CargoBeamer Calais–Perpignan intermodal trains are shifting to a higher-frequency schedule as demand for semi-trailer transport grows between northern and southern France. The service is moving from four to six weekly round trips, strengthening a route that links freight flows connected with the United Kingdom, southern France and northern Spain.

CargoBeamer Calais–Perpignan intermodal trains expand
CargoBeamer Calais–Perpignan intermodal trains expand

CargoBeamer Calais–Perpignan service moves to six round trips

The increase is being phased in rather than introduced at once. CargoBeamer added the fifth weekly round trip in April 2026, while the sixth is due to follow in June. Once the full schedule is in place, trains will run in both directions from Monday to Saturday, according to CargoBeamer’s official announcement.

That gives the Calais–Perpignan service a larger role on France’s north–south corridor for intermodal rail transport of semi-trailers. Since December 2025, the route has been operated by CargoBeamer in partnership with Lineas, the Belgian rail freight company providing traction for the trains.

28-hour transit for semi-trailers and containers

The service connects CargoBeamer’s terminal in Calais, in northern France, with the Perpignan Saint Charles Conteneur terminal near the Spanish border. Transit time between the two terminals is about 28 hours.

CargoBeamer accepts both craneable and non-craneable semi-trailers on the route, with non-craneable units forming one of the segments behind its technological model. The service can also handle refrigerated semi-trailers, ADR units, tankers and containers, and CargoBeamer lists the Calais–Perpignan intermodal route as suitable for container traffic.

CargoBeamer says each unit moved by this service reduces CO₂ emissions by around 93% compared with diesel road transport. In the company’s calculation, that is equivalent to more than 1,100 kg of CO₂ per unit.

A corridor between the UK, France and northern Spain

The higher frequency reflects stronger demand for intermodal solutions in France, especially for semi-trailer flows between the north and south of the country. From Calais, road hauliers can continue toward the United Kingdom through the Eurotunnel or by sea, while the same terminal also provides access to northern France and Belgium.

At the southern end, Perpignan’s position near the Spanish border allows CargoBeamer to serve freight movements to and from the Barcelona metropolitan area. The corridor therefore supports not only domestic French flows, but also movements between the English Channel and northern Spain.

“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.

Boris Timm said the shift to six weekly round trips strengthens CargoBeamer’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.