A new collaboration between Mercitalia Logistics, Baraclit, and Gruppo Grendi 1828 has introduced Italy's first intermodal transport service for large concrete structures.
Concrete products are dispatched from Baraclit's Bibbiena facility in Arezzo in Tuscany. Using Mercitalia Rail’s diesel and later electric traction, they reach the port of Marina di Carrara, where they are loaded onto ships bound for Cagliari. Upon arrival, the cargo is transported by road to Elmas, marking the final leg of the journey. This intermodal approach removes the need for 600 truck journeys.
The service operates within a carefully coordinated schedule that leverages the strengths of rail for long-distance haulage and sea transport for bulk movement, followed by road transport for last-mile delivery. This blend not only alleviates road congestion but also aligns with broader sustainability goals by minimizing carbon footprint.
The intermodal transport process involves specialized containers designed by Gruppo Grendi for seamless transfer from rail to sea and then to road. This method is particularly beneficial for moving large and heavy concrete structures, which can be challenging and resource-intensive to transport exclusively by road.
As these concrete structures journey from Baraclit's manufacturing site to their final destination, the collaboration underscores the potential of intermodal transport to revolutionize logistics for heavy and bulky goods. This approach also opens up possibilities for similar projects across Italy.
With the establishment of this intermodal service, the companies involved are setting a precedent for future logistics operations that prioritize sustainability while maintaining high levels of efficiency. This project illustrates how combining different transport modes can offer a solution to the logistical challenges of moving large industrial goods across varied terrains and distances.
