Amazon has introduced a high-speed rail freight service in France, transporting parcels between Lyon and Paris through a partnership with Rail Logistics Europe, a subsidiary of SNCF. Utilizing TGV trains, the service operates six days a week and is capable of handling over half a million parcels per year, lowering delivery times and emissions in this important logistics corridor. Parcels are transported inside closed cargo compartments within passenger TGVs, covering 470 kilometers in approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes at speeds up to 320 km/h. Hexafret oversees this operation, part of Amazon’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. In the current year, rail transport constitutes over 25% of Amazon’s inter-site inventory movements in France, marking notable progress from preceding figures. Freight trains are highlighted for their environmental benefits, emitting ten times less CO₂ per kilometer compared to heavy goods vehicles. In Paris, eco-friendly methods such as electric vehicles, cargo bikes, or walking are used for two-thirds of last-mile deliveries. Amazon is investing €250 million to decarbonize its transport network and is exploring the possibility of expanding high-speed rail corridors across France and Europe. The initiative underscores Rail Logistics Europe’s commitment to modernizing freight transport, capitalizing on synergies with companies like VIIA and Hexafret. Overall, Amazon’s growing logistics network aims to bring sites closer to customers, significantly reducing travel distances.
