XPO Logistics Makes Progress in Reducing the Environmental Impact of the Tour de France

(XPO Logistics) As the Official Transport Partner of the Tour and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, XPO will use an electric truck for the first time and, again, HVO biofuel to support Amaury Sport Organisation in its CSR approach.

XPO , a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, announced today that it will remain the Official Transport Partner of the Tour de France for the 44th consecutive year, playing a key role in reducing the environmental impact of the famous cycling event through the use of HVO biofuel and an electric truck. XPO Logistics will also handle the logistics operations of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, serving as its Official Transport Partner from the inaugural edition of the women’s Tour in 2022.

From the start of the Grande Boucle in Florence, Italy on June 29, a team of 59 XPO drivers will transport from stage to stage all the material necessary for the smooth logistical development of the Tour (barriers, podiums, arches, paint for race signs, prefabricated furniture for hospitality areas, sound and video equipment, gantries, etc.). The 2024 edition will end in Nice, outside the French capital for the first time in more than a century, due to the event's proximity to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A proven energy transition strategy

To reduce the Tour’s environmental impact, ASO has once again chosen the LESS® HVO solution introduced by XPO Logistics in 2023. This decarbonisation initiative uses HVO biofuel to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, and fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollution by up to 30% compared to diesel.

In 2023, the use of biofuel saved 136,571 kg of CO2 for the 48,826 litres used. The women’s edition, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, also recorded a reduction of 18,976 kg of CO2 thanks to the use of 6,784 litres of HVO biofuel.

Additionally, for the first time, a 100% electric truck will be present at the Tour finish in Saint-Vulbas on Stage 5 and will travel from Mâcon to Nuits-Saint-Georges on Stages 6 and 7. XPO Logistics has been testing biofuel on the Tour de France since 2021, using B100 made from rapeseed oil, and has since gradually strengthened its commitment to sustainability. In line with sustainable development goals shared with ASO, XPO drivers wear uniforms made from organic materials and have all received rigorous training in eco-driving.

Prepare and adapt to the unexpected events of each edition

This major global sporting event is a complex, tailor-made logistical operation that requires consideration and provision for any unforeseen events. Each edition is a new challenge that begins with precise analysis and exploration of the route to prepare the most efficient transport plans. XPO Logistics teams work closely with the Tour de France to ensure the smooth running of the 21 stages of the race within tight deadlines. XPO Logistics and the Tour organisation also share a joint commitment to safety. The experience of the driving teams is reflected in their preparation and strict adherence to the race’s safety protocols.

Luis Gomez, President, XPO Logistics – Europe, said: “We are extremely proud to be the Official Transport Partner of the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift for another year. Our partnership with the Tour began in 1980, and our steadfast commitment to making this event a success remains unchanged. Bringing our expertise to manage the transport and logistics of one of the world’s biggest sporting competitions also means delivering more innovative and sustainable solutions each year. This is part of our overall commitment to limiting CO2 emissions and helping our customers and partners achieve their goals for a more environmentally friendly future.”

Thomas Cariou, CSR Director at Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), said: “We are delighted to be able to count on the expertise of XPO Logistics. Once again this year, we have set ourselves the goal of organising a Tour that combines efficiency and sustainability, and we know we can count on XPO to help us achieve this. Together we make progress every year, and this joint commitment reinforces our determination to make each new Tour a complete success and an exceptional event.”

XPO Logistics’ innovative service offering includes full truckload, less-than-truckload, transport management, last mile delivery, international transport solutions and contract logistics, all optimised through technology. The company tailors its solutions to the specific needs of its customers in a variety of sectors, including consumer goods, retail and industrial, as well as at world-class events. READ MORE