All you ever wanted to know about rail freight, but were afraid to ask. It probably wasn’t considered as the title for the workshop – but it very possibly could have been. Logistics UK, representing businesses and stakeholders throughout the sector, is organising a workshop aimed at potential new clients, who are modal shift curious.
In a new initiative for 2025, business group Logistics UK is simplifying the rail freight industry for new entrants. It’s part of its extensive programme of industry events spanning all areas of logistics. For those businesses considering getting their goods on rails, an interactive workshop later this month will be delivered in collaboration with Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), the body formed to guide the UK railways back into public ownership.
A significant role for all sectors
If JNA sounds more like a K-pop band than an affordable means of moving aggregates, then this event could be for your company. Taking place on Thursday, 27 February, at GBRTT offices in Waterloo Station in London, “Demystifying Rail Freight” will, according to the organisers, break down the intricacies of rail transportation and equip participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to embark on their journey into rail freight.
What all that means, is an opportunity to put the hard questions to the people at the heart of the rail freight industry. “It is well known that rail freight excels in industries such as manufacturing and construction, but it can play a significant role for all sectors,” said Ellis Shelton, Senior Policy Advisor – Rail, at Logistics UK. “The challenge for many organisations is knowing where to start, and ‘Demystifying Rail Freight’ will give participants a foundational understanding and the practical steps to take to support the movement of goods onto rail.”
Mandated growth in rail freight
Although their government remit leaves the rail freight sector in private ownership, GBRTT will provide the workshop with an overview of the rail freight landscape. Participants will also learn about the latest technological innovations and have the opportunity to network with industry experts. The workshop is free to attend for registered invitees. The UK Government has mandated an increase in rail freight carried on the network. That route to growth starts here.
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups. More than seven million people are directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. It has members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.