The myth of sustainable transport of perishables by rail: The case of vegetables from South-Eastern Spain

• Sustainability drives rail adoption most, yet operational and regulatory barriers make it largely unfeasible for perishables. • Most firms in the F&V sector show relatively low readiness for modal shift, positioned closer to resistance than to adoption. • SEM analysis reveals that infrastructure, technology, and regulation are the dominant barriers constraining rail feasibility. • Predictive scenario modelling classifies firms by their readiness for change, offering a practical toolkit for policy design. • Targeted policies (refrigerated pilots, digital traceability, intermodal consolidation) must bridge ambitions and operations. The transition to sustainable logistics is central to Europe’s decarbonization agenda, with rail transport often portrayed as a key enabler of this shift. Yet, the applicability of rail for perishable goods remains contested. This study critically examines the potential and limitations of rail freight in the export of fruits and vegetables (F&V) from south-eastern Spain to European markets. Using a mixed-methods approach combining literature review, a stakeholder survey of 106 firms in the fruit and vegetable supply chain of south-eastern Spain, and structural equation modeling, we identify a striking paradox: while sustainability concerns are the strongest driver of modal shift intentions, operational constraints, technological gaps, and regulatory bottlenecks severely undermine the perceived feasibility of rail for time-sensitive, high-value products. Predictive analyses further reveal that most firms in the F&V sector exhibit low readiness for change, positioned closer to resistance than adoption. Our findings challenge the prevailing narrative of rail as a panacea for sustainable logistics in perishable supply chains and underscore the need for targeted investments, governance reforms, and technological innovation to bridge the gap between environmental aspirations and operational realities. This work contributes critical insights for policymakers and supply chain actors seeking to align sustainability goals with practical logistics solutions.