Logistics specialist Whistl has taken part in the UK’s first emission-free delivery trial.

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The initiative – led by XeroE, part of Delivery Mates, working with Varamis Rail – integrated containerised cargo bikes, electric vehicles and electric rail freight into a seamless, sustainable distribution chain.

The trial took place over a week, transporting the daily packages from Whistl locations in Birmingham and Glasgow. XeroE’s electric vans transported the goods from the depot in Birmingham to the train station. The goods were then onloaded onto Varamis’ overnight electric train to Glasgow. On arrival, an electric van moved them to XeroE’s depot before being delivered by Rytle cargo bikes to the customer’s door.

The multi-modal approach was trialled to assess the reduction in emissions and urban congestion. The trial was part of one of the Freight Innovation Cluster’s activities and has been sponsored by the Department for Transport.

Gareth Hughes, business services & ESG director, said: “One of the biggest challenges facing the logistics industry is the ability to move goods at distance sustainably and efficiently. We are pleased to have been given the opportunity to participate in this trial and look forward to exploring new initiatives to create a more sustainable supply chain.”

In 2023, Whistl set out its aim to reach net zero by 2045 and, specifically within its fleet, achieve a 100% zero- and ultra-low emission small van fleet by 2030 and a 100% zero- and ultra-low emission HGV fleet by 2040.

The business started rolling out electric vehicles across its fleet in 2022 after establishing a strategy to transition its van fleet, whilst practically meeting operational needs, cost-effectively.