The Swedish wholesaler, ICA, is going to use Volvo's goods train. They will transport produce on it. The Volvo train is mostly used to bring goods, southward, from Sweden to the Volvo factory in Gent, Belgium. ICA has bought space on the train to the north for six years already. They do so via the Swedish logistics company, Scanlog.
The Volvo truck factory in Gent is currently closed. So, the train is standing still. Now, the route will be used by ICA and Volvo again. This is being done in partnership with Scanlog and Green Cargo, also a Swedish logistics company. But the train will not be transporting any goods south.
The ICA/Volvo cooperation started this week. It involves two trains with 19 wagons loaded with goods. It will go from Gent to ICA's warehouse in Sweden. The amount of products is equivalent to 80 truckloads per week. The train reduces the risk of product scarcity in these uncertain times. That could be caused by the transport being lost due to truck drivers falling ill.
Magnus Stadig, ICA's logistics director says, "At ICA, we are constantly working to reduce our transportation's impact on the climate. Despite the current uncertain, difficult times, we want to keep doing that. We have an important social responsibility when it comes to securing the food supply. But, also when it comes to reducing emissions. We are now still getting the orders we need. But, these must be secured for the future too. That is why we are pleased the train from Gent is running again."
Volvo wants to take social responsibility along with ICA. They want to secure Sweden's food supply. Fredrik Vråmo, vice president of logistics purchasing at Volvo says, “The transportation system has a vital function. It must ensure food, medicine, and other necessities reach their destination. It feels good to mean something in anticipation of the goods stream from the south. We can get large quantities of basic necessities into the country."
Source: news.cision.com/se/ica