shift2030 with Action Alliance for Rail Transport

The initiative shift2030 presents solutions for industry and freight forwarders with “Time2Shift” to switch to energy-saving rail transport. Transport by freight train is five times more energy-efficient than by road. There is a great need for an information campaign, as many shippers and freight forwarders are still not aware of all the offers available on the rail.

(Berlin) The initiative shift2030 is launching an action alliance to save energy in the transport sector. In a first step, options for shifting their transports to energy-saving rail will be presented to the shipping industry and freight forwarders on the website www.time2shift.eu. “Transport on rail consumes five times less energy than on the road and is also climate-friendly. These are compelling arguments – all parties should start considering rail transport now,” says Sebastian Ruckes, board member of the initiative shift2030.

There is a significant need for an information campaign, as many shippers and freight forwarders are still not familiar with all the offers available on the rail. At the same time, they face massive challenges: “The unprecedented rise in diesel prices threatens the existence of freight forwarders, the already existing driver shortage is exacerbated by the Ukraine war, and the transport sector urgently needs to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, we want to build a broad action alliance where business and politics consider all options for switching to energy-saving rail. We also rely on the active support of ministries, chambers of commerce, and associations,” says Ruckes.

Broadly Supported Partnership

The initiative shift2030 has made an initial move with the website www.time2shift.eu. This is sponsored by the platform providers Rail-Flow and modility, the locomotive lessor Railpool, and the railway company Potsdam (EGP). The action is supported by the Alliance pro Schiene, the Network of European Railways, and the UIRR. Further offers are to follow. For example, it is conceivable to further develop the concept of the “Rail Coach” together with the chambers of commerce and to offer workshops to support the shipping industry. Additionally, relocation projects will be presented as part of “Success Stories.”

Not Pitting Road Against Rail

The goal is not to pit road against rail, but rather to make sensible use of the respective advantages of each mode of transport. “Especially combined transport offers innovative, competitive, and sustainable transport solutions. For this, we absolutely need trucks,” says Ruckes.

Photo: © Railpool