GB Railfreight (GBRf) has turned to rail for transporting Rail Head Treatment equipment, instead of using road transport as previously.

The equipment comprised 11 Water Jetter Modules, which were moved by rail from its Operational Headquarters in Peterborough to its maintenance hub at Wigan Springs Branch, and ten Weed Spray Modules that were moved by rail in the opposite direction from Wigan to Peterborough. The equipment is used by Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTT) and by track treatment programmes that run seasonally throughout the year.

The decision to transport the modules by rail removed 21 lorry movements from Britain’s roads, and avoided lorries travelling a cumulative mileage of 3,648 lorry miles.

Since being founded in 1999, GB Railfreight (GBRf) has grown to the extent that it now employs 1,400 staff from across the UK, and is the largest rail freight operator in the UK. It has also been recognised with many awards, including at the National Rail Awards, Rail Staff Awards and Rail Business Awards.

“This is a great example of rail doing what it does best. Rather than moving this equipment around the country by road, we’ve been able to transport it by rail between Peterborough and Wigan, removing 21 lorry movements in the process. It’s a simple idea, but one that delivers real benefits. It gets the equipment where it needs to be, supports Network Rail’s seasonal treatment programmes, and takes thousands of road miles out of the journey.”

Alex Kirk, Commercial Director, GB Railfreight