A new entrant to the British rail freight market is preparing to launch what it describes as high-speed intermodal trial operations between the English Midlands and Scotland. GoExpress has begun teasing its first live train movements, ahead of what is expected to be an intermodal charter service running via the West Coast Main Line in the coming days.
The company has revealed very few operational details so far. However, it says it aims to build a “future-proofed middle-mile transport network”, combining faster rail freight with existing road logistics systems. Industry observers believe the first trial train could operate between Crewe and a Scottish inland terminal, possibly Mossend near Glasgow, although the destination has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Train broke cover at weekend…in Crewe
“We’ve been quiet. But we’ve been busy,” said a spokesperson. The short online statement, released alongside a teaser video, promoted a trial operation based around Crewe, in Cheshire, England. “We’re pulling back the curtain – just a little.” The company added that an “intensive schedule” of high-speed intermodal tests would soon begin, marking the transition from concept work to operational running.
While the marketing language remains enthusiastic, the broader proposition appears serious enough. GoExpress says it intends to move time-sensitive logistics traffic using passenger-compatible freight timings, potentially operating at speeds up to 90mph (144km/h). The project appears aimed squarely at the growing parcels, retail and express distribution markets, where reliability and transit time increasingly outweigh traditional bulk freight considerations. However, the emphasis appears to be on loco-hauled intermodal operations (containers) rather than dedicated parcels trains – such as those used by the Varamis Rail operation.
Faster freight seeks a place on the main line
Published material suggests the operation will use Class 93 locomotive traction, alongside electric HGV integration, presumably for ‘final mile’ delivery. That combination would place the business somewhere between a conventional rail freight operator and an integrated logistics platform. The emphasis appears to be on “middle-mile” distribution, linking major logistics hubs while leaving local deliveries to road vehicles.
GoExpress has also referred to collaboration and engagement with organisations, including logistics giant DPD UK, Network Rail and the UK Department for Transport. Their teaser video appears to show collaboration with Freightliner and Rail Operations Group (the owners of the Class 93 locomotives). The company additionally claims support through the Freight Innovation Fund programme. Earlier this year, founder Adam Parkinson presented in front of the Connected Places Catapult Freight Innovation Fund 4 cohort, a UK government-backed accelerator programme intended to support new freight and logistics technologies.
Trials move from theory toward operation
According to material released following that presentation, months of modelling and technical development had demonstrated “a clear pathway” toward higher-speed rail logistics services. The company argued that the work had strengthened both the technical and commercial case for integrating time-sensitive rail services with existing freight and passenger operations on the national network.
The next stage now appears to be proving whether the concept works beyond presentations and simulations. Main line testing will likely focus on operational reliability, network compatibility and terminal handling efficiency as much as raw line speed. If the trials succeed, GoExpress may become one of several emerging ventures attempting to reposition rail freight as a viable option for premium logistics traffic rather than solely traditional heavy haul markets.
Watching for the first departure
For now, much of the detail remains carefully controlled. The company has not yet confirmed exact timings, train operators, customers or terminal locations connected with the first runs. Even so, the appearance of a branded teaser campaign suggests the project has moved beyond the purely speculative stage and into operational preparation.
Whether GoExpress develops into a substantial logistics operation or remains a niche proof-of-concept exercise will become clearer once the first trains begin running. Either way, the prