Editing Freightliner Group

{{about|the rail company|other uses|Freightliner (disambiguation)}}
{{short description|Rail freight and logistics company}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Freightliner Group Limited
| logo = Freightliner New Logo 2018.png
| image = 66623 passes Reading West 1st April 2019.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| industry = [[Rail freight transport]]
| predecessor = [[British Rail]]
| successor = 
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1995}}
| founder = 
| location_city = [[Birmingham]]
| location_country = England
| locations = 
| area_served =United Kingdom <br>Germany<br>Poland<br>Netherlands
| key_people = Tim Shoveller (CEO)<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.gwrr.co.uk/news/genesee-wyoming-appoints-tim-shoveller-as-ceo-of-uk-europe-operations/ |title = Genesee & Wyoming Appoints Tim Shoveller as CEO of UK/Europe Operations|publisher = gwrr.co.uk |access-date = 8 August 2023}}</ref>
| products = 
| services = [[Bulk cargo|Bulk freight]], [[Intermodal freight transport]] and [[logistics]]
| revenue = [[United States dollar|US$]]785 million<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/freight/single-view/view/gw-agrees-to-buy-freightliner-group.html |title = G&W agrees to buy Freightliner Group |publisher =[[Railway Gazette International]]|access-date = 25 February 2015 |archive-date = 26 February 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150226063827/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/freight/single-view/view/gw-agrees-to-buy-freightliner-group.html |url-status = dead }}</ref>
| operating_income = 
| net_income = 
| assets = 
| equity = 
| owner = 
| num_employees = 2,500+<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.freightliner.co.uk/group/careers/ |title = Careers |publisher = freightliner.co.uk |access-date = 1 September 2015}}</ref>
| parent = [[Brookfield Corporation|Brookfield]]<br>[[GIC (sovereign wealth fund)|GIC]]
| divisions = Intermodal, Heavy Haul, Maintenance
| subsid = Rotterdam Rail Feeding<br>Pentalver
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.freightliner.co.uk}}
| footnotes = 
}}

'''Freightliner Group''' is a rail freight and logistics company headquartered in the United Kingdom. It is owned by [[Brookfield Corporation|Brookfield]], a Canadian investment management company and [[GIC (sovereign wealth fund)|GIC]], a Singaporean sovereign wealth fund. 

It was originally created after the [[Transport Act 1968]] as Freightliner Limited, a British government-owned company. From its onset, Freightliner was focused on the haulage of international traffic, thus came to centre its activities around Britain's sea ports, often building new multimodal freight depots adjacent to such locations to better capture this business. During the late 1970s, it was reorganised under [[British Rail]], and became a part of its [[Railfreight Distribution]] subsidiary during the late 1980s. Work to expand the loading gauge on routes such as the [[East Coast Main Line]] were undertaken, allowing trains hauling larger containers to be routes, were conducted around this time. Numerous domestic depots previously operated by Freightliner were closed during the 1990s in preparation for the [[privatisation of British Rail]] that same decade.

As a consequence of the privatisation initiative, the business unit was reorganised as Freightliner Limited; on 25 May 1996, it was privatised and sold in a [[management buyout]], supported by [[3i]] and [[Electra Private Equity]] for £5.4 million. Freightliner quickly set about modernising and expanding its locomotive fleet, ordering [[British Rail Class 57|Class 57]] and [[British Rail Class 66|Class 66]] locomotives. During 1999, it established the ''Heavy Haul'' business; five years later, the ''Logico'' service was also launched. By 2014, Freightliner Limited had become the largest [[intermodal freight transport]] operator in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.freightonrail.org.uk/Members.htm |title = Freight on Rail Members |publisher = freightonrail.org.uk |access-date = 30 April 2014}}</ref> as well as the second largest [[freight operating company]] in the country by revenue, behind [[DB Cargo UK]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.moorerail.com/today/freight.asp |title = Britain's Railways Today - Freight |publisher = moorerail.com}}</ref> It had also expanded its operations into various other countries, including Australia, the Netherlands and Poland. In 2008, Freightliner Group was purchased by Railinvest Holding Company, a subsidiary of [[Arcapita Bank]] of [[Bahrain]]. In 2015, Freightliner was acquired by [[Genesee & Wyoming]].

==History==
[[File:BR FGA Freightliner flats {{not a typo|60152-601403}} outside the National Railway Museum.JPG|thumb|Original BR FGA Freightliner flats {{not a typo|60152-601403}}, preserved outside the [[National Railway Museum]], York]]
===British Rail===
The idea of shipping freight in set-sized containers went back to the 1930s in the UK with the adoption of the [[Conflat]] system. But it was [[Richard Beeching|Dr Richard Beeching]] who, in his report ''Reshaping Britain's Railways'', advanced the concept of containerised freight in the UK.<ref name=RailArch50/>

Beeching proposed 55 depots placed strategically across the UK, serviced by fixed-consist permanently-coupled air-braked trains, with an average journey between depots of {{convert|150|mi}} and a shortest distance of {{convert|50|mi}}. [[British Railways]] progressed with the concept, envisaging {{convert|40|ft|sing=on}} length wagons - later increased to {{convert|60|ft|abbr=on}} - carrying {{convert|8|x|8|x|8|ft|abbr=on}} standard sized international [[shipping container]]s in lengths of {{convert|10|to|27|ft|abbr=on}}, later adapted to {{convert|20|to|40|ft|abbr=on}}. These BR UK-adopted standards were formed on the basis of analysis of then current international intermodal practise, and later adopted as the base of the internationally agreed [[ISO 668]]. Containers would be loaded at the dedicated inland terminals, using [[gantry crane]]s for [[transshipment]] between road and rail.<ref>{{cite web |title = British Railways Board Freightliner Brochure 1965 |url = http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/BRB_Freight1965.pdf |publisher = railwaysarchive.co.uk |date = 1965}}</ref>

