The logistics company Trans Italia has opened a new rail connection between the port of Valencia and Madrid as part of its strategy to create an efficient and sustainable multimodal transport system. The route, which has been developed in collaboration with the logistics operator Tramesa, has taken five years of preparation.

The new railway line for truck trailers has also involved other companies and institutions. This is the case of the rail infrastructure manager Adif, which has adapted the line's profile to make it suitable for P400 semi-trailer traffic.

First and last-mile routes
According to the Italian company, the launch of this route represents a milestone in European logistics, following the recent creation of another line linking the Padua interport and the Livorno Guasticce terminal in its country of origin. The cargo is loaded onto the semi-trailer directly, on the train, so that the truck only makes the first and last-mile runs.

Between the two ports, they use the motorways of the sea created by Trans Italia in 1997 in collaboration with the shipowner Grimaldi, which operates Ro-Ro trailer shipping  between the two countries, with several weekly routes from the ports of Salerno, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Savona, Palermo and Catania to Valencia. After its arrival in Madrid, the company is already planning its extension to Portugal.

Key for Spanish logistics
The diversion of routes to rail aims to reduce road traffic involving semi-trailers from Italy to Madrid. The Italian company, which describes the Valencia-Madrid line as key for Spanish logistics, estimates that its initiative will take more than 10,000 lorries off the roads each year. This way, it will contribute to a significant reduction of emissions and improve the overall sustainability of transport.

Trans Italia's main goal is the development of multimodality, which has been part of its DNA since its foundation in 1984. In addition to reducing emissions, this system improves drivers' quality of life, with a better work-life balance.

The company's managing director, Luigi D'Auria, explained, "Trans Italia's multimodal strategy does not stop there; the company has ambitious plans to further expand its network, aiming to reach Portugal as well. This commitment reflects a clear vision of a future in which sustainable logistics is at the heart of transport operations, actively contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting responsible business practices."

^{Photo: Trans Italia}