Truck and Track Autumn 2023 www.truckandtrack.com 78 RAILFREIGHT Nestlé UK and Ireland has delivered a first of its kind rail container which facilitates double-stacked pallets, to Tesco. The advanced rail container utilises a roof raising mechanism, allowing products to be double-stacked from floor to ceiling operating at full capacity before the roof is lowered for transit. This means it’s easier to carry up to double the amount of product compared to other container types. According to the Rail Delivery Group, each freight train has the potential to take up to 76 heavy goods vehicles off the roads and one tonne of products moved by a rail journey produces 76% less emissions than a diesel road journey. For the first time, double-stacked Purina products travelled on rail from Hams Hall Distribution Park, in North Warwickshire, to the Tesco Thurrock distribution centre. The container has been in development for two years and the aim is to now refine it for future delivery opportunities by this method to contribute to a greener distribution strategy. In 2022, Nestlé announced its plans to increase freight capacity on trains as part of its commitment to reducing environmental impact. Nestlé UK and Ireland is passionate about finding a solution to double-stack product successfully on rail freight and this trial is a core part of that journey. The success of this trial will allow the company to grow its rail freight volume and support its drive to reduce CO2 and its reliance on diesel road freight. Niall McCarthy, Rail Development and Delivery Manager, at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “This trial marks an important development in Nestlé’s commitment to halve its emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. This initial trial will help launch stronger supply chain resilience and reduce carbon emissions in the Nestlé UK and Ireland network. Furthermore, we are proud to deliver to Tesco on this trial, a customer of ours which has been on rail since 2008.” Nestlé partnered with Bootle Containers, and Marine Container Test Services to design and build the container. Trials have been carried out in partnership with Network Rail, Forth Ports, W H Malcolm Group and Direct Rail Services. Following the success of this trial movement, Nestlé will now look to develop a strategy to expand and refine opportunities to deliver goods by this method. Nestlé UK and Ireland on track to help net zero progress in successful double-stacked rail trial with Tesco GB Railfreight recently held its annual ladies naming ceremony. Taking place every summer, they honour hard work and dedication to the business. Locomotive 66790 was named after Louise Garwood at Ipswich station, and locomotive 66798 was named after Justine Langton at Peterborough. Louise and Justine were joined by their families, friends and colleagues, in what was a great celebration in the sunshine In July 2014, Louise started at GB Railfreight in the finance team at Felixstowe. Five years later, she became Executive Assistant to the CEO, managing John Smith’s busy diary and building up strong professional relationships with customers and partners. Here is what John Smith had to say about Louise at her naming event in Ipswich: “One of the many great things about Louise is the strong friendships she has built up over the years with all the other Executive Assistants. She now knows everyone across the sector. This means that I can always rely upon her to get me access to the right people when needed. It is a team effort, but thank you Louise, I couldn’t do this without you.” Last month, Justine Langton celebrated her 10-year anniversary working at GB Railfreight. Back in July 2013. Justine joined GB Railfreight as a Train and Resource Planner, and later became a Supply Chain Operations Strategic Account Manager in April 2019. Justine has been an integral part of resource planning and account management at GB Railfreight. Before revealing the plaque on the 66798, John had some kind words to say about Justine: “Thank you for your ten years of hard work Justine. You’ve brought all your 25 years of experience in the rail sector brilliantly to this business. Your tolerance and patience is exemplary, and I really appreciate how hard you work in what is effectively the engine room of GB Railfreight, keeping us moving forward.” GB Railfreight hosts its 2023 ladies naming ceremony TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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