As part of its wider goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, Amazon is now transporting parcels by high-speed train between the cities of Lyon and Paris, with over 500,000 packages set to travel this way in 2025.
Through a partnership with Rail Logistics Europe (RLE), SNCF’s freight division, Amazon has secured dedicated storage areas on ultra-fast trains that will transport parcels along this route at a speed of 320km/h.
The operations will take place six days a week and follow a successful pilot project last year. Once the parcels reach Paris, up to two-thirds of last-mile deliveries will be made using electric vehicles, cargo bikes or on foot.
According to Amazon, the high-speed train transportation is part of a €250m (US$281m) investment to decarbonize its transportation network in France and the company has plans to expand similar initiatives across Europe.
In related news, Amazon has announced that it will continue to develop its last-mile operations with a US$4bn investment in its rural delivery network across the USA to bring faster delivery times to less densely populated areas. Click here to read the full story