FRENCH shipping giant CMA CGM has combined five multi-modal units in France into a single entity called Greenmodal Transport, reports London's Containerisation International.

Rail Link Europe, a rail and trucking provider and River Shuttle Containers, offering truck-barge service, will be combined into a single company together with Land Transportation International, offering specialised trucking; Progeco, the container storage and repair service unit and the group's warehousing subsidiary TCX.

The new company, which employs 530, was set up mid-April 15 and has a revenue of EUR120 (US$151 million), and has the goal of providing door-to-door service by barge or rail with the last kilometre by truck.

"With this neutral, simplified and reliable portfolio of services, using means of transport that are totally under our control and environmentally friendly, demonstrates the commitment of the CMA CGM Group to sustainable and responsible development," said Greenmodal managing director Alexandre Gallo.