During January 1964, the prototype flat wagon was produced by [[Shildon railway works]]; later that same year, 100 production wagons were turned out from [[Ashford railway works]].<ref name=RailArch50>{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/operations/freight/freightliner-s-50-years |title = Freightliner's 50 years |publisher = Railways Archive |date = 23 December 2015 |access-date = 16 April 2019}}</ref> The first revenue-earning train ran between [[Maiden Lane railway stations|York Way/Maiden Lane]] in [[North London]] and [[Southside railway station|Gushetfaulds]] in [[Glasgow]] on 15 November 1965.<ref name=RailArch50/> Soon adopting the Freightliner name, the first single-shipper train was operated on 20 August 1968, hauling specially-designed {{convert|30|ft|sing=on}} containers carrying parts for [[Ford Escort (Europe)|Ford Escort]] cars that were destined for assembly in plants on the European mainland.<ref>{{cite magazine |title= Fords run first company Freightliner |magazine = [[Modern Railways]] | issue= 241 | date= October 1968| page=551}}</ref>

===Freightliner Ltd (1968)===
Beeching's original concept envisioned Freightliner servicing a domestic freight market, which by 1968 had resulted in British Railways developing 17 purpose-built depots. However, Freightliner's most profitable routes were those servicing Britain's major ports, specifically traffic to/from continental Europe and Ireland, as well as import/export traffic to the rest of the world. This pattern of profitability was recognised in the [[Transport Act 1968]], whereby Freightliner became a separate listed commercial company wholly owned by the UK Government, but which leased its UK domestic rail transport from British Railways.<ref name=RailArch50/>

By the end of the 1960s, Freightliner operated 28 terminals and 56 routes, however, the company's shift in focus from the original domestic freight market to the international market serviced via ports continued for the next 30{{nbsp}}years, with many of the original domestic depots which did not service port traffic either never opening or eventually closing (i.e.: Kings Cross, Sheffield, Swansea, Swindon), whilst investment in seaport depots - specifically [[Port of Southampton|Southampton]], [[Port of Harwich|Harwich]], and the [[Port of Felixstowe]] where Beeching's plan had never envisaged a depot - continued at an increasing pace.<ref name=RailArch50/> Part of the consolidation of rail depots was enabled by a greater focus on Freighliner's own HGV network of dedicated lorries, which expanded the servicing footprint of each rail depot, and hence allowed increased efficiency through creating longer and better utilised train routes.<ref name=RailArch50/>

[[Dudley Freightliner Terminal]], {{convert|10|mi|km}} from [[Birmingham]], on the site of the [[Dudley railway station|old railway station]] was opened in October 1967. This initially proved to be one of the most profitable such terminals in the country, while the Birmingham terminal was ultimately one of the least financially viable. In 1981, due to a lack of international traffic, Freightliner was planning to close Dudley and transfer its function to Birmingham. Given a reprieve in 1983, it finally closed during 1986.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railaroundbirmingham.co.uk/Stations/dudley.php |title = Dudley Station |website = Rail Around Birmingham |first = Andrew |last = Doherty}}</ref>

Increasing Irish traffic resulted in a depot being opened at the [[Port of Holyhead]], as well as Freightliner having dedicated operations in both [[Belfast]] and [[Dublin]].<ref name=RailArch50/> This also resulted in UK Government granting Freightliner funds to create a dedicated multimodal terminal at the [[Port of Liverpool]] to replace its previously lost rail freight traffic, and then further investment in second multimodal terminals at both Felixstowe and the [[Port of Tilbury]].<ref name=RailArch50/>

===Return to British Railways===
The [[Transport Act 1978]] brought Freightliner back inside the control of British Railways, mostly driven by the investment required to 
ease the rail network's [[loading gauge]] restrictions that hampered the transport of shipping containers {{convert|8|ft|6|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|9|ft|abbr=on}} in height.<ref name=RailArch50/>

Freightliner immediately made a major pitch to the BR Board to allow 8&nbsp;ft 6&nbsp;in contains to be carried on the [[East Coast Main Line]] (ECML), which involved lowering the track in {{clarify span|text=Stoke area|reason=Is this is a reference to Stoke Tunnel near Grantham?|date=January 2023}}, as well as in Peascliffe and [[Penmanshiel Tunnel|Penmanshiel]] tunnels (in [[Lincolnshire]] and the [[Scottish Borders]], respectively). The alterations were successfully completed at Stoke and Peascliffe, but Penmanshiel Tunnel [[Penmanshiel Tunnel#Tunnel collapse (1979)|collapsed in March 1979]] while work was underway, killing two workers and severing the ECML between [[Edinburgh Waverley railway station|Edinburgh]] and [[Berwick-upon-Tweed railway station|Berwick]].<ref name=mcN>{{cite book |last1=McNaughton |first1=Lt. Col. I.K.A. |title=Report on the Collapse of Penmanshiel Tunnel that occurred on 17th March 1979 in the Scottish Region British Railways |date=2 August 1983 |publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office |location=London |url=https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/MoT_Penmanshiel1979.pdf |access-date=2 January 2023 |format=PDF |isbn=0-1155-0626-8}}</ref> The extent of the collapse meant that reconstruction was considered to be too dangerous and expensive, so the tunnel was bypassed by a new section of line constructed in an open cutting slightly to the west of the original alignment that opened five months later in late August.<ref name=mcN /> Freightliner later withdraw its services on that stretch of the ECML.<ref name=RailArch50/>

