Freightliner, one of the UK’s top-level rail freight operators, has launched a call to market. The company is offering surplus land at several of its sites for lease. The available plots, located at operational intermodal terminals, are intended for complementary logistics or rail-related development that will support further modal shift.
The initiative is part of a wider strategy to reconfigure existing terminal layouts to improve capacity while enabling third-party freight operations. Key locations, all in England, include Doncaster, Liverpool, Southampton, and Bristol. A sight at Cannock is also available, albeit with road access only.
Rail-ready sites support growth and modal shift
“Freightliner has identified a number of development opportunities within its portfolio for new rail freight terminals complementary to existing uses,” said the company in a statement. “Subject to reconfiguration of our intermodal terminals we can make land available to lease to rail freight customers whilst investing further in increased intermodal capacity.”
The statement also emphasised the company’s intent to back rail growth and decarbonisation efforts. “We are looking for businesses where the use of this land will help encourage and promote modal shift.” Freightliner says its ‘Solution Design’ team is equipped to support customers unfamiliar with rail freight, offering everything from design consultancy to implementation.
Established sites ready for new freight partners
Among the available locations is Freightliner’s terminal at Doncaster, a key inland hub for containerised traffic, and Liverpool, which offers strong port connectivity and road access to Merseyside and beyond. Both sites are in active use but have been earmarked for development potential with sufficient footprint and infrastructure.
Also listed is Southampton, one of the busiest deep-sea intermodal terminals in the UK, strategically positioned to support port-centric logistics. With rail capacity at a premium, Freightliner sees additional development as a way to ease bottlenecks and foster integrated supply chain operations. Earlier this year, there had been speculation about the sale of the entire operation, which has now subsided.
Bristol site well-suited to bulk and intermodal use
Of particular note is Bristol, where Freightliner operates a seven-acre terminal just west of Parson Street Junction. Known as Bristol Railport or South Liberty Lane, the site in the west of the city already accommodates both bulk flows and intermodal services, including aggregates and liquid tank containers, such as wine imports.
The terminal occupies a revived section of rail infrastructure, with restored track and signalling reinstated after a closure in the early 1990s. Its multi-sector use and urban location make it an ideal candidate for business development seeking reliable rail access in the West Country.
Cannock option available for road-served operations
Though not rail-connected, Cannock in Staffordshire is also available for logistics development. With direct road access and an established presence in the Midlands freight landscape and within the UK’s ‘logistics golden triangle’, it offers opportunities for warehousing or consolidation activity, potentially with future scope for rail integration.
Freightliner has not disclosed pricing details publicly, but equivalent land developments of this scale typically lease from £50,000 (€59,000) per acre annually, depending on location and connectivity. Interested parties are encouraged to engage directly with Freightliner’s business development team.