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DFDS breaks the million mark ahead of schedule
[ October 13, 2016 // Chris ]Ferry operator DFDS has smashed all freight records on its Dover-Dunkirk and Dover-Calais routes, breaking through the million lorry mark earlier than expected.
Freight sales director Wayne Bullen said: “We knew we were on course, but the special moment came earlier than we originally predicted. Milestones such as this emphasise the high level of service we are offering on the Channel routes and underline the confidence and loyalty we receive from our customers.”
DFDS celebrated the occasion by handing out complimentary branded travel mugs to freight drivers arriving for the one-million-mark sailing from Dover, and presented a hamper of goodies to the driver of the millionth vehicle.
He was Michal Vrba, a driver with Inex Spedition, a transport and storage operator based at Trutnov in the north east of the Czech Republic.
The company operates a modern fleet of 43 trucks. A delighted Michal said: “I like DFDS, they look after drivers, though I never expected this as well.”
Wayne Bullen added: “We are now confident that we will carry over 1.3 million freight units by year end, cruising past the 965,000 record we set for 2015 and confirming our status as the market leader for ferry traffic on the Channel.
“It also reflects on our long-standing policy of valuing our freight customers, whose drivers enjoy dedicated facilities in the Road Kings club on board our vessels as a reward for their loyalty.”
DFDS has seen a 63% increase in freight volumes on the Dover routes in the second quarter of this year, following the addition of two new ships on the Calais route in the spring, Cote des Dunes and Cote de Flandres.
It now offers up to 54 daily sailings on its two routes to France and launched a dedicated online booking service for freight in March. A new and improved terminal at Dunkirk has also boosted traffic, with faster check in and a secure parking area for up to 260 vehicles at the port.
Tags: DFDS