WHO TO TALK TO?

RFG can offer independent advice and information on using rail freight.

There are also a number of other parties who could be approached in order to investigate options, provide the information on options and costs and facilitate rail opportunities in the UK.

• The Freight Operating Companies

  Physically run the trains and have the specialist and detailed knowledge of what services they can offer, as well as what developments are possible and viable on the rail network.

  All freight operating companies are wholly independent commercial businesses with no ‘public service’ obligations and unlike most passenger companies, they are not franchised by the SRA.

  Each company has its own business development team specialising in either a market sector or geographic area. The services and UK coverage offered by individual freight operating companies differ and most operators also manage a network of their own terminals, so it is wise to approach more than one operator.

Customers can contract rail and terminal services directly with freight operating companies.

• The Independent Terminal Operators

  Are in a position to negotiate services with any or all of the freight operating companies, and in many cases will have existing services calling at their terminals giving access to the network. Terminal operators have everyday experience of integrating road and rail and in many cases can offer warehousing and added value services with an understanding of what is and isn’t realistic on rail. They may be able to suggest a number of solutions at the point of handling to maximise the efficiency of rail connected supply chains.

  It should be borne in mind that independent terminals will be interested in developing traffic through their own sites. It’s best to approach the terminal operator on the basis that your rail project could include them as part of the solution. Understandably they may not be willing to provide free consultancy on rail freight with no chance of business as a result.

Customers can contract rail services through an Independent Terminal Operator, especially if a road / rail / warehousing package solution is desirable.

• Consolidators and Integrators

  As with NVOCC’s (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers) in the ocean freight market, consolidators and integrators purchase capacity, especially on international rail movements and wholesale the space on a per pallet or wagonload basis.

Customers can purchase or contract rail services through a consolidator or integrator

• Existing rail freight customers

  There are a number of non-rail companies that have made the initial step of contracting services of their own in both conventional wagon and intermodal markets. While they will have taken risk on a service based on their own traffic, they may be willing to offer spare capacity to third parties for compatible goods.

• Design & Build - Developers & Agents

  Although they are not in a position to operate rail services or logistics services directly, they do offer design and build services and facilitate the strategic development of distribution property on large road and rail-connected sites. For the larger logistics operator used to taking leases on contract buildings they may be a good start point.

• Network Rail

  Is the custodian of the rail network responsible for its operation and maintenance and, along with the SRA, development. There is a freight team within Network Rail who are a good source of technical knowledge on what is and isn’t possible on the network. For the general freight customer the relationship should be viewed in a similar manner to that with the Highways Authority - useful to know it’s there, but your service provider should be negotiating the details for you.

• Consultants

  There are a number of consultancy companies with rail freight expertise who could advise on opportunities.
  
  More information can is available at www.railfreightonline.com.