British Freight Trains in the 2020s

It has been thirty years since the transition from a nationalised to a privatised railway in Britain. Much has changed on the railways since then, particularly in the battle for market share for the rail sector in the freight transport marketplace.

Britain's privately owned freight operators have had to contend with a rapidly changing environment as well as fierce competition from the road hauliers. This inevitably means competing amongst themselves to try and gain market share in moving freight. These challenges are set against the global backdrop of needing to pursue ‘greener’ goals, and at a time when both electricity and diesel fuel prices continue to rise. Perhaps the most significant impact has been felt by the elimination of the movement of coal from the country’s railways. Other traditional markets, such as the steel sector, are looking increasingly vulnerable for freight operators. The need to adapt to these changes has never been more important.

John Jackson takes an in-depth look at the various operators in this sector, as well as the types of freight now being carried. From shipping containers from British ports to a variety of construction materials for the ever-changing population needs, there is still plenty of freight action to be seen on Britain’s railways.