CargoBeamer, a company specializing in intermodal rail transport of semi-trailers, is increasing the frequency of its Calais–Perpignan service from four to six round trips per week. The route connects freight flows to and from the United Kingdom with southern France and northern Spain.
The expansion was carried out in two phases. The fifth round trip was introduced in April 2026, and the sixth is set to be added in June. With the new frequency, the service will have daily departures in both directions from Monday through Saturday.
The route thus becomes one of the main intermodal offerings for semi-trailers on the north–south corridor in France. Since December 2025, the service has been operated in partnership with Lineas, the Belgian rail freight company, which provides the rail traction.
28 hours between Calais and Perpignan
The service runs between the CargoBeamer terminal in Calais, in northern France, and the Perpignan Saint Charles Conteneur terminal, located near the Spanish border. The transit time is approximately 28 hours.
The route is open to semi-trailers that can be lifted by crane, as well as to non-craneable semi-trailers, one of the segments on which CargoBeamer bases its technological model. The service can also transport refrigerated semi-trailers, ADR units, tankers, and containers.
According to the company, each unit transported on this route reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 93%, the equivalent of over 1,100 kg of CO₂, compared to diesel road transport.
Route between the United Kingdom, France, and northern Spain
The increased frequency reflects the growing demand for intermodal solutions in France, particularly for the transport of semi-trailers between the north and south of the country.
From Calais, road hauliers can continue to the UK via the Eurotunnel or by sea. Additionally, the terminal offers road access to northern France and Belgium.
At the southern end of the route, the Perpignan terminal is located near the Spanish border, allowing CargoBeamer to serve freight flows to and from the Barcelona metropolitan area.
“We are very pleased with the sustainable growth we are seeing on the Calais–Perpignan route and have established CargoBeamer as one of the leading intermodal operators for semi-trailers and containers in France,” said Boris Timm, COO of CargoBeamer.
According to him, the expansion to six round-trips per week strengthens the company’s position in France.
“The reach of this corridor, from the Spanish border to the English Channel and beyond, gives it an important role in our network, and in the future we want to continue expanding our network in France,” added Boris Timm.
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