Moving Freight

You need to choose the freight service that is most appropriate for your needs.

Freight operation

Network Rail is willing to offer advice on any aspect of moving freight by rail. However, train services are provided by licensed operators and if you want to move goods you choice is;

  • To set up as a freight train operator
  • To hire the services of an existing operator.

An existing train operator will contract with Network Rail to plan and secure access on the network, manage the transit of your goods and keep you informed about your service. If you want their services to extend beyond haulage you may ask them to provide a fuller package which might include such aspects as wagon supply and logistics support. It is your choice as to whether you want to be involved actively in the individual elements of a freight service – or ask for a “one stop shop”.

The operators currently licensed to provide freight services in Britain are;

Wagon suppliers and leasing companies

Some freight customers believe that it is to their advantage to contract directly with a wagon supplier or leasing company to secure the freight vehicles which they need to convey their goods. Freight Operators offer haulage services for wagons which the customer has procured if the customer prefers that option.
Principal wagon suppliers undertaking business in Britain include;

Locomotives

A few customers go one step further and see it being to their advantage procure their own locomotives, whilst still using a licensed freight operator to move the train. Providing your own locomotive to run on the network is a fairly specialised activity – but it is an option you may employ subject to common sense safety and maintenance standards being met.

An internet search will identify locomotive spot hire and leasing companies.

The main supplier of newly built locomotives in Britain since rail privatisation in the mid-1990’s has been Electro Motive

 Introducing new vehicles to the network

Network Rail has procedures for the introduction of new rolling stock onto the rail network.

There are two parts to this:

  • Technical and Safety approval, dealt with by the Network Rail Acceptance Panel (NRAP), resulting in a Certificate of Authority to Operate 
  • Vehicle Change, which involves consulting other users of the network to identify any commercial issues created by the introduction of entirely new vehicles, or in some cases existing vehicles onto new routes.

The process for obtaining technical approval for new vehicles is covered by a railway “Group Standard” – a documented procedure entitled “Assessment of Compatibility of Rolling Stock and Infrastructure” [reference GE/RT8270] available on line. 

Important Note: this standard is being updated to account for new requirements in respect of assessing the “loading gauge” of newly introduced vehicles and their loads. Those engaged in designing or procuring new rolling to operate in Great Britain are advised to contact Network Rail now in order to understand and anticipate the additional demands which these changes will introduce in the near future.

Commercial issues for rolling stock introduction are covered in our Code of Practice.

Terminals – general requirements

You will need a rail connected terminal to load and off-load goods to complement the train haulage leg of the freight operation. There are around 500 freight terminals accessible in the UK but it is better to discuss your needs with a knowledgeable adviser rather than assume that a location will be suitable and available. The size of site and facilities offered vary considerably according to the operation carried out there. For example, customers in the premium logistics and the bulk goods sectors have very different and distinct requirements. A premium logistics site will tend to be a very large development with significant distribution and warehousing activity in order to generate sufficient demand for rail services to operate – whereas a bulk terminal for say, aggregates or steel, may operate effectively on a site of just a couple of hectares.

Network Rail can provide general guidance and assistance on freight terminal format but if you are contemplating investing in a new site you will probably want to obtain the services of a specialist to advise you in areas such as;

  • Rail facility design and layout
  • Freight handling
  • Highways access
  • Planning and environmental considerations
  • Project timescales

If you are interested in opening a new terminal of your own or developing an existing one please also see “I want to connect a new freight site to the rail network”.

Existing terminals

Network Rail does not operate freight terminals but can advise on existing locations which may be suitable. For the most comprehensive advice please contact one of our Senior Route Freight Managers.

Some further information regarding potential freight terminal locations can be found at “Freight Sites” .

The freight operators listed above can also advise you regarding terminal availability.

The legal principle of “open access” applies to all rail freight terminals in Britain. This means that a rail terminal operator has to offer access at a reasonable price in response to a reasonable request. However, please bear in mind that;

  • A terminal operator is not obliged to disrupt their own business in order to provide “open access”.
  • The reasonable charges applying to “open access” cover the use of the rail siding – not ancillary needs such as goods storage or lorry access,
    Assumptions regarding the use of any rail terminal should not be made until the full package of service has been agreed.