History
The origins of the Freightliner concept go back to the mid-1960s when as part of its modernisation and rationalisation programme, British Rail began moving freight using shipping containers on flat wagons between a series of dedicated inland terminals, using gantry cranes for transshipment between road and rail.
Although initially intended for domestic freight, this was soon overtaken by freight between deep-sea ports, such as Southampton Maritime and inland distribution terminals associated with centres of manufacturing or population, such as Birmingham Lawley Street.
Dudley Freightliner Terminal, 10 miles (16 km) from Birmingham, on the site of the old railway station was opened in October 1967. This proved to be one of the most profitable such terminals in the country, while the Birmingham terminal was ultimately one of the least financially viable. Yet by 1981, Freightliner was planning to close Dudley and transfer its function to Birmingham in order to boost the latter's fortunes. However, the Dudley terminal was given a reprieve in 1983, only for closure plans to re-emerge in 1986. It finally closed in 1989.
As part of the Privatisation of British Rail the Freightliner business unit had its assets transferred into a new company, Freightliner (1995) Limited, in preparation for sale. On 25 May 1996 Freightliner was purchased by a management buyout backed by 3i and Electra Private Equity.
In 1999 Freightliner set up its Heavy Haul business. In March 2004 Freightliner launched Logico, providing short-term or one-off spaces on intermodal trains. In 2007 Freightliner commenced operations in Poland.
On 13 June 2008 Freightliner Group was purchased by Railinvest Holding Company Limited a subsidiary of Arcapita Bank of Bahrain.
In June 2009 Freightliner commenced operations in Australia.
Read more about this topic: Freightliner Group
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