Higgins trial environmentally friendly seed transportation

A very successful trial has taken place to deliver over 300 tonnes of seed potatoes from Elgin, Scotland to Norfolk.



A partnership between The Higgins Group, who have a seed office near Elgin, rail freight company, English, Welsh and Scottish Railways and Johnson Logistics UK, organized a full train of 12 carriages to deliver 312 tonnes of seed potatoes into the heart of Norfolk.



As well as a cost benefit, the trial allowed for precise loading and delivery scheduling which is notoriously difficult in an industry where distance, isolated location and short delivery windows combine. In addition, the environment benefits of removing HGV�s from the road are impressive, and at the end of the trial will have saved over 40,000 road miles.



The partnership intends to operate one train per week for the next 6 weeks and, if the success continues, will look to extend the operation next year both in volume and also to other UK locations, such as Cornwall.



Group Managing Director, Mr David Higgins, comments, �This idea grew out of a strategy meeting to remove frustrations between different areas of the business. Everyone involved has worked very hard to make this happen and we are confident this will become a very successful and environmentally friendly venture�.