Freightliner and Porterbrook have signed a new agreement that will see 150 new Intermodal Wagons enter service on the UK railway.
The wagons, which will be built by WH Davis, are set to begin arriving in the first quarter of 2027.
They will be designed based on 40ft platforms, allowing for higher efficiencies in the transportation of container volumes and around a 7% carbon reduction when compared with 60ft platforms.
Chris Lawrenson, Managing Director for Freightliner Intermodal Logistics, said:Freightliner is thrilled to be partnering with Porterbrook Leasing and WH Davis on this crucial new build project. Supporting UK manufacturing wherever viable is not just important to us as a business, but also to our country’s economy.
These new 40ft wagons will bring in further efficiencies to our services and increase modal share to rail from road, which in turn allows us to deliver more effectively for our customers, enabling growth and ultimately removing more lorries from our congested roads.
Bogies for the new wagons will be provided by Wabtec.
Tim Bentley, Group Vice President Regional Services for Wabtec UK, said:Wabtec Corporation is proud to collaborate with Freightliner, WH Davies, and Porterbrook on this exciting project. Our Axiom TF20+ bogie design, together with Wabtec’s UIC brake equipment, has been selected for the new wagons.
This will deliver key life cycle benefits, including extended wheel life, fuel savings, and reduced track access charges. We look forward to working closely with our partners to successfully deliver this program and provide lasting value to our customers.
