Red granite from Scotland, green trains to the world
The rich red granite that runs through the Lanarkshire hills of Scotland is the feedstock for Cloburn Quarry. That distinctive stone has found uses throughout Scotland, the rest of the UK, and Europe. Best of...Read more
The UK faced a challenging year says Rail Freight Group head
This has been a year of resilience and recuperation. Those were the keynote themes at the Christmas gathering of the Rail Freight Group, the industry’s representative body in the UK. The director general of the...Read more
Britain’s DCRail boosts heavy haul capability
DCRail has moved to enhance its bulk and heavy haul freight capabilities. The rail freight arm of the Cappagh Group has finalised an agreement to acquire Class 56 locomotive 56301 from Class 56 Locomotives Limited....Read more
UK Hope Valley Upgrade bridges Bamford gap
The Hope Valley freight main line and passenger community lifeline is approaching the endgame of a multi-year upgrade project. Recent line closures have seen major work completed, with key milestones hit by the project team,...Read more
Network Rail Wales under investigation for its bad performance
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is launching an investigation into services in Wales. They say there is persistently poor punctuality and reliability, affecting both freight and passenger trains within the Network Rail Wales...Read more
TRIG funding triggers 3Squared’s freight PathPlanner project
Railway technology specialists 3Squared, headquartered in Sheffield, have put to good use their award from the UK Government-backed Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme. The recently concluded round of applications, which closed last week,...Read more
Maritime goes shopping for Tesco trains
They have been collaborating for thirteen years, but they have finally come out and made it public. In a move they have both called ‘strategic’, Maritime Transport has officially taken over the rail operations on...Read more
England’s Midland Main Line given all clear after landslip scare
A call to Network Rail’s response unit on the afternoon of Monday, 27 November, sounded the alarm for the Midland Main Line. A passing express driver vigilantly notified the infrastructure manager of an unexpected movement...Read more
Freight considered in integrated rail future for Greater Manchester
It has been something of the poor cousin to Manchester’s famously successful tram network. Traditional heavy rail in the region has lagged behind in popularity and reliability. However, now, with radical changes promised in the...Read more
UK port charges too costly and unfair, says GB Railfreight chief
The CEO of GB Railfreight, John Smith, has voiced concerns over loading charges imposed by major UK container ports. He has labelled those charges as uneconomic because, in his view, they are hindering the rail...Read more
Colas Rail enters French rail freight market with new subsidiary
Colas Rail, a rail company active in the United Kingdom, can now carry out traction and freight operations in France. This will be possible through its newest subsidiary, Colas Rail Traction, which recently obtain its...Read more
UK Rail Reform Bill delayed by … late running reform bills
In an announcement to everyone awaiting the arrival of the Rail Reform Bill, the UK Government apologises for the late arrival of their service. This is due to the late running of several other preceding...Read more
UK Midlands Connect spotlights the need for increased regional capacity
In the UK, the key to the movement of rail freight is an efficient Midlands network. A huge proportion of the nation’s commerce passes through the regional infrastructure. Train planners may well agree but will...Read more
A deeper Felixstowe poses challenges for rail freight
The Port of Felixstowe, Britain’s busiest intermodal port and rail freight terminal, just got bigger. Work has been completed to deepen the approach channels and two berths. That will allow the port to welcome more...Read more
Britain reveals Sustainable Rail Blueprint
The independently appointed Railway Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has published its comprehensive vision for the future of rail sustainability. The Sustainable Rail Blueprint, an industry-wide collaboration, aims to realise a more sustainable future for...Read more
Rail Freight Group opens mentoring scheme
The Rail Freight Group (RFG), the UK rail freight trade association, has announced the launch of its 2024 cross-member mentoring programme. The initiative aims to foster skill development and industry knowledge among its members. The...Read more
UK’s Victoria-era tracks are on a race against the changing climate
Bigger trains, bigger loads, and bigger weather. The legacy of Britain’s railway system is a persistent challenge for Network Rail, the infrastructure agency in the UK. Maintaining and upgrading the Victorian-era rail network to meet...Read more
England’s Economic Heartland sees freight opportunities despite recent drawbacks
Better links between places with limited connectivity, the creation of multi-transport interchanges and better rail flows to airports and ports are all part of the Rail Strategic report suggesting solutions to increase rail freight capacity...Read more
London’s next stop Brent Cross West – rail freight says you’re welcome
Rail freight has delivered a lot in London, but one of the biggest projects has been hiding in plain sight. The London borough of Barnet Council has released a ‘first look’ video of the new...Read more