B Logistics launches first direct rail link between port of Antwerp and the Czech Republic
There was no direct rail connection between the two countries – until now, connecting the port of Antwerp with Czech Republic's Lovosice. B Logistics developed this new service according to the high Xpress quality standards to address the demand from customers in the steel and chemical sectors and the intermodal market. The new Czech Xpress is the 7th link of the European Green Xpress Network of B Logistics.
The service has been made very reliable by limiting the number of shunting movements during the trip and covering nearly the entire trip with the same B Logistics locomotive. The trains run according to a fixed schedule, so that customers know exactly the departure and arrival times (siding to siding). The products are being monitored by a dedicated Xpress team whom keep customers up to date in real time about their transports.
Today, the Czech Xpress links Antwerp North (and Kinkempois) (departure on Tuesday and Thursday) twice a week with Usti nad Labem (departure on Wednesday and Friday). The frequency will be increased in this quarter to 3 roundtrips per week. The train takes 24 hours to go from marshalling yard to marshalling yard. B Logistics and CD Cargo are partners regarding production and each of them markets this connection from its own organisation.
Initially, the Czech Xpress will transport mostly conventional loads. Port of Antwerp selected this new connection in response to a Request for Proposals (RfP) to expand the rail offer between Belgium and Central and Eastern Europe. This means that the Czech Xpress can count on support from the port to open the link up further for intermodal loads in this quarter, and to increase the frequency to 5 roundtrips per week as soon as possible.
