France’s Lack of Multimodal Freight Terminals Threatens Rail Modal Shi

Modal Group, previously known as Modalis Group, has highlighted a critical infrastructure gap in France that hampers the country's ambition to boost rail freight's market share. The French government aims to increase rail freight from 9% in 2019 to 18% by 2030, but the current shortage of multimodal freight terminals poses a significant challenge to achieving this target.

As of 2026, France's intermodal infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to other European nations, which could jeopardize the competitiveness of French ports. Modal Group's warning indicates that without sufficient terminal facilities, the shift from road to rail transport will be severely limited. This situation not only affects freight operators but also impacts the broader logistics and transportation sectors in France.

The implications of this infrastructure deficit are far-reaching. Intermodal operators, such as Modal Group, rely on efficient terminal networks to facilitate the seamless transfer of goods between different transport modes. The lack of adequate terminals can lead to increased costs and delays, ultimately discouraging businesses from utilizing rail freight services.

Furthermore, the competitiveness of French ports is at stake. If rail freight cannot expand its market share, ports may struggle to attract business, leading to a potential decline in overall trade efficiency. This could result in a shift of logistics activities to neighboring countries with better-developed intermodal facilities, further exacerbating France's competitive disadvantage.

To address these challenges, stakeholders in the French logistics sector, including government agencies and private operators, must prioritize the development of multimodal freight terminals. Investments in infrastructure will be crucial to support the government's ambitious rail freight targets and enhance the overall efficiency of the logistics network.