Tesco is said to be the first UK retailer to come out with its rail distribution initiative, a purpose-built freight train.
The train was launched in September last year under a three-year contract with haulier Eddie Stobart. This train is loaded with a variety of products including tinned foods, beers, wines and spirits, clothing and white goods.
This service will replace over 13,000 lorry journeys each year, which means180, 000 freight tonnes off the road each year. Besides all this there is substantial environmental worth over $5.8 million, in a period of three year. Tesco states that the initiative will save nearly 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.