New operator for Telford International Railfreight Park
Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet has approved the appointment of Europe’s largest rail freight company as the new operator of the town’s International Railfreight Park
DB Schenker Rail has been appointed through formal EU procurement after Telford & Wrekin Council consulted with railfreight industry experts on the best way forward for the terminal.
DB Schenker Rail has offered to operate the terminal and will pay connection charge, rates and operating costs.
The company will market the terminal in order to increase volumes using the facility while DB Schenker Rail’s traffic from the continent, which is normally hauled by road after it terminates at an international rail terminal, could be diverted to the Telford International Railfreight Park.
Councillor Charles Smith, cabinet member for Housing, Regeneration and Economic Development, said:
“DB Schenker Rail’s appointment is a fantastic shot in the arm for the local business economy and we are delighted that they are committed to investing in Telford.
“This is the appointment of a major company to take the facility forward and is just one more example of Telford & Wrekin Council working co-operatively to kickstart the local economy.
“I look forward to the facility being used a lot more in the years to come as DB Schenker Rail develops a strategy that enables major local businesses to use the terminal effectively.”
David Legge, Business Manager Logistics for DB Schenker Rail UK, said:
“Terminals are crucial for the development of rail freight services, and the facility at Telford is a unique opportunity to increase volumes moved by rail rather than road.
“DB Schenker Rail is proud to have been awarded the contract to operate and manage the terminal and by working with Telford & Wrekin Council we aim to make it a success.
“We will integrate the terminal at Telford into our existing terminal network throughout the UK, in order to maximise growth in volumes handled at the facility.”
Telford International Railfreight Park was opened in June 2009 and can load or unload up to four freight trains a day.
It was funded by a combination of Telford & Wrekin Council, Advantage West Midlands, the Homes and Communities Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.
DB Schenker Rail’s appointment was confirmed by Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet in a closed session debate.
