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Peel launches the Scouse-Scottish express

[ April 26, 2018   //   ]

Peel Ports has partnered with DB Cargo UK to provide a new container rail service between the Port of Liverpool and Scotland for the first time. The service, due to begin on 8 May, will operate to Mossend terminal in Glasgow, with onward road delivery to destinations across Scotland.

The new service will comprise up to 30 wagons and is expected to carry over 40 containers per trip. The service will initially run three days a week.

Peel Ports container director Jouke Schaap, said: “This is an important milestone event for us and our partners, DB Cargo. We know that cargo owners are looking for more efficient ways of getting their goods from A to B, and this rail freight service provides them with a simpler, more cost effective and environmentally friendly way of doing that. It also underlines our commitment to working with our customers and the wider supply chain to transform UK logistics practices to ensure the door-to-door journey is optimised.”

DB Cargo UK chief executive, Hans-Georg Werner, added: “Introducing express rail services between Liverpool and Mossend is a really sustainable solution, significantly reducing the need for HGVs to travel thousands of miles on our roads each week..”

Walkers Shortbread biscuit exports to North America are expected to be a major traffic for the new service. Head of international sales, Andrew Stokes, said: “The new rail service connecting Scotland with Liverpool provides us with direct, regular access to our gateway to America. We’re currently exporting around 700 containers of shortbread to the US each year, and hope to see this grow in years to come, in part thanks to the integrated route to market offered via Liverpool.”

The available train path capacity directly to and from the Port of Liverpool is currently amongst the highest of all major ports within the UK, says Peel. The route has W10 gauge clearance capability, allowing 9ft 6in containers to be conveyed on standard deck height rail wagons.

(The next printed issue of FBJ 3 2018 will include a report on North-west England)

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