DB Cargo launches ‘Freight belongs on rail’ campaign

A SEVEN-POINT plan has been presented to the Government by DB Cargo, to encourage more companies to switch traffic from road to rail (see also Wagons, p37). The rail freight operator believes that primary legislation is needed to set legally-binding targets for a future modal switch, with powers that allow the logistics sector to establish hubs and terminals in the right place to avoid a road-led economic recovery.

The company suggests there should also be a commitment to invest in infrastructure, including a longterm programme of electrification that reflects a plan to decarbonise rail freight and that the future industry structure should support growth and unlock continued thirdparty investment that results in the delivery of long-term economic and environmental benefit.

In DBC’s plan, businesses should be incentivised to switch from road to rail (as is the case with Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme) and the best use of available network capacity should be made considering the relative value of different timetable choices, that give priority to high-capacity freight trains in the design of timetables. Finally, there is a call for a faster upgrade to leverage the benefit of digital technology which can improve the utilisation of the existing network.

The DB Cargo initiative is a restatement of goals that are being achieved by the freight operators and terminal owners at ports and logistic parks with the regular addition of new intermodal services. The latest is the inauguration of the Humber Express (explained on p37 and illustrated on p18).