CHUNNEL RATES
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Combined Transport operator Allied Continental Intermodal is claiming a positive reaction from potential customers to its newly published Channel Tunnel freight rates. The company became the first in the market to publish a tariff for routes to Continental rail terminals via the tunnel last month. Managing director Jean Le Vot says he has received 30 letters or faxes from the 200 or so pan-European transport operators who were contacted.
"They were very surprised that we were able to provide competitive rates and said there was a good chance of them using combined transport through the tunnel," he says. The tariffs, which will be negotiable depending on volume, quote 2915.52 for a 13.6m swapbody from Vienna to London; 2741 for a 20ft box container from Munich to Liverpool; and £471 for a 7.15m swapbody from Glasgow to Lyon. John Chapman, UK and Eire freight sales manager for Le Shuttle, says he will begin formal negotiations with operators after Christmas.
"Because hundreds of operators are using different ferries, we would aim to find a rate that is attractive to each company individually," he says.
Combined Transport says publishing a general tariff would be misleading because it offers a more tailored service than Allied Continental ntermodal, including final delivery and pick-up by road.