Automar, part of the Grimaldi Group, has launched a new rail corridor linking Livorno, Pontecagnano and Gioia Tauro in partnership with FS Logistix, GTA and the ALIS logistics association, strengthening automotive logistics connections between central and southern Italy. Operated by Mercitalia Rail, the service provides a round-trip connection between Livorno, Pontecagnano and Gioia Tauro, creating a dedicated rail option for vehicle movements across Tuscany, Campania and Calabria. Pontecagnano serves as an intermediate handling point, allowing vehicles to be transferred efficiently between different parts of the network. Strengthening Gioia Tauro’s role The new corridor further enhances the role of the Port of Gioia Tauro as an important automotive gateway for Italy and Europe. The Calabrian port receives vehicles arriving from the Far East, which can now be transferred directly onto rail services for onward distribution to Livorno and other inland destinations. According to Automar, the solution reduces the time vehicles remain at the port while improving the efficiency of inland distribution. The rail connection also helps balance vehicle flows between northern and southern Italy, limiting empty transport movements and creating a more efficient logistics chain. Supporting the shift from road to rail The project reflects a broader trend across Europe to increase the use of rail freight for vehicle logistics. By shifting part of the transport from road to rail, the partners aim to reduce road congestion, lower emissions and improve the sustainability of automotive supply chains. Automar also noted that persistent shortages of professional truck drivers and road haulage capacity have reinforced the need for alternative transport solutions. The new rail corridor is designed to provide manufacturers and logistics providers with a more resilient and reliable distribution network while reducing dependence on long-distance road transport. Partnership focuses on int