Intermodal freight services
LeShuttle Freight provides the fastest, most reliable and environmentally responsible intermodal freight transport route between the UK and mainland Europe. Our purpose-built infrastructure and strategic location make us the ideal partner for seamless cross-Channel intermodal shipping.
Why choose LeShuttle Freight for your intermodal freight shipping?
LeShuttle Freight delivers exceptional value for intermodal freight transportation, combining speed, reliability and sustainability. Our unique Channel Tunnel shuttle service offers unmatched transit times of just 35 minutes between our Folkestone and Calais terminals, allowing for efficient modal transfers and minimal disruption to your supply chain.
With up to six departures per hour and 365 days a year service, we provide the flexibility needed for precise scheduling of intermodal connections. Sea crossings are more affected by the weather and other external factors, but LeShuttle Freight has built-in reliability, offering carriers greater peace of mind.
The direct motorway connections at both terminals ensure a smooth transition between different modes of transport. Additionally, our eco-conscious approach results in significantly lower carbon emissions compared to ferry alternatives, supporting your sustainability goals while maintaining logistical excellence.
How does LeShuttle Freight handle intermodal freight?
The LeShuttle Freight service is designed to make intermodal freight transport as efficient as possible. Our terminals in Folkestone and Calais serve as ideal intermodal hubs with excellent connectivity to major transport networks. Our customer service staff will ensure that checks are carried out quickly and efficiently.
What happens during the crossing?
Drivers travel in an air-conditioned ‘Club Car’ where they can relax during the 35-minute crossing. The time drivers spend in the Club Car counts as a mandatory break in their tachograph, so they can be on their way as soon as they exit our terminal after the crossing.
Frequently asked questions
What types of intermodal units can LeShuttle Freight accommodate?
LeShuttle Freight can transport all standard intermodal freight units. Our service accommodates the various sizes of swap bodies, and our shuttles are designed for versatility, supporting standard and high-cube trailers, temperature-controlled units, and hazardous goods trailers (with appropriate documentation). If you have specialised intermodal equipment, please contact the LeShuttle Freight commercial team to confirm compatibility.
How does LeShuttle Freight contribute to more sustainable intermodal transport?
LeShuttle Freight significantly reduces the environmental impact of cross-Channel intermodal freight transport. With LeShuttle as part of your intermodal freight solution, you're making an environmentally responsible choice. Carbon emissions for trucks on our shuttles are 14 times lower than ferry alternatives per crossing. Folkestone is also closer to London than Dover, saving 25km of driving each way. Additionally, the efficiency of our service reduces dwell time and idle periods between modal transfers, further minimising the environmental footprint of your intermodal freight movements.
Is using LeShuttle Freight quicker than a ferry?
Yes, LeShuttle Freight is significantly faster than ferry alternatives for intermodal freight transport. Crossings take just 35 minutes between Folkestone and Calais, compared to at least 90 minutes for ferry freight. When you factor in more frequent departures (up to six per hour), no weather-related delays, and faster loading/unloading procedures, the time advantage becomes even more substantial. For intermodal shipments where timing and connections are critical, LeShuttle Freight can reduce overall transit times by several hours compared to ferry options.
