It’s official: The 25 millionth truck just went through the Eurotunnel
It won't be long before one truck for every two Britons will have passed under the English Channel, figures from the Eurotunnel indicated today.
Eurotunnel said at 3am today the 25 millionth lorry used the Le Shuttle Freight service since it commenced in July 1994.
Read more: Eurotunnel smashes traffic record as it posts revenue growth
The rapid growth in e-commerce – estimated at between 20-30 per cent per annum means delivery companies are fighting to keep up with the rapidly increasing demands made on logistics firms. This, in turn, has led to increasing numbers of trucks passing under the English Channel to ensure deliveries make it on time.
This 25 millionth wagon was operated by courier firm UPS and was carrying packages from Germany, many containing items such as clothing, shoes or electronics purchased the previous day via the internet, Eurotunnel said.
Read more: Eurotunnel gets a boost from weak sterling
Approximately one million e-commerce packages transit via the Channel Tunnel every day.
City PM understands this is not the record-breaking truck in question (Source: UPS)
Accountants at EY, calculated the value of goods linked to express and courier services transported through the Channel Tunnel amounted to €30bn (£26bn) per year and are responsible for 272,000 jobs across Europe.
Read more: Records fall as Eurotunnel keeps on truckin'
The news comes after Eurotunnel reported its "best year in our history" earlier this month. This was despite its Eurostar service being hit by concerns over terrorist attacks in France and Belgium.