During the 1980s, Freighliner became part of BR's 1980s non-bulk [[Railfreight Distribution]] (RfD) division, which brought about its first ever allocation of locomotives. After experimenting with other rail operators solutions to coping with the new larger containers, in 1990 BR agreed the order of 700 flat-wagons from [[SNCF]] supplier [[Arbel Fauvet Rail]], which could immediately accommodate 8&nbsp;ft 6inch height containers at 75&nbsp;mph speeds.<ref name=RailArch50/> This was further supplemented in 1991 with leased flat-wagons from [[Tiphook]].<ref name=RailArch50/> Further experimentation with SNCF-leased Multifret flat-wagons {{ndash}} which could accommodate 9&nbsp;ft containers at speeds of up to {{convert|90|mph|abbr=on}} {{ndash}} led to an order of 45 BR-specified "Lowliner" wagons with a deck height of only {{convert|720|mm|ftin|abbr=on}}, which allowed the transport of {{avoid wrap|9-foot-high}} containers on routes approved for 8&nbsp;ft 6&nbsp;in containers using the existing wagon fleet.<ref name=RailArch50/>

Although designed to accommodate 9&nbsp;ft containers over the entire BR network, the slow delivery of Lowliners meant that the entire allocation was utilised instead to carry 8&nbsp;ft 6&nbsp;in containers on trains to and from [[London Thamesport]], circumventing the restricted clearances on the former [[South Eastern & Chatham Railway]].<ref name=RailArch50/> The withdrawal of [[Sealink|Sealink's]] dedicated freight service from Holyhead also brought about the end of Freightliner's dedicated service to Northern Ireland via North Wales.<ref name=RailArch50/>

===Privatisation - Freightliner (1995) Ltd===
[[File:BR 47 376.jpg|thumb|[[British Rail Class 47|47376]] in original Freightliner livery. This locomotive was used to launch the company in 1995, being named ''Freightliner 1995''.]]
As part of the [[Privatisation of British Rail]], the loss-making RfD division came under increasing pressure, leading to the immediate closure of the [[Speedlink]] division. Freightliner closed the residual domestic-serving depots, including London's Willesden and Stratford, Bristol (closed in 1992, later reopened in 2014) Glasgow Gushetfaulds, and consolidation of Manchester's traffic on the newly opened Euroterminal (later switched back to the previously closed [[Trafford Park]]).<ref name=RailArch50/>

The Freightliner business unit had its assets transferred into a new company, Freightliner (1995) Limited, in preparation for sale.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/03118392 |title = Freightliner (1995) Limited: Company no 3118392 |publisher = Companies House |access-date = 30 May 2022}}</ref> Rejected as not sufficiently profitable by [[DB Cargo UK|English Welsh & Scottish Railway]],<ref name=RailArch50/> on 25 May 1996, Freightliner was purchased in a [[management buyout]] backed by [[3i]] and [[Electra Private Equity]] for a sum of £5.4 million.<ref>{{cite news |title = Secretary of State for Transport - Written Answers |url = https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199697/cmhansrd/vo961127/text/61127w12.htm |publisher = Hansard |date = 27 November 1996}}</ref> As part of the sale agreement, the UK Government awarded the company a track-access grant of £75 million up until the year 2000.<ref name=RailArch50/>

[[File:Freightliner 57005.jpg|thumb|57005 ''Freightliner Excellence'' on container train in 2002]]
Freightliner's immediate need was for improved reliability from its locomotive fleet. During 1997, the company commissioned [[Brush Traction]] to rebuild of six of its [[British Rail Class 47|Class 47]] locomotives to create the [[British Rail Class 57|Class 57]], which was fitted with reconditioned [[General Motors]] power units and reworked ex-Class 56 alternator groups. The first of these was released in July 1998, and coincided with the unveiling of the new British Racing Green Freightliner livery. After an evaluation period, Freightliner was sufficiently impressed to order a further six in June 1999, with plans for an eventual fleet of 25.<ref>{{cite magazine |title = Freightliner signs deals for five 66s and six 57s |magazine = [[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue = 358 |date = 2 June 1999 |page = 4}}</ref> However, in actuality, no additional Class 57 locomotives were delivered to Freightliner, largely due to the company opting to place orders for new-built [[British Rail Class 66|Class 66s]], all being leased from [[Porterbrook]].<ref name = "15years Class66">{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/trains/current-trains/fifteenth-anniversary-of-the-class-66 |title = Fifteenth anniversary of the Class 66 |publisher = railmagazine.com |date = 17 April 2013}}</ref>

During 1999, Freightliner established its Heavy Haul business. In March 2004, Freightliner launched Logico, providing short-term or one-off spaces on intermodal trains, it is typically active at major British freight hubs such as the [[South Wales International Terminal]] and the [[Port of Felixstowe]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk/partner-directory/rail-companies/freightliner-ltd/ |title = Freightliner Ltd |publisher = portoffelixstowe.co.uk |access-date = 30 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.rail.co.uk/rail-news/2012/records-broken-as-container-trains-expand-in-welsh-business/ |title = Records Broken as Container Trains' Expand in Welsh Business  |publisher = rail.co.uk |date = 13 March 2012}}</ref> By 2014, Freightliner was actively trying to increase such trains in response to requests for higher service frequencies from ports.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2015/01/15/ports-want-rail-freight-to-operate-365-days-a-year |title = Ports want rail freight to operate 365 days a year |publisher = railmagazine.com |first = Richard |last = Clinnick |date = 17 September 2014}}</ref>

During 2007, Freightliner commenced operations in Poland;<ref name=RailArch50/> its primary activity in the Polish market has been the haulage of aggregates and coal traffic.<ref name = "buswire 2015"/>

===Post-privatisation===
[[File:Freightliner Hunslet 01.jpg|thumb|Locomotive [[British Rail Class 66|Class 66]] No.66568 and "Heavy Haul" wagons at the Freightliner Vehicle Maintenance Facility, Leeds]]
On 13 June 2008, Freightliner Group was purchased by Railinvest Holding Company Limited,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/06522978 |title = Railinvest Holding Company Limited: Company no 6522978 |publisher = Companies House |access-date = 30 May 2022}}</ref> a subsidiary of [[Arcapita Bank]] of [[Bahrain]].<ref>{{cite news |title = Freightliner acquired by Arcapita |url = http://www.3i.com/media/press-releases/freightliner-acquired-by-arcapita.html |date = 13 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Electra Priv Equity ELTA Final Results |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aZqnikHGDaHA |date = 13 June 2008 |work = Bloomberg}}</ref>

On 30 June 2009, Freightliner commenced operations in Australia, having secured an initial contract with Namoi Cotton Co-operative to haul containerised processed cotton traffic in [[New South Wales]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/freightliner-australia-begins-with-cotton-contract/34172.article |title = Freightliner Australia begins with cotton contract |publisher = railwaygazette.com |date = 2 July 2009}}</ref> Over the following six years, it would become an accredited rail service provider in Western Australia, Southern Australia and [[Queensland]], as well as expanding into hauling coal and other agricultural traffic for various customers in New South Wales.<ref name = "buswire 2015"/>

In February 2015, as part of the sale of Freightliner from Arcapita Bank to Genesee & Wyoming, the latter purchased a 95% shareholding which increased to 100% in 2020. At the time of the acquisition, Freightliner's portfolio comprised approximately 250 standard gauge locomotives along with 5,500 wagons, and had a headcount in excess of 2,500 employees worldwide.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Smith |first1 = Kevin |title = G&W completes Freightliner acquisition |url = https://www.railjournal.com/freight/gw-completes-freightliner-acquisition/ |access-date = 21 October 2021 |work = International Railway Journal |date = 26 March 2015}}</ref><ref name = "buswire 2015">{{cite web |url = https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150224006904/en/Genesee-Wyoming-Inc.-Enters-into-Agreement-to-Acquire-Freightliner-Group-Limited-Expands-Rail-Operations-in-the-United-Kingdom-Continental-Europe-and-Australia |title = Genesee & Wyoming Inc. Enters into Agreement to Acquire FreightlinerGroup Limited; Expands Rail Operations in the United Kingdom,Continental Europe and Australia |publisher = businesswire.com |date = 24 February 2015}}</ref>

On 12 November 2015, [[British Rail Class 47]] No. 47830 (D1645), which is operated by Freightliner, was named ''Beeching's Legacy'' to mark 50 years since the first container train ran under British Rail.<ref name="BeechingLegacy">{{cite magazine |title = Freightliner marks 50 years with a naming |magazine = The Railway Magazine |date = 2 December 2015 |volume = 161 |issue = 1,377 |page = 7 |publisher = [[Mortons Media Group]] |location = Horncastle, Lincs |issn = 0033-8923}}</ref>

In April 2018, Freightliner unveiled its new brand identity during an event at the [[NEC Birmingham]], bringing the brand inline with parent company Genesee & Wyoming.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.freightliner.co.uk/news/freightliner-unveils-new-brand-identity-multimodal |title = Freightliner unveils new brand identity at Multimodal |publisher = Freightliner |date = 2 May 2018}}</ref>

On 1 July 2019, it was announced that Freightliner's parent company Genesee & Wyoming is to be bought for US$8.4{{nbsp}}billion by a consortium including [[Brookfield Infrastructure Partners|Brookfield Infrastructure]], [[GIC Private Limited|GIC]] and Brookfield's institutional partners.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/genesee-wyoming-to-be-acquired-in-84bn-deal.html |title = Genesee & Wyoming to be acquired in US$8·4bn deal |date = 1 July 2019 |website = Railway Gazette |language = en |access-date = 7 July 2019}}</ref>

In April 2024, Freightliner UK and Europe split from G&W becoming sister companies, since they were both still owned by Brookfield and GIC.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.railwayherald.com/uknews/freightliner-to-be-split-from-genesee-wyoming |title = FREIGHTLINER TO BE SPLIT FROM GENESEE & WYOMING |date = 3 April 2024|website = Railway Herald |language = en |access-date = 20 January 2024}}</ref>

==Subsidiaries==
Freightliner Group has the following subsidiaries: <ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.freightliner.co.uk/about-us/our-organisation/ |title =Our Organisation|publisher = gwrr.co.uk |access-date = 20 January 2025}}</ref>
* Freightliner Ltd
* Freightliner Heavy Haul
* Freightliner Maintenance (has maintenance facilities in the United Kingdom at Crewe [[Basford Hall Yard|Basford Hall]], [[Leeds Midland Road depot|Leeds Midland Road]] and Ipswich)<ref>{{cite magazine |last1 = Bendall |first1 = Simon |title = New Basford Hall TMD unveiling with remembrance naming |magazine = Rail Express |date = January 2017 |issue = 248 |page = 15 |publisher = Mortons Media |location = Horncastle |issn = 1362-234X}}</ref>
* Freightliner Poland and Germany
* Rotterdam Rail Feeding
* Pentalver Container Sales & Conversions

==Operations==
===United Kingdom===
[[File:Fairwater - Freightliner 66503.JPG|thumb|Freightliner 66503 in the latest orange livery, gets ready to take the High Output Ballast Cleaner from Fairwater Yard, Taunton to Highbridge.]]
When Freightliner was privatised in 1996, it only operated [[Intermodal container]] services. These ran from ports including [[Port of Felixstowe|Felixstowe]], [[Port of Southampton|Southampton]] and [[Port of Tilbury|Tilbury]] to terminals such as [[Birmingham]], [[Trafford Park]] in [[Manchester]], [[Stourton Freightliner Terminal|Stourton]] ([[Leeds]]), Coatbridge (Central Scotland), [[Ashton Gate, Bristol|Ashton Gate]] (Bristol), and [[Wentlooge]] (Newport, South Wales). The network has been expanded with additional destinations added.<ref>{{cite news |title = Freightliner Intermodal Terminal & Ports Network |url = http://www.freightliner.co.uk/en/freightliner-ltd/terminal-and-ports-network/ |publisher = Freightliner}}</ref> Freightliner also operate an extensive road distribution network with 300 road vehicles. Freightliner also provides drivers for Scottish TransPennine Express services.

In 1999, Freightliner set up Heavy Haul initially operating railway infrastructure trains for [[Network Rail]] moving ballast, rails etc. before moving into other bulk loads including aggregates, cement, coal, petroleum, scrap metal and waste. Initially run as a division of Freightliner Limited, in 2001 operations were transferred to a new subsidiary, Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/03831229 |publisher = Companies House |title = Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited: Company no 3831229 |access-date = 21 October 2021}}</ref> Reportedly, Heavy Haul operations were hit particularly hard during the [[Great Recession]] that started in 2008, but, the firm was actively acquiring additional wagons and staff in order to accommodate new growth on top of the recovery of demand from many of its established customers by 2015. Furthermore, due to a lack of available slots on most mainlines, there was an increased emphasis on running longer trains rather than routing additional ones.<ref name = "heavy 2015">{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/people/interviews/heavy-duty |title = Heavy duty… |publisher = railmagazine.com |date = 4 March 2015}}</ref> 

During April 2006, Freightliner Maintenance Limited was established as a separate entity dedicated to the repair and maintenance of traction and rolling stock.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/05713164 |publisher = Companies House |title = Freightliner Maintenance Limited Limited: Company no 5713164 |access-date = 30 May 2022}}</ref> It acquired a maintenance depot and took on 13 staff in Leeds from a former supplier that same year, and was promptly made responsible for the maintenance of Freightliner's 75 Heavy Haul locomotives. Within its first three years, the division had extended its scope into wagon maintenance, and was reportedly consistently achieving a 95% availability rate on the company's 657 coal wagons; it also had engineering teams and mobile workshops stationed in Birmingham, London, Bristol, York, Scotland and Crewe that undertook scheduled maintenance along with unexpected call-outs.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/article/3176/maintaining-control/ |title = Maintaining control |publisher = globalrailwayreview.com |first = Dave |last = Curtis |date = 12 December 2009}}</ref> The subsidiary competitively tenders for maintenance work, without any preference from the rest of the company. By 2011, Freightliner Maintenance was servicing all 111 of the company's UK-based Class 66 locomotives, and had branched into both track maintenance and rail freight development activities as well.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/article/11574/fmls-continuous-expansion-to-achieve-positive-results/ |title = FML's continuous expansion to achieve positive results |publisher = globalrailwayreview.com |first = Dave |last = Curtis |date = 6 December 2011}}</ref>

In October 2021, the company switched most of its electric operations to diesel trains due to the increased cost of electricity.<ref>{{Cite news |last = Longley |first = Alex |date = 14 October 2021 |title = U.K. Freight Train Firm Turns to Diesel as Electricity Soars |language = en |work = Bloomberg |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-14/u-k-freight-train-operator-turns-to-diesel-as-electricity-soars |access-date = 21 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2021/10/13/freightliner-to-withdraw-entire-electric-fleet |title = UPDATED: Freightliner to withdraw entire electric fleet |publisher = railmagazine.com |first = Paul |last = Stephen |date = 13 October 2021}}</ref> One month later, Freightliner announced positive results from an alternative fuel trial it was conducted for its diesel-powered fleet, allegedly halving the carbon emissions incurred.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2021/11/19/freightliner-claims-emissions-success |title = Freightliner claims emissions success |publisher = railmagazine.com |date = 19 November 2021}}</ref>

===Poland===
[[File:InnoTrans 2016 (154) Travelarz.JPG|thumb|[[Newag Dragon|E6DCF Dragon]] locomotive of Freightliner PL on show at InnoTrans 2016]]
During 2006, Freightliner expanded its operations into Poland. A subsidiary company, Freightliner PL Sp. z o.o., was established to bid for contracts hauling coal traffic.<ref>{{citation |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/freightliner-prepares-to-compete-in-poland.html |title = Freightliner prepares to compete in Poland |date = 1 March 2007}}</ref> The first contract was for coal transport from Lubelski Węgiel Bogdanka SA near [[Bogdanka, Lublin Voivodeship|Bogdanka]] (Bogdanka-Lublin coal mine) to [[Kozienice Power Station]]. The service began in September 2007.<ref>{{citation |url = http://www.rynekinfrastruktury.pl/artykul/index/art/4700/id/89 |title = Freightliner PL wykona zlecenie dla LW Bogdanka |date = 26 September 2011 |language = pl |work = rynekinfrastruktury.pl}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url =http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/polish-freight-progress.html |work = railwaygazette.com |date =19 October 2007 |title = Polish freight progress}}</ref> Most of Freightliner PL's services operate on the [[Gdańsk]] to [[Warsaw]] corridor and in southern [[Poland]]. In February 2015, Freightliner PL signed a €17.5M contract to lease five [[Newag Gliwice]] {{convert|5|MW|hp|abbr=on}} electric six-axle [[Newag Dragon|E6DCF Dragon]] locomotives from ING Lease. With each equipped with a {{convert|520|kW|hp|abbr=on}} diesel engine for last-mile operation, they are scheduled to be delivered from May to July 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/freight/single-view/view/freightliner-pl-orders-dragon-locomotives.html |title = Freightliner PL orders Dragon locomotives |website = Railway Gazette |date = 2 February 2015}}</ref> Furthermore, Freightliner opted to export 13 of its Class 66 locomotives from the UK to Poland for operations there.<ref name = "15years Class66"/>

===Australia===
Freightliner began exploring opportunities in the Australian rail market with Freightliner Australia established by April 2007. By June 2008 Freightliner Australia had been accredited as a rail operator in the state of [[New South Wales]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.transportregulator.nsw.gov.au/operator_list.html |title = NSW Accredited Operators |work = Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator|access-date = 30 June 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080619000615/http://www.transportregulator.nsw.gov.au/operator_list.html |archive-date = 19 June 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> and by September 2009 also had accreditation in [[Queensland]] and [[Western Australia]]. In June 2009, Freightliner Australia commenced operating containerised cotton services from [[Wee Waa]] to [[Port Botany (seaport)|Port Botany]].<ref>{{cite web |title = Freightliner Australia begins with cotton contract |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/freightliner-australia-begins-with-cotton-contract.html |work = Railway Gazette International|access-date = 23 April 2014 |date = 2 July 2009}}</ref><ref>Freightliner Start Up ''[[Motive Power]]'' issue 65 August 2009 page 6</ref><ref>Freightliner enters Australian rail market ''[[Railway Digest]]'' September 2009 page 5</ref> In September 2009 Freightliner Australia signed a 10-year deal with [[Xstrata]] to haul [[Hunter Valley Coal Chain|export coal from the Hunter Valley]] to [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]], commencing in September 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.freightliner.co.uk/filelibrary/PDFs/news/2009.09.25%20Freightliner%20signs%20deal%20with%20Xstrata%20Coal4.pdf |title = Freightliner signs deal with Xstrata Coal|publisher =Freightliner|date = 25 September 2009 |access-date = 18 November 2009}}</ref><ref>Coal contract down under ''The Railway Magazine'' issue 1304 December 2009 page 89</ref> Under the deal, Xstrata owned the rolling stock with Freightliner Australia providing the engineering, logistics, maintenance and operational support.<ref>{{cite web |title = Xstrata launches its own rail service |url = http://www.afr.com/p/business/companies/xstrata_launches_its_own_rail_service_Qgb5ce1v6Ea9EMdiBZtibL |publisher =[[Australian Financial Review]]|access-date = 23 April 2014 |date = 12 September 2010}}</ref><ref>Xsrata Rail launches Hunter Valley coal services ''Railway Digest'' November 2010 page 13</ref> In May 2012 Freightliner Australia commenced operating a [[Warren, New South Wales|Warren]] to Port Botany service.

In December 2016, [[Glencore]], who had purchased Xsrata, sold its Hunter Valley coal haulage business to [[One Rail Australia|Genesee & Wyoming Australia]] that was also owned by Freightliner's parent company Genesee & Wyoming.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161021125916/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/freight/single-view/view/gw-and-macquarie-to-buy-glencore-rail-coal-haulage-business.html G&W and Macquarie to buy Glencore Rail coal haulage business] ''Railway Gazette International'' 20 October 2016</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200215142052/https://www.afr.com/companies/genesee--wyoming-11bn-grail-win-opens-nsw-rail-haulage-to-competition-20161020-gs70af Genesee & Wyoming $1.1b GRail win opens NSW rail haulage to competition] ''Australian Financial Review'' 20 October 2016</ref> Freightliner's Australian business was merged into Genesee & Wyoming Australia and the brand retired.

===Netherlands===
{{main|European Rail Shuttle B.V.}}
In 2013, Freightliner bought Netherlands-based [[intermodal container]] operator [[European Rail Shuttle B.V.]] from [[Maersk Line]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/freight/single-view/view/freightliner-group-announces-acquisition-of-ers-railways.html |title = Freightliner Group announces acquisition of ERS Railways |date = 19 June 2013 |work = railwaygazette.com}}</ref> This subsidiary, has focused on the cross-border intermodal traffic that runs between the northern European ports of [[Rotterdam]], [[Bremerhaven]] and [[Hamburg]] to various cities across Germany, Poland, Italy and elsewhere in continental Europe.<ref name = "buswire 2015"/> In 2018 the business was sold to Swiss-based [[Hupac]].

==Fleet==
===United Kingdom===
Freightliner inherited a fleet of ageing [[British Rail Class 47|Class 47]] [[diesel locomotive]]s and [[British Rail Class 86|Class 86]] and [[British Rail Class 90|Class 90]] [[electric locomotive]]s from [[British Rail]].

In 1997, Freightliner placed an order for six [[British Rail Class 57|Class 57]] locomotives. These were rebuilt by [[Brush Traction]] at [[Loughborough]] from Class 47s and fitted with a refurbished [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]] engine and a reconditioned alternator, improving reliability and performance. The first was delivered in July 1998. After an evaluation period Freightliner was sufficiently impressed to order a further six in June 1999.<ref>{{citation| journal=Rail Magazine |issue= 556 |date=3 January 2007 |page =54}}</ref>

[[File:Freightliner locos.jpg|thumb|66571 heading 70017 and 66587 towards Eastleigh]]
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Freightliner placed multiple orders for new-build [[British Rail Class 66|Class 66s]], cumulating in 111 locomotives being delivered to the company.<ref name = "15years Class66"/> In order to better haul heavier trains, Freightliner directed that several of its Class 66s be regeared, which resulted in a reduced maximum speed in exchange for a higher tractive effort. Once in service, the type proved to be quite reliable, with Freightliner reportedly recording a regular availability rate of 98% along with an average of 70,000 miles between failures, more than double that of the Class 57 fleet.<ref name = "15years Class66"/> By 2004, the company's Class 66s had replaced all of the Class 47s, as well as the Class 57s after another two years. Freightliner also leased some Class 66s that had been formerly operated by [[Direct Rail Services]].

