29 January 2026 marks a major shift in the UK rail freight landscape as Heavy Haul Rail Limited officially launches as an independent business. The move follows the sale of Freightliner UK’s Intermodal Logistics division, enabling Heavy Haul Rail to refocus entirely on the bulk freight market and build on more than 25 years of operational experience.
Now operating as a standalone company, Heavy Haul Rail transports 17 million tonnes of bulk freight annually, supporting sectors including industrial, energy and construction. The company also plays a critical role in rail infrastructure renewal and maintenance, while providing services to passenger operators and rolling stock companies — including driver provision and route conducting.
Dave Penney, CEO of Heavy Haul Rail Limited, said:
“The sale of the Freightliner name and Intermodal Business has presented a unique opportunity to build something new by relaunching Heavy Haul as a new company. We want to become the UK’s most progressive bulk rail freight partner, known for bold thinking, outstanding reliability, and a commitment to building a cleaner future for freight. Our goal is to support industries, communities and the economy by moving more of the UK’s bulk freight from congested roads to clean, high-capacity rail.”
With a fleet of 95 locomotives and over 1,000 wagons, the company’s 950-strong workforce supports operations across more than 100 UK locations, running 250 trains every week. Heavy Haul Rail services collectively cover three million miles per year, equivalent to circling the Earth’s equator 121 times.
Commercial Director Ed Wilson emphasised the strategic opportunity ahead:
“In many ways we are going back to our roots by reimagining Heavy Haul Rail as an entrepreneurial start-up company focused on innovation and growth. The difference is that we have the advantage of being able to build on our existing foundation of over 25 years of high levels of customer service and reliability.
“Our rail services already travel three million miles a year – that’s the equivalent to travelling round the world’s equator 121 times – and we have plans to grow. We’ll be sharing the benefits of rail freight with more customers as we move into new markets, just as we did recently when we ran the first hydrogen train in the UK. We’ll also be using our expertise to deliver a more integrated service for customers.”
Heavy Haul Rail will continue under its current shareholder ownership, which also controls rail freight operators in Poland/Germany and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the Freightliner name and Intermodal Business has been acquired by global logistics giant CMA CGM.
With renewed focus, enhanced flexibility, and a commitment to sustainable freight growth, Heavy Haul Rail enters the market positioned to become a leading force in the UK's high‑capacity, low‑carbon logistics future.
Image credit: Heavy Haul Rail Limited
