Rail freight industry news
The latest news from the worldwide rail freight and logistics industry, including heavy haul, intermodal and wagonload haulage operations, rail freight technology and investment.
GTS Rail places loco order as it plans to double its fleet
ITALY: Intermodal freight operator GTS Rail has ordered a further three Bombardier Transportation Traxx DC3 E.494 electric locomotives, which will take its Traxx fleet to 20, with CEO Alessio Muciaccia saying its goal is to double the fleet over the next five years.
MRS and FCA concessions next in extensions queue
BRAZIL: Proposals for a 30-year extension of MRS Logística’s concession to operate freight services on a 1 674 km network serving the states of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and São Paulo are due to be submitted to the Federal Audit Court in April. The current concession expires on November ...
Railcoop plans freight launch this year ahead of passenger market entry
FRANCE: Start-up open access operator Railcoop aims to launch its first freight services later this year. If the co-operative’s plans come to fruition, Railcoop would follow up in 2022 with the launch of inter-city passenger services on the Bordeaux – Lyon via Périgueux route.
Brazilian rail tender draws bidders’ interest
BRAZIL: A 35-year ‘sub-concession’ to operate freight services on the 537 km section of Ferrovia de Integração Oeste-Leste between Caetité and the port of Ilhéus is attracting more interest than expected.
SNCB divests remaining stake in freight operator Lineas
BELGIUM: SNCB has sold its remaining 10% stake in part-privatised freight business Lineas to the federal government’s holding and investment company SFPI, as part of the national train operator’s strategy of focusing on its core passenger activities.
CarGoTram freight tram service comes to an end
GERMANY: The CarGoTram freight tram service which carried automotive parts to a Volkswagen factory in Dresden has ended, following the car manufacturer’s adoption of a revised logistics approach with the switch from production of the e-Golf car to the all-electric ID.3.
World rail freight news round-up
Trimode Class 93 locomotives ordered by Rail Operations (UK)
Dual-gauge freight connection funded
Vysus supports IORE heavy haul locomotive refurbishment programme
Lithuanian freight operator establishes Ukrainian subsidiary
Rs38tr investment envisaged in National Rail Plan
UWC to supply first 25 tonne axleload wagons to Mongolia
World rail freight news round-up
Interview: Digitalisation can drive Eurasian freight growth
Hector Rail refinanced to support ambitions for growth
STAR Capital Partnership invests in Rail Operations Group
BNSF and Wabtec test battery-electric locomotive in California
EIB backs CargoBeamer’s modal shift ambitions
Iowa Interstate Railroad to be ‘platform for growth’ as investor takes 40% stake
Modi inaugurates first section of Eastern DFC and control centre
Vale agrees concession extensions in ‘biggest step in railway history’
Vegetable oil-fuelled Class 66 hauls steel train
Bettembourg – Rostock intermodal service to launch in January