XPO Logistics Marks 40th Year as Official Transport Partner of the Tour de France

Rhea-AI Summary

XPO Logistics (NYSE: XPO) will serve as the official transport partner for the Tour de France for the 40th consecutive year, starting August 29, 2020. A team of 68 drivers will operate 52 trucks over 3,479 kilometers, transporting over 420 tons of equipment across all 21 race stages. This year, XPO has implemented enhanced health protocols due to COVID-19, including safety training for drivers. Additionally, for the first time, natural gas-powered trucks will be used to reduce environmental impact, aligning with broader eco-friendly initiatives.

Positive

• 40 years as the official transport partner for the Tour de France.
• Implementation of health protocols amidst COVID-19.
• Use of alternative fuel trucks to lower environmental impact.

Negative

• None.

GREENWICH, Conn., Aug. 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  On August 29, XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) will take to the roads of the Tour de France for the 40^th consecutive year as official transport partner. A team of 68 XPO drivers will pilot 52 trucks for 3,479 kilometers, moving over 420 tons of cargo along the course. When the Tour declares a winner in Paris on September 20, the company will have supported all 21 stages of the race.

XPO is responsible for ensuring that barriers, gates, course paint, furniture, audio-visual equipment and other supplies are transported from stage to stage according to complex requirements. In 2019, event organizer Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) awarded XPO a contract extension through 2024, ensuring that the logistics leader’s distinctive white trucks will continue to be a familiar sight at Tour Villages and spectator areas.

This year, XPO’s support of the Tour is unique on several fronts. The race was rescheduled due to COVID-19, and XPO has worked closely with A.S.O. to implement health and safety protocols based on guidance from the French government and the Tour organization. All drivers will be given safety training on race protocols and will be equipped with masks, sanitizing gel, disinfectants and a manual of safety procedures. A team of specially trained XPO staff and instructors will support the drivers at each stage.

In addition, for the first time, XPO will use two natural gas-powered trucks from its eco-friendly fleet for the final arrival at the Champs-Élysées finish line. The Euro 6 clean diesel trucks that XPO will deploy throughout the Tour, as well as the company’s use of alternative fuels, driver eco-training and organically sourced uniforms, will help A.S.O. lower the environmental impact of the event.

Luis Gomez, managing director, transport – Europe, XPO Logistics, said, “We’re thrilled to be marking four decades with the Tour de France. XPO’s support of A.S.O. is at a record level for this year’s race – we’ll have more trucks and drivers moving cargo more safely than ever before, with greener operations. Our service to the Tour is a source of pride for everyone at XPO.”

“In these demanding times, we have the best possible transport partner on our team,” said Jean-Luc Duplantier, logistic director of A.S.O. “XPO’s commitment to health and safety has been evident since the start of their planning process five months ago. Their solutions have risen to the challenge, and we are once again bringing the Tour de France to over ten million fans worldwide.”

About XPO Logistics
XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is a top ten global logistics provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. The company operates as a highly integrated network of people, technology and physical assets in 30 countries, with 1,506 locations and approximately 96,000 employees. XPO uses its network to help more than 50,000 customers manage their goods most efficiently throughout their supply chains. XPO's corporate headquarters are in Greenwich, Conn., USA, and its European headquarters are in Lyon, France. xpo.com

Media Contact
XPO Logistics, Inc.
Erin Kurtz
+1-203-489-1586
erin.kurtz@xpo.com

FAQ

What will XPO Logistics do at the Tour de France 2020?

XPO Logistics will transport equipment and supplies across the Tour de France, ensuring smooth operations for all 21 stages.

How many trucks will XPO Logistics use for the Tour de France 2020?

XPO Logistics will utilize 52 trucks for transporting over 420 tons of cargo during the Tour.

What safety measures has XPO implemented for the Tour de France 2020?

XPO has implemented health and safety protocols including safety training, masks, and sanitizers for drivers.

How does XPO Logistics plan to reduce environmental impact during the Tour de France?

XPO will use eco-friendly natural gas-powered trucks and clean diesel vehicles to minimize environmental impact.

When does the Tour de France 2020 start and end?

The Tour de France 2020 starts on August 29 and concludes on September 20.