The Modal Shift Programme was launched in September 2023 to improve the commercial viability of rail transport for import laden containers.
Under the programme, customers are paid an incentive for each container moved by rail from DP World Southampton to a railhead within 140 miles.
In the first 12 months of the initiative, four new rail freight services were launched to provide more options for DP World customers, including routes from Southampton to Birmingham, Cardiff, East Midlands Gateway and Doncaster.
John Trenchard, vice president – commercial & supply chain, DP World in the UK, said:“The outstanding success of the Modal Shift Programme at Southampton in its first year is testament to our commitment to provide customers with more choices for their supply chains.
“With this significant increase in rail freight volume, equivalent to the transfer of approximately 6 million road miles to rail, we are giving more of our customers the opportunity to explore the benefits of rail to the sustainability and resilience of their containerised supply chains.
Satvir Kaur, Member of Parliament for Southampton Test, said:“It’s great to see the success of this pilot run by DP World. This scheme not only ensures our port can become more sustainable and help improve the poor air quality Southampton suffers, but it also reduces congestion on our roads.
“This is a great example of business taking action and playing their part to tackle the climate crisis, and it is also great news for local residents who are often stuck in daily traffic. I am fully supportive, and encourage others to follow suit.”