Cheshire-based Eddie Stobart Logistics (ESL) has launched a new rail service from the Port of Tilbury to Daventry, with a forecast capacity of 200 containers a week.

This is the only rail operation from the Port of Tilbury for inbound traffic.

John Clark, sector director, (www.eddiestobart.com) said: “ESL works with some of the biggest import and retail customers that are operating in the UK, and their priority is to ensure the reliability and adaptability of their supply chains — whatever circumstances they may face in the future.”

Within a matter of weeks, the new service should be operating daily from Monday to Friday, and ESL plans to have a weekly service linking to its operations in Widnes, Cheshire.

Mr Clark said: “Unlike many rail operators, we respond to customer requirements. The service leaves Tilbury at 9am and reaches Daventry at 3pm.

This will allow our customers to get fresh produce into regional distribution centres or stores across the UK on the same day.

This careful timing is essential to retailers, who otherwise lose much of their products’ freshness and value.

"Our rail-freight offering is extensive, but it is also strategic and flexible, designed to be the perfect complement to our road transport fleet.”

The new rail service from Tilbury to Daventry underwent a four-month trial, which saved more than 920,000 road miles and 102,000 gallons of diesel — and reduced journey times and congestion in and around the London area.

“We started using rail in 2006 in partnership with Tesco, and ESL remains one of the only UK operators that can offer genuine modal choice to its customers.

“Where rail fits the client’s freight profile, we can save them time and carbon emissions.

“We also test every rail service against the most efficient road equivalent — double-deck trailers — in order to ensure the cost viability of every journey.

“Rail is complementary to road, not a replacement. However, trains don’t get stuck in traffic jams, so the service is extremely reliable.

“We’ve developed our rail offering to meet the modern needs of fast-moving consumer goods and container traffic.”