Heavy Haul Rail is a new entrant in the rail market

Following the sale of Freightliner UK’s Intermodal Logistics business, a new company has been established in the UK rail freight market: Heavy Haul Rail.

Now operating as a standalone company, it will focus on the bulk freight market, moving 17 million tonnes of freight per year for customers working in industrial, energy and construction sectors.

It operates 95 locomotives and over 1,000 wagons, with a team of 950 supporting customer deliveries to over 100 locations across the UK, running 250 trains per week.

It will also support the renewal and maintenance of the rail infrastructure alongside passenger train operations and rolling stock companies, including driver provision and route conducting services.

Heavy Haul Rail will continue under the ownership of its current shareholders which also own rail freight operators based in Poland, Germany and the Netherlands.

CEO Dave Penney said: “Transitioning from the Freightliner Intermodal Business presents an exciting opportunity to relaunch Heavy Haul Rail as a new entity. Our ambition is to become the UK’s leading bulk rail freight partner, recognised for innovation, reliability and a commitment to sustainable transport. We aim to help industries and communities by shifting more freight from congested roads onto efficient, low-emission rail.”

The Freightliner name and Intermodal business have been acquired and will be retained by CGA CGM.