New figures from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) have confirmed that GB Railfreight (GBRf) is now the largest rail freight operator in Great Britain, accounting for 31.4% of all freight train kilometres and 33.3% of freight vehicle kilometres across the national network.
The milestone marks a significant achievement for the business as it celebrates 25 years since operating its first train. What began as a new entrant to the market in 2001 has grown into the UK's leading rail freight operator, moving goods across the country from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands and serving destinations including Fowey, Fort William, Penmaenmawr and the Isle of Grain.
The company's growth has been underpinned by sustained investment in people, assets and infrastructure. Over recent years, GBRf has expanded its locomotive fleet, introduced new Class 99 locomotives, enhanced its wagon portfolio and invested heavily in operational facilities, training programmes and colleague welfare initiatives.
Today, GBRf transports a diverse range of commodities, including intermodal containers, construction materials, biomass, consumer products and infrastructure supplies. These services play a vital role in supporting UK supply chains and delivering materials to major construction and infrastructure projects nationwide.
The operator's success has also contributed to the creation of thousands of skilled and long-term railway jobs, many of them located outside London and the South East. The business has developed a workforce deeply embedded in the communities it serves, with many employees spending their entire careers in rail and an increasing number of families now represented across multiple generations within the company.
Rail freight continues to be a critical component of the UK economy, contributing an estimated £2.5 billion annually while helping to reduce carbon emissions and road congestion by removing large numbers of HGV movements from Britain's roads. As businesses seek greener logistics solutions, rail freight is expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting both economic growth and sustainability goals.
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.”
Image credit: GB Railfreight
