fleet of modern locomotives and rolling stock ensures that goods are delivered on time and in the most efficient manner possible. With reliability at the core of our operations, we continue to refine our services to support Tesco and Russell’s nationwide distribution network.
Beyond efficiency, sustainability remains a key driver. Rail freight produces up to 76% less CO₂ emissions per tonne-kilometre than road transport. By integrating rail into their supply chain, they have significantly reduced their environmental footprint. In fact, our rail services have played a crucial role in helping Tesco cut its emissions by over 60% since 2015. Its latest intermodal service alone is expected to remove thousands of lorries from UK roads annually, reducing congestion, road wear, and emissions.
Rail freight is one of the most environmentally friendly methods of transporting goods. By shifting goods from road to rail, we are actively helping to reduce pollution and contribute to the UK’s net-zero ambitions. Each intermodal freight train can remove up to 40 lorries from the road, significantly cutting carbon emissions and easing traffic congestion.
In addition to reducing CO₂ emissions, rail freight is also more energy efficient and safer compared to road transport. This makes it an increasingly attractive option for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability credentials while maintaining operational efficiency.
We can also run on electricity, using our fantastic Class 88 locomotives, which produce zero exhaust emissions, which is a huge environmental boost and further boosts rail freights green credentials.
The launch of our ninth intermodal service with Tesco is not just a milestone; it is a stepping stone towards a future where rail freight plays an even greater role in supply chain logistics. We are committed to continuous investment in technology, infrastructure, and innovation to ensure we remain at the forefront of sustainable transport solutions.
As the logistics landscape evolves, so too must our approach to freight transport. We will continue to work closely with Tesco and other partners to develop new services and expand our existing network. Our goal is to provide solutions that support the UK’s broader sustainability objectives while meeting the growing demand for efficient, low-carbon logistics.
Reflecting on our history, and as DRS is in its 30th year, we have evolved into a trusted and versatile freight operator. Our partnerships with Tesco and Russell exemplify how businesses can collaborate to achieve both commercial success and environmental responsibility. Together, we have set new standards for efficiency and sustainability in the retail sector.
As we move forward, we are excited about the potential for further growth and innovation. Our latest services demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations share a common goal. With rail freight at the heart of our operations, we are on track for a more efficient future.
Our longstanding partnerships are a shining example of how rail freight can revolutionise supply chains. As we continue this journey together, we remain committed to driving innovation, reducing emissions, and delivering excellence in sustainable logistics.
By Gottfried Eymer, Managing Director NTS Rail