Direct railroad routes turn vision into profitability

Last year, the French sports retailer Decathlon started to transport products made in its factory in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, to its warehouses in Dourges, northern France, direct by rail.

The company said the option was "more economical, faster and more ecological" than shipping by sea.

The weekly 41-container freight train allowed Decathlon's products to reach France in 16 to 18 days, compared with the 20 days previously needed when transported by sea.