GB Railfreight (GBRf) has become Great Britain’s largest rail freight operator by market share, according to new figures published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
The latest industry statistics show GBRf now accounts for 31.4% of freight train kilometres and 33.3% of freight vehicle kilometres across the national rail network, making it the UK’s biggest rail freight business.
The milestone comes as the company celebrates 25 years since operating its first train, highlighting the rapid growth of a business that has expanded from a new market entrant in 2001 into the country’s largest rail freight operator.
Quarter century of growth
GBRf said its expansion has been underpinned by sustained investment in its workforce, locomotives, rolling stock and operational infrastructure.
Recent investments include the introduction of new Class 99 locomotives, expansion of its wagon fleet and improvements to operational facilities across its network, alongside continued investment in employee welfare, training and safety.
The operator now transports a broad range of commodities including containers, construction materials, biomass, consumer goods and infrastructure supplies, serving destinations across Britain from Fowey in Cornwall to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, Penmaenmawr in North Wales and the Isle of Grain in Kent.
Supporting economic growth
Rail freight contributes around £2.5 billion to the UK economy each year while helping remove thousands of heavy goods vehicles from the road network, reducing congestion and cutting carbon emissions.
GBRf said its continued growth has also supported the creation of thousands of skilled jobs across the rail industry, many located outside London and the South East, with the company continuing to recruit and invest in its workforce.
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.”
Growing role for rail freight
The latest ORR figures underline the growing importance of rail freight in supporting Britain’s supply chains and wider economy as demand increases for more sustainable transport solutions.
With continued investment in modern rolling stock and operational capability, GBRf is positioning itself to meet future demand across sectors including construction, logistics, infrastructure and consumer goods, while supporting the rail industry’s wider decarbonisation ambitions.
Image credit: GB Railfreight
