One of the reasons that Efret decided to enter in to a joint venture partnership with Uniserve in 2021 was the enticing prospect of instant access to the diverse specialties of the other Group partners. We relished this opportunity and saw the commercial potential of introducing an enhanced logistics package to existing customers and access to new ones.

In our experience, major industrial groups in Europe prefer to deal with a multi-faceted organisations rather than small niche operators at one end of the scale, and hugely complex behemoths at the other. This combination, enabled by the Uniserve Group, provides the perfect balance to appeal to procurement teams at every level.

Being part of a Group of companies, where acquisition of complementary businesses supports growth, can lead to complex administrative processes. However, Uniserve actively encourages inter-company collaboration by cutting through the red tape and eradicating potential commercially restrictive practises.

Cross border collaboration has always been part of our DNA and we have demonstrated this to good effect with our burgeoning and mutually successful relationships with Group partners Ellerman City Liners, for short sea intermodal, and George Baker Shipping for road transport.

Intermodal transport alternatives are currently very much in vogue with international shippers as they clamour to meet decarbonisation deadlines set by global governments. However, in western Europe, the delivery of intermodal road/rail solutions remains a challenge with archaic restrictive practices, such as different rail gauges and unionised working practices still causing disruption.

In a crowded market place, only a few specialist companies are genuinely able to operate reliable and cost-effective intermodal services to and from the Iberian-peninsula. One of those is the Portugal based KLOG – a true pioneer and expert in this field.

Having actively admired their operation from afar, we were delighted when discussions began between the owners of KLOG and the Uniserve Group. Having played a part in encouraging the joint venture to finally come to fruition, we are looking forward to rapidly joining forces with KLOG in solving some of Europe’s freight challenges.

For example, KLOG currently operates an established rail service to and from Portugal and Poland, via hubs in Spain and France. Having access to this strategic network represents a major solution for shippers trading between these economic powerhouses, who have previously relied on road transport for their supply chain fulfillment.

KLOG’s service is currently based on two block train departures a week to and from their Portuguese rail hub to Poznan in Poland, routing via Tarragona in Spain and Perpignan in France. They can also provide last mile delivery and/or collection from the Tarragona hub is available with e-trucks as an option. Due to demand, a third departure is planned for Q4/2024.

In summary, by collaborating with trusted Group partners like Ellerman, George Baker and now KLOG, we’re choosing intermodal alternatives to expand our offering to customers as a part of sustainable transport services.

As a responsible and innovative carrier, we’re mindful of our sector’s CO2 emission reduction objectives so, we’re reinforcing our mission towards decarbonisation as the future of European transportation.

For more information about our intermodal solutions can revolutionise your supply chain, get in touch with our team.

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