A rail development strategy for Heppner's transport operations
As part of the CEE REMOVE programme, which aims to accelerate the modal shift of road freight transport to low-carbon freight transport modes such as rail, inland waterways and short-sea shipping, Heppner has benefited from support under the REMO initiative funded by the ADEME.
4 goals have been set:
- structure an ambitious strategy for increasing the share of rail within our freight outsourcing activities;
- increase awareness among Heppner teams of the growing importance of the modal shift;
- lay the foundations for a sustainable rail development structure within the Heppner organisation;
- research and identify the key routes offering rail transport in the short, medium and long term.
To support this initiative, a working group has been formed to develop multimodal transport at Heppner. Jointly with the National Grouping of Combined Transport (GNTC), this group is taking part in the REMO study to assess its potential for boosting rail and river transport by analysing its regular long-distance flows.
The drive to promote modal shift in 2025 has led to an increase in rail freight volumes, particularly in the freight outsourcing business, and the start of new flows on French and international routes.
Launched in 2025, this strategy will be further developed in coming years to ensure the sustainable growth of multimodal activities.
Our ability to provide support and develop customised solutions addressing decarbonisation challenges is becoming a key strategic driver of business growth. For example, we have developed a decarbonised solution combining rail-road and biofuel for the British subsidiary of a leading cosmetics company. With this approach, our relationship with this customer has become stronger and it has opened up new opportunities.
In 2025, we carried 45,200 tonnes of goods by rail (+2% compared with 2024), and increased the kilometres travelled by rail by 75%, though with very different trends from one business unit to another.
Spurred by the REMO working group, the freight outsourcing business line has increased the kilometres travelled by 160% and the number of shipments by 180%.
