A new agreement between
Freightliner and
Porterbrook will see 150 new intermodal wagons introduced to the UK rail network in the first quarter of 2027. The wagons will be built by Nottinghamshire-based
WH Davis, an independent manufacturer, in a deal that aligns with Porterbrook’s core growth strategy and supports Freightliner’s position as the country’s largest intermodal freight operator. The project also aligns with the Government’s 'net zero' ambitions.
The wagons will feature a new design based on 40ft platforms, which will allow greater efficiencies in container transportation and deliver around a 7% carbon reduction compared to traditional 60ft platforms.
Chris Lawrenson, managing director for Freightliner Intermodal Logistics, said: “Supporting UK manufacturing wherever viable is not just important to us as a business, but also to our country’s economy. These new 40ft wagons will bring in further efficiencies to our services and increase modal share to rail from road, which in turn allows us to deliver more effectively for our customers, enabling growth and ultimately removing more lorries from our congested roads.”
Max Ordish, head of freight and commercial projects for Porterbrook, said: “Porterbrook is delighted to be working with strategic partners Freightliner and WH Davis on this innovative and decarbonised solution for the intermodal market. The order of this new wagon design serves as a landmark deal in our portfolio and will help our customer achieve greater efficiencies and fewer carbon emissions in its future operations.”
Significant milestoneAndy Houghton, managing director at WH Davis, added: “As managing director of WH Davis, part of
Buckland Rail, I am proud to be working alongside Porterbrook and Freightliner on this innovative, low-carbon solution for the intermodal market. Securing this order for our new wagon design represents a significant milestone for our business, and we are looking forward to building on the collaborative relationship between the three companies.”
Futhermore,
Wabtec will supply the bogies for the new wagons. Tim Bentley, group vice president regional services for Wabtec UK, said: “Our Axiom TF20+ bogie design, together with Wabtec’s UIC brake equipment, has been selected for the new wagons. This will deliver key life cycle benefits, including extended wheel life, fuel savings, and reduced track access charges. We look forward to working closely with our partners to successfully deliver this program and provide lasting value to our customers.”
According to data from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), between April and June 2025, 4,088 million net-tonne kilometres of rail freight were moved, highlighting the sector’s growing role in reducing congestion and emissions across UK transport.