Worldwide operator XPO Logistics has turned its interest in cross-Mediterranean business into a boost for Europe-Morocco freight links. To take advantage of growing North African demand, the company has inverted in trailers for new shipping routes. It aims to meet increased industrial activity across the region.
XPO Logistics has announced that it surpassed 30,000 shipments between Europe and Morocco in 2024, highlighting the growing importance of North African trade corridors. The logistics provider, which has tripled its revenue in Morocco over the past six years, is positioning itself to capitalise on the region’s expanding role as a global manufacturing and logistics hub.
Tangier port calls and new trailer fleet
In response to growing demand, the company has introduced new routes linking the Port of Tangier with Algeciras and Motril in Spain. These routes are part of a wider strategy to strengthen its cross-border logistics network between Europe and North Africa.
The firm has also invested in 60 new container trailers. Each unit is equipped for the intermodal transport of 20, 40, and 50-foot units. According to XPO, the new equipment will increase annual transport capacity by more than 6,000 movements.
Focus on sustainability and efficiency
The trailers are fitted with GPS tracking systems for real-time geolocation and are expected to improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. XPO has stated that the new fleet will allow for a 50% increase in transport capacity, which it sees as essential for meeting rising demand in sectors such as automotive, construction, industrial and retail. The enhanced capacity and upgraded routes, XPO says, are part of a broader commitment to providing agile and sustainable logistics solutions.
The company has operated in Morocco since 2011 and has gradually expanded its footprint in the region. It currently runs duotrailer operations across the Strait of Gibraltar, with a reported 400 crossings per month in both directions. A duotrailer is a type of high-capacity road freight vehicle consisting of a single truck pulling two full-length semi-trailers, typically connected via a dolly or a turntable. It’s part of the European Modular System (EMS), which allows longer and more efficient transport units under specific regulations.
Port of Motril to play a growing role
As part of its network optimisation, XPO projects that up to 40% of its Europe-Morocco freight traffic will transit through the Port of Motril by 2025. The firm says this new focus on Motril, a smaller but less congested port compared to Algeciras, could reduce carbon emissions from these crossings by approximately 10%.
While these developments mark a significant investment in Morocco’s logistics infrastructure, XPO’s expansion also reflects wider trends in regional trade. Morocco continues to attract foreign investment in automotive and industrial manufacturing, and logistics providers are racing to ensure capacity keeps pace. Both minerals giant Heidelberg and shipping company ONE have already made investment announcements this year, as we reported.
Strategic positioning amid shifting global supply chains
XPO’s latest moves suggest the company is seeking to entrench its presence in an increasingly competitive North African logistics landscape. Massimo Marsili, Managing Director for Southern Europe and Morocco, noted that the region’s “rapid expansion” makes it a “strategic market,” with the firm aiming to lead through “agile, scalable, and efficient” transport solutions.
The company has been followed by our sister service, RailFreight.com, for strong growth in Europe. However, while XPO’s investment signals confidence in regional growth, the long-term stability of North African supply chains will depend on broader geopolitical and economic developments, including port infrastructure and trade policy alignment between Europe and the Maghreb.
XPO Logistics operates more than 200 sites in Europe and provides supply chain services with a fleet of 20,000 vehicles and 14,000 employees. Its parent company, XPO, Inc., is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and handles over eight million tonnes of freight annually across North America and Europe.