DB Schenker Rail (UK) has successfully increased the haulage capability of a regular fuel train operating from South Humberside to the East Midlands by 20%, paving the way for the introduction of longer and heavier freight trains across Britain's rail network.
The move has seen the length of the fuel train increase from 30 to 36 wagons, enabling an extra 610 tonnes of fuel to be moved per train movement.
As an established promoter of the benefits of operating longer and heavier freight trains, DB Schenker will look to increase the haulage capability of services for other heavy rail freight customers.
The rail industry expects that the rail freight sector will grow from transporting 11.5% of goods today to transporting 20% of all goods moved in Britain in the next thirty years. A key element to unlocking the capability to achieving this target is by the introduction of longer trains.
