21.11.12
New Shortliner service increases capcity
Freightliner has run the first Shortliner service, increasing its 40ft capacity by 42%.
Earlier this year, Freightliner placed an order with VTG for a fleet of twin platform wagons, to meet the demand of the evolving deep sea container market. The wagons are designed to maximise the amount of 40 ft containers that can be hauled per services, minimising under-utilised 20ft space.
This will improve capacity, reduce CO2 emissions and increase network utilisation. Freightliner has now begun hauling longer, heavier trains to create ‘Shortliner’ services.
The initial delivery of 86 platforms will be complete by the end of December.
Adam Cunliffe, managing director of Freightliner, commented: “Freightliner’s investment in the new ‘Shortliner’ wagons demonstrates Freightliner’s continued commitment to understanding and then meeting our customers’ needs in a market which is increasingly dominated by 40ft containers.
“The new wagons complement Freightliner’s existing 60ft wagon fleet ensuring a dramatically improved utilisation of both 40ft and 20ft containers. Our capability to haul longer, heavier trains combined with the new Shortliner wagons reaffirms Freightliner’s market leading position to ensure that more containers are moved by rail, with reduced lorry movements and associated reduced CO2 emissions.”
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