Specialist express logistics conveyor InterCity RailFreight has been promoting its low-carbon credentials. They were among several stakeholder groups taking part in the debate on the future of logistics within the context of high-speed rail development in the UK. ICRF has made a name for themselves in the niche market of premium express logistics using space on existing passenger services.

Last week, the company was represented at the High-Speed Rail Group conference in Birmingham, which addressed the future prospects for logistics on the rails. It was a sector the railways used to dominate, before abandoning the old parcels network in the 1990s, at the time of privatisation of the industry in the UK. Now the pendulum has swung back in favour of the service, and ICRF says its low-carbon model makes a strong case.

Switch from road to high-speed rail

Their so-called “hub and bespoke” service has seen cargo as diverse as medical supplies and premium quality seafood transported by train to passenger stations for delivery by low-carbon (often bike courier) to customers in hospitals and high-end hospitality venues, as well as other clients. “Many people look to us to help solve the pressing issue of carbon and net zero, but what does a switch from road to high-speed passenger rail really mean”, asks their presentation.