New Rail Freight Alliance to Promote the Movement of Cargo on the Tracks

UK – Many shippers still view movement of cargo by rail in the country with a degree of scepticism despite sustained attempts to integrate more intermodal links and make the tracks accessible to a wider market. Five of the UK’s major rail freight companies and infrastructure operator Network Rail, announced last week the formation of the Rail Freight Alliance, which aims to deliver a sustainable and flourishing rail freight sector in the UK. Paul McMahon, Freight Director at Network Rail said:

"I'm delighted that The Rail Freight Alliance has been agreed. Greater collaboration between the operators and Network Rail will enable us all to better address the challenges and the opportunities that the sector faces in the next five years and beyond."

The formation of the Alliance, which in addition to Network Rail includes DB Schenker Rail (UK) Freightliner group, GB Railfreight, Direct Rail Services and Colas Rail, was endorsed by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) after a framework and set of strategy objectives were agreed by the RDG's Freight Group; deliver whole-industry cost savings, develop ‘smarter use’ of the network, and ensure a sustainable charging framework for freight. Peter Maybury, Chair of the RDG Freight Group said:

"The creation of The Rail Freight Alliance is an important step-forward for the rail freight sector. The Alliance will give the rail freight sector a stronger voice in the rail industry and give an opportunity to resolve some significant issues that remain for the sector."

Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Dace.