#CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORY
Intermodal Feasibility Study for Pharma Freight – Yusen Logistics
In a rapid and fact-based intermodal feasibility study, AcceleRail helped Yusen Logistics identify concrete rail transport opportunities for pharma freight – enabling informed next steps toward more sustainable and efficient logistics solutions.
Initial Situation
Yusen Logistics, a global provider of supply chain logistics solutions, is known for its comprehensive services in international freight forwarding, trucking, and contract logistics. Its European Healthcare Control Tower coordinates complex pharma shipments across Europe – with a strong focus on service quality, regulatory compliance, and customer-specific requirements.
In light of growing expectations around carbon footprint, reliability, and compliant temperature-controlled transport, the company initiated a preliminary intermodal feasibility study. The aim: to identify whether selected pharma transport routes could be shifted from road to rail or combined transport – starting with a small number of trial shipments.
Summary of the Yusen Logistic Success Story
- Identification of relevant terminals at origin and destination, including pre-/on-carriage distances
- Assessment of terminal-to-terminal rail connections, including transit times and frequencies
- High-level CO₂ comparison between road and rail
- Identification of potential intermodal operators capable of providing pharma-grade solutions (e.g. temperature control, monitoring, compliant equipment, piggyback capabilities)
- Consideration of transshipment points and bundling opportunities
The result: a completed and commented data set per lane, offering a clear overview of where and how rail-based solutions could be pursued further.
“We needed fast, clear, and fact-based input on whether intermodal options would be viable on selected lanes – without a long project ramp-up.”
Matthew Sweet
General Manager
European Healthcare Control Tower
Result and Client Benefit
The project provided a solid basis for Yusen Logistics to move forward with internal discussions and customer engagement on selected trial routes. The analysis not only delivered concrete transport options, but also helped outline the strategic and operational implications of introducing rail to the pharma logistics portfolio.
“The study helped us assess our intermodal potential with a clear operational lens — not just CO₂ savings, but practical feasibility and partner landscape. That’s exactly what we needed to take the next step with confidence.”
General Manager
European Healthcare Control Tower
Thanks to AcceleRail’s structured, fact-based approach, Yusen Logistics was able to derive clear next steps and prioritize efforts along the most promising lanes.
At the same time, the project demonstrates how targeted intermodal checks can support the modal shift agenda by identifying realistic and scalable rail transport opportunities – making a tangible contribution to more sustainable freight logistics in Europe.
