GB RAILFREIGHT BECOMES UK’S LARGEST RAIL FREIGHT OPERATOR 25 YEARS AFTER FIRST SERVICE 

New figures published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) show that GB Railfreight (GBRf) now accounts for the largest share of freight train kilometres in Great Britain at 31.4%, as well as the largest share of freight vehicle kilometres at 33.3%, cementing its position as the nation’s leading rail freight business.

Since launching operations in 2001, GBRf’s growth has helped create thousands of skilled, secure and long-term jobs across the railway industry, many of them in communities beyond London and the South East.

GBRf’s success has been supported by long-term investment in its people, locomotives, rolling stock and operational facilities, enabling the business to increase capacity while continuing to meet growing customer demand. Over recent years GBRf has invested heavily in modern locomotives like the Class 99s, expanded and enhanced its wagon fleet, improved its operational facilities across its network and continued to strengthen welfare, training and safety standards for colleagues.

The milestone comes shortly after GBRf marked the 25th anniversary of operating its first train, capping a period of sustained growth that has seen the business expand from a new entrant into the UK’s largest rail freight operator. It now moves goods across the country to locations including Fowey, Fort William, Penmaenmawr and the Isle of Grain.

Today, GBRf transports a wide range of freight, including containers, construction materials, biomass, consumer goods and infrastructure supplies, helping to keep businesses supplied and supporting major construction and infrastructure projects nationwide.

The company has built a workforce rooted in the communities it serves, with many colleagues spending entire careers in the industry and, increasingly, multiple generations of the same family choosing to build their futures at GBRf.

Rail freight contributes £2.5 billion to the UK economy each year while helping reduce congestion and carbon emissions by removing thousands of HGV journeys from Britain’s roads. As demand for more sustainable freight transport continues to grow, GBRf’s milestone reflects the increasingly important role rail freight plays in supporting the UK’s prosperity and environmental ambitions.

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight, said:

“If someone had told us 25 years ago, when we were preparing to run our first train, that we would one day become the UK’s largest rail freight operator, I’m not sure many of us would have believed them.

“It’s a fantastic achievement and one that makes me incredibly proud. What makes it even more special is that it comes in the same year that we celebrate our 25th anniversary. This milestone belongs to the thousands of colleagues, past and present, whose hard work, commitment and belief in the business have helped build GBRf into what it is today.

“We’ve come a long way, but we’re certainly not standing still. Rail freight has a vital role to play in supporting economic growth, strengthening supply chains and helping businesses move goods more sustainably. We’re excited about the future and remain committed to investing in our people, our customers and the railway.”