A major investment in the UK rail freight sector has been announced, as Freightliner and Porterbrook agree on the delivery of 150 new intermodal wagons. The wagons will be manufactured by WH Davis, the UK’s only independent wagon builder, marking a significant boost for domestic rail manufacturing.
The deal aligns with Porterbrook’s growth strategy and reinforces Freightliner’s position as the UK’s largest intermodal freight operator. It also supports the government’s net zero ambitions by enabling greener freight transport.
The new wagons are scheduled to enter service from the first quarter of 2027. Built on 40ft platforms, the design will improve container transport efficiency and deliver around a 7% carbon reduction compared to traditional 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.”
Max Ordish, Head of Freight & Commercial Projects for Porterbrook, added:
“Porterbrook is delighted to be working with strategic partners Freightliner and WH Davis on this innovative and decarbonised solution for the intermodal market. The order of this new wagon design serves as a landmark deal in our portfolio and will help our customer achieve greater efficiencies and fewer carbon emissions in its future operations.”
Andy Houghton, Managing Director for WH Davis, commented:
“As Managing Director of WH Davis, part of Buckland Rail, I’m proud to be working alongside Porterbrook and Freightliner on this innovative, low-carbon solution for the intermodal market. Securing this order for our new wagon design represents a significant milestone for our business, and we are looking forward to building on the collaborative relationship between the three companies.”
The wagons will feature bogies supplied by Wabtec, incorporating advanced technology for lifecycle benefits. 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.”
The announcement comes as rail freight continues to grow. According to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), between April and June 2025, 4,088 million net tonne kilometres of rail freight were moved—highlighting the sector’s role in reducing road congestion and cutting emissions.
Image credit: iStock
