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Freightliner

With a strong network of strategically based terminals and depots, Freightliner can service every area of the UK and is committed to‘ protecting what matters’- its customers, their goods and the environment. Recognizing that its operations touch every part of the UK, Freightliner has a comprehensive ESG approach aimed at supporting a greener environment in the communities in which it operates.

Michael Leadbetter, Service Planning Director, joins Supply Chain World to elaborate on Freightliner’ s approach to sustainability, as well as reflect on the company’ s journey over the last 60 years.“ As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we reflect on our rich history and continuous innovation,” he opens.“ For those not aware, Freightliner started life as a division of British Rail as the first operator of container trains internally within the UK and we later developed into a deep-sea freight intermodal business offering our own end-to-end proposition. It existed as part of British Rail until 1996, as it was struggling at that time, the UK assets were sold as part of a management buyout and I don’ t think many people expected it to succeed.

The trains we use are getting longer and with lighter wagons, meaning we can transport more than double the number of products per train compared with around 30 years ago

“ However, the management focused on two things: efficiency and service delivery. By creating a high quality, reliable service offering, the company built an intermodal network with a strong reputation for being a good alternative to road freight. We then diversified our offerings in 1999, providing services for maintenance and infrastructure upgrades for Network Rail, and a maintenance division was later launched in 2006. Freightliner Heavy Haul was established in 1999 to focus on safe and secure heavy haul loads like cement and coal, which rapidly grew in terms of business and revenue. Just 25 months later in 2003, for instance, Freightliner was responsible for 25 percent of the UK’ s coal movements.”

As rail freight was increasingly competing with road freight after the turn of the century, service is the secret for Freightliner.“ Building a reputation for reliable service that meets specific customer needs and delivers great supply chain efficiencies has been key to our success,” Michael states.“ As road networks become more congested and companies push ESG initiatives to embrace social responsibility, we’ ve seen increased demand for our rail services in the UK over the last four-to-five years, including from recognizable brands. While we are still expanding our maritime routes, we are also operating contracts to move products from the Midlands area to Scotland on an overnight basis, seven days a week, for example. Tying in with our 60th anniversary, it feels as though the drive to lower carbon footprints and reach net zero goals has taken us back to our roots. scw-mag. com 37