Freight transportation begins on East West Rail line

Regular freight transportation has launched on a section of the East West Rail line in the UK, helping reduce road congestion and improve logistics efficiency. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

New transportation route links Southampton and Northampton

The new route connects the Port of Southampton with an industrial hub near Northampton, crossing central England. It was developed by Maritime Transport and DB Cargo UK, a subsidiary of German rail operator Deutsche Bahn.

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DB Cargo UK trains operate five days a week, carrying up to 68 TEU per trip. With this capacity, transportation becomes a sustainable alternative to road haulage.

The route is supported by Network Rail, which has waived pathing charges for six months to promote new freight services. This encourages the shift from road to rail transportation.

Transportation via terminal boosts multimodal network

The logistics terminal in Northampton connects to the West Coast Main Line via the Northampton Loop, bypassing city traffic and streamlining operations.

In April 2025, construction of the terminal’s siding connection was completed. Trains now run at speeds up to 65 km/h without disrupting passenger services.

The terminal also offers direct access to the M1 motorway, strengthening its role as a key multimodal logistics hub that integrates rail and road transportation.

The new setup enhances regional connectivity, offering fast access to ports and industrial areas.

This project helps lower emissions by reducing truck usage and aligns with the UK’s strategy for decarbonizing transport.

In summary, transportation on East West Rail represents an effective solution for expanding the country’s logistics capacity and supporting sustainable infrastructure.

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