During November 2007, Freightliner announced an order for 30 [[British Rail Class 70 (diesel)|Class 70s]] under a project called ''Project Genesis''.<ref>{{cite news |title = GE enters UK loco market |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view//ge-enters-uk-loco-market.html |work = [[Railway Gazette International]] |date = 26 November 2007}}</ref> The first two were delivered in November 2009. These have released a number of Class 66s with five going to [[Colas Rail]], 13 to Freightliner Poland and four to [[GB Railfreight]].<ref>{{citation | url = http://www.abrail.co.uk/diesel_locos.htm |title = AB Rail UK Loco database |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120831125545/http://www.abrail.co.uk/diesel_locos.htm |archive-date = 31 August 2012}}</ref>

Freightliner also used their single Class 47 (47830) on driver route learning. In 2024, 47830 was sold to [[Locomotive Services Limited]] and was repainted into BR Green.<ref>"News Round-up Locomotive Services". ''Modern Railways''. No. 340. August 2024. p. 20.</ref>

===Poland===
Freightliner PL ordered seven [[EMD Class 66]]s as well as 432 Greenbrier Eamnoss type coal hopper wagons. These have been supplemented by an EMD Class 66 formerly used by [[Stadtwerke Köln|Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln]] and 12 [[British Rail Class 66|Class 66s]] transferred from Freightliner's UK operations. A 13th was sent from the UK in October 2012. These units underwent various modifications to allow them to operate on the Polish network.<ref>{{citation| url = http://www.wnxx.com/news/archive/2012/news1203.htm| title = FPL 66s Revised Data Table 15 March 2012 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===Australia===
Freightliner Australia commenced operations using hired in [[New South Wales 442 class locomotive|GL class]] locomotives from [[Rail First Asset Management|Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia]] (CFCLA). After a longer-term lease was agreed, two were repainted into Freightliner livery in September 2010.<ref>Motive Power Roundup ''Motive Power'' issue 76 July 2011 page 28</ref> The [[Warren, New South Wales|Warren]] service that commenced in May 2012 also used locomotives hired from CFCLA. Two [[UGL Rail C44aci|CF class]] locomotives were repainted in Freightliner livery. The [[Xstrata]] coal contract was operated by [[UGL Rail C44aci|XRN class]] locomotives that were owned by the customer.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=locomotives&operator=Xstrata%20Rail |title = Xstrata Fleet List |publisher = vicsig.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railpage.com.au/locos/class/129/ |title = XRN Class |publisher = railpage.com.au}}</ref> Wagon types are PHEH and PHYH for the coal traffic and CQBY, CQFY and CQYY on the grain traffic.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.freightliner.co.uk/group/our-fleet/wagons/fla/ |title = FLA |publisher = Freightliner}}</ref>

In January 2015 two [[V/Line G class|G class]] locomotives were purchased.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://extranet.artc.com.au/docman/DocManFiles/DocTypes/TOC/Files/15004.PDF?1366438617 |title = Change of ownership of Locomotives G533 and G535 |publisher = Australian Rail Track Corporation |date = 9 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402163015/http://extranet.artc.com.au/docman/DocManFiles/DocTypes/TOC/Files/15004.PDF?1366438617 |archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref>

==Fleet detail==
{{refimprove|section|date=January 2023|reason = There is a lot of original research here. Very few of the rows in each of the tables are referenced}}
===United Kingdom===
{| class="wikitable"
!align=left|Class
!align=left|Image
!align=left|Type
!align=left|Built
!align=left|Wheel arr.
!align=left|In traffic
!align=left|Numbers
!Notes
|-
|[[British Rail Class 08|08]]
|[[File:Ipswich Upper Yard - Freightliner 08691.JPG|120x120px]]
|[[Switcher locomotive|Diesel shunter]]
|1953
|0-6-0
|10
|08077, 08530, 08531, 08575, 08585, 08624, 08691, 08764, 08785, 08891
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[British Rail Class 59|59]]
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Freightliner 59 203 7O69 12.35 Acton to Crawley at Clapham Junc.jpg|left|frameless|120x120px]]
| rowspan="8" |[[Diesel locomotive]]
| rowspan="3" align="centre" |1985-1995
| rowspan="8" |Co-Co
|align=centre|4
|align=left|59001/002, 59004/005
| rowspan="2" |Acquired from Mendip Rail in 2019.<ref name="RA-2020-05-22">{{cite web |last1 = Holden |first1 = Michael |title = Freightliner purchases 14 Class 59 locomotives as Mendip Rail contract continues |date = 22 May 2020 |url = https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2020/05/freightliner-purchases-14-class-59-locomotives-as-mendip-rail-contract-continues.html |publisher = Rail Advent |access-date = 13 September 2020}}</ref>
|-
|4
|59101-59104
|-
|6
|59201-59206 
|Acquired from DB Cargo UK in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://rail-record.co.uk/class-59-2-freightliner/ |title = DB Cargo Class 59/2s Sold to Freightliner |publisher = rail-record.co.uk |date = 3 November 2019}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" |[[British Rail Class 66|66]]
| rowspan="4" |[[File:66623 passes Reading West 1st April 2019.jpg|120x120px]]
| rowspan="4" |1999-2008
|7
|66413-66416, 66418-66420
|
Acquired from [[Direct Rail Services]] in 2011.
66411, 66412 & 66417 exported for use in Freightliner PL
|-
|81
|{{not a typo|66501-520}}, {{not a typo|66522-526}}, {{not a typo|66528-529}}, {{not a typo|66531-534}}, {{not a typo|66536-572}}, 66585, {{not a typo|66587-594}}, {{not a typo|66596-599}}
|66521 [[Write-off|written off]] after [[Great Heck rail crash]].
66527, 66530, 66535, 66582, 66583, 66584, 66586 and 66595 have been exported to Poland, the operating subsidiary Freightliner PL
66573-581 have been sold to [[Colas Rail]] and [[GB Railfreight]] and renumbered 66846-850 and 66738-741 respectively.
|-
|19
|66601-607, 66610, 66613-623
|66608, 66609, 66611, 66612, 66624 and 66625 have been exported to Poland, the operating subsidiary Freightliner PL.
|-
|7
|66951-66957
|
|-
|[[British Rail Class 70 (Powerhaul)|70]]
|[[File:Trimley Branch Line - Freightliner 70017.jpg|120x120px]]
|2009-2011
|19
|70001-70011, 70013-70020
|70012 dropped while being unloaded at Newport; returned to manufacturers and is currently used as a test bed.
|-
|[[British Rail Class 90|90]]
|[[File:Ipswich - Freightliner 90048.JPG|120x120px]]
|[[Electric locomotive]]
|1987-1990
|Bo-Bo
|25
|90003-90016,90018<br>90040-90049
|90018 & 90040 sold by DB Cargo UK to Freightliner in April 2024<ref name="RE337">{{cite magazine |title=First Class 90s head for scrap while DB Cargo UK sells two to Freighliner|journal=Rail Express |issue=337 |page=18}}</ref>
|-
|colspan=5 align=right|'''Total'''
|'''182'''
|colspan=2|
|}

