Collaboration Among CIMALSA, Mercabarna, and Railgrup to Strengthen Rail Freight Transport in Barcelona’s Mercabarna Market

Driving Sustainability in Freight Transport: A Collaborative Approach

A renewed focus on making freight transport greener has led to a strategic partnership between three major organizations: CIMALSA, Mercabarna, and Railgrup’s In-move cluster. Their union is aimed at shifting goods from road to rail transport, significantly lowering carbon footprints associated with logistics in Barcelona’s central wholesale market.

Context of the Agreement

Within the framework of Catalonia’s “Logistics Strategy for the Internationalization of the Economy” (ELIEC), the goal is to cut carbon emissions by 30%. The collaboration predominantly targets the shipping of fresh produce such as vegetables and fruits, a sector known for its sensitivity to timing and quality.

Key Activities Outlined in the Partnership

• Sharing Expertise: The partners will exchange insights and innovations related to transport logistics and technology to optimize supply chains and reinforce sustainability.
• Inclusive Industry Engagement: Wholesale business associations are invited to strategic meetings to foster broad support and active participation.
• Route Optimization Analysis: Existing transportation routes used by Mercabarna companies will be evaluated to pinpoint inefficiencies and suggest improvements via rail.
• Rail Intermodality Assessment: Potential rail routes will be identified and assessed for their viability to enhance both sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

From Trucks to Trains: Support and Testing

CIMALSA is leveraging its experience in aiding companies with transitioning freight transport from trucks to rail, supported by Railgrup’s expertise. An interesting aspect of this initiative includes piloting combined-load test shipments, bundling cargo from multiple companies to explore optimum logistics and cost savings.

Leadership Behind the Collaboration

Insights from Key Figures

Ignasi Gómez Belinchón emphasized a multimodal, multiproduct, and multiclient approach with rail as the cornerstone to decarbonize logistics and support regional and European sustainability. According to him, the food distribution sector, with its substantial volumes, has a key role in achieving sustainable logistics chains.

Pablo Vilanova highlighted that the future of food distribution depends on transport modes that are cleaner, efficient, and suitable for fresh products. He sees rail transport as a vital opportunity to shrink carbon footprints while preserving delivery quality and speed without sacrificing company competitiveness. He underscored that this agreement paves the way for implementing rail intermodality for agri-food logistics.

Carmen Ruiz pointed to the importance of strong partners such as Mercabarna and In-move by Railgrup for developing multimodal consultancy initiatives. She acknowledged this shift as a significant step forward for raising freight onto rail, marking progress toward ongoing goals.

Contract Duration and Scope

The agreement is set for an initial period of two years, with options to renew for an additional two years. It explicitly maintains a non-exclusive status, allowing the insights and methodologies developed to extend to other companies and sectors beyond Mercabarna.

Why This Collaboration Matters for Logistics

Shipping goods, especially perishables like fresh produce, has always been a juggling act between speed, cost, and environmental impact. The shift from trucks to trains isn’t merely a green buzzword — it’s a practical step toward building resilient and efficient supply chains. Transport by rail offers bulk freight capacities, lower emissions per ton-kilometer, and a solid alternative to road congestion, especially in a busy logistics hub like Barcelona.

This partnership also highlights how logistics players can spearhead innovations by blending knowledge-sharing, industry collaboration, and hands-on testing. For companies in Mercabarna’s ecosystem, this means more options to streamline distribution, reduce costs, and meet sustainability commitments without compromising on delivery times or product quality.

Potential Impacts on Freight Forwarding and Cargo Delivery

Experience vs. Reviews: Making Informed Logistics Decisions

Even the best reviews and most transparent feedback can’t match the value of firsthand experience in logistics operations. For companies exploring the best ways to transport their goods globally, platforms like GetTransport.com offer an excellent way to tap into affordable, reliable cargo transportation services. Whether managing office relocations, delivering bulky furniture, or shipping vehicles and pallets, the versatility and transparent pricing of such platforms empower shippers to avoid overspending and disappointment.

With numerous transport options, competitive quotes, and easy booking interfaces, GetTransport.com simplifies logistics, enabling businesses and individuals alike to find the best transport solution with confidence. Забронюйте поїздку за адресою GetTransport.com to experience firsthand the convenience and cost efficiency offered.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Global Logistics

Globally, while the scale of this initiative might appear localized, its implications ripple through the logistics sector by championing sustainability and intermodal transport solutions. As markets grow increasingly eco-conscious, partnerships like these serve as beacons for future freight movement practices. They highlight that combining expertise across sectors is key to overcoming logistical challenges and carving green pathways.

Even if the direct global impact is modest in scale, the collaborative spirit and technological integration led by CIMALSA, Mercabarna, and Railgrup reflect GetTransport.com’s own aspirations—to remain attuned to evolving logistics trends, emphasizing efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused freight solutions. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Conclusion: A Milestone for Sustainable Rail Freight in Barcelona’s Logistics Landscape

This collaboration sets an important precedent for fostering sustainable logistics by enhancing rail freight’s role in a major perishables market. It embodies a holistic approach incorporating technology sharing, stakeholder engagement, route and modal optimization, and practical piloting of logistics improvements. The clear benefits resonate beyond environmental impact, influencing cost structures and supply chain robustness.

For shippers and logistics managers, finding adaptable, affordable, and reliable transport solutions remains top of mind. GetTransport.com aligns perfectly with this need, offering diverse transport options worldwide. From parcels to pallets, bulky goods to container shipments, their platform delivers effective shipping, forwarding, and haulage services that meet modern-day logistics demands seamlessly.