===Poland===
{| class="wikitable" width=73%
!align=left|Class
!align=left|Image
!align=left|Type
!align=left|Introduced
!align=left|Wheel arr.
!align=left|In traffic
!align=left|Numbers
|-
|[[EMD Series 66]]
| [[File:Freightliner Class 66 - 66005 - Lok - Wasilków - 20110529.JPG|120x120px]]
|Diesel
|2006-07
| rowspan="2" |Co-Co
|13
|66008-011, 013-015 & 66601-606
|-
|[[Newag Dragon|Newag Dragon E6ACTd]]
| [[File:InnoTrans 2016 (154) Travelarz.JPG|120x120px]]
|Electric<br><small>(Diesel last-mile slave)</small>
|2016
|5
|E6ACTd-101 - E6ACTd-105
|-
|}

===Australia===
{| class="wikitable" width=73%
!align=left|Class
!align=left|Type
!align=left|Introduced
!align=left|Wheel arr
!align=left|In traffic
!align=left|Numbers
!align=left|Notes
|-
|[[New South Wales 442 class locomotive|GL]]
| rowspan="4" |Diesel
|1971/72 remanufactured 2004
| rowspan="4" |Co-Co
|2
|GL111, GL112
|leased from  [[Rail First Asset Management|Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia]]
|-
|[[UGL Rail C44aci|XRN]]
|2010-12
|30
|XRN001-030
|owned by [[Xstrata]]
|-
|[[UGL Rail C44aci|CF]]
|2013
|2
|CF4407, CF4408
|leased from Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia
|-
|[[V/Line G class|G]]
|1988
|2
|G533, G535
|
|-
|}

===Netherlands===
{| class="wikitable"
!align=left|Class
!align=left|Type
!align=left|Introduced
!align=left|Wheel arr.
!align=left|In traffic
!align=left|Numbers
!align=center|Notes
|-
|[[Vossloh G1206]]
| rowspan="3" |Diesel
|
| rowspan="2" |Bo-Bo
|{{center|3}}
|
| rowspan="2" |<small>Shunting and local operations</small>
|-
|[[Vossloh G 2000]]
|
|{{center|1}}
|
|-
|[[EMD Class 66]]
|
|Co-Co
|
|
|<small>Withdrawn, lease ended</small>
|-
|[[DBAG Class 182|BR182 (Siemens ES 64 U2)]]
| rowspan="3" |Electric
|
| rowspan="3" |Bo-Bo
|{{center|1}}
|
|
|-
|[[DBAG Class 185|BR185 (Bombardier TRAXX)]]
|
|{{center|2}}
|
|
|-
|[[DBAG Class 189|BR189 (Siemens ES 64 F4)]]
|
|{{center|12}}
|
|
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[Intermodal railfreight in Great Britain]]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:57012 'Freightliner Envoy' at Ipswich.JPG|57012 ''Freightliner Envoy'' at [[Ipswich railway station|Ipswich]] in 2004
File:Class 66 railway locomotive - Freightliner livery - Virginia Water station - England - 280404.jpg|66534 ''OOCL Express'' in the Freightliner livery introduced in 1998 at [[Virginia Water railway station|Virginia Water]] in  2004
File:Dundee Railway Station 01.JPG|66605, with ''Freightliner 40 1965-2005'' at [[Dundee railway station|Dundee]] in  2007
File:CLASS66LOCOMOTIVE.JPG|66 610 on the [[East Coast Main Line]] near [[York]] in 2008
File:Freightliner class 70 number 70001 leaves Claycross Tunnel.jpg|70001 leaves [[Clay Cross Tunnel]] working 0Z70 Lawley Street - Leeds Midland Road
File:86613_and_86610_at_Ipswich.JPG|86613 and 86610 at [[Ipswich railway station|Ipswich]] in 2004
File:Midland Road Depot.jpg|The Freightliner maintenance depot at Leeds Midland Road.
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite magazine |title = All night long... |first = John |last = Hunt |magazine = [[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue = 320 |publisher = EMAP Apex Publications |date = 17–30 December 1997 |pages = 18–23 |issn = 0953-4563 |oclc = 49953699}}
* {{cite magazine |title = All day and all of the night |first = John |last = Hunt |magazine = [[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue = 325 |publisher = EMAP Apex Publications |date = 25 February – 10 March 1998 |pages = 36–41 |issn = 0953-4563 |oclc = 49953699}}
* {{cite magazine |title = Freightliner to hit 50% growth two years earlier than anticipated |first = Mel |last = Holley |magazine = [[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue = 342 |publisher = EMAP Apex Publications |date = 21 October – 3 November 1998 |page = 13 |issn = 0953-4563 |oclc = 49953699}}
* {{cite magazine |title = Trains For Tomorrow |first = F.C. |last = Margetts |magazine = [[Trains (magazine)|Trains]] |publisher = A.c. Kalmbach |date = April 1976 |pages = 40-46}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Freightliner}}
* [https://www.freightliner.co.uk Freightliner]
* [https://pl.freightliner.eu Freightliner PL (in Polish)]

{{British freight operators}}
{{British Rail}}
{{Genesee & Wyoming}}

[[Category:Genesee & Wyoming]]
[[Category:Freight railway companies of Australia]]
[[Category:Railway companies established in 1995]]
[[Category:Railway companies of Poland]]
[[Category:Rail freight companies in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Transport companies based in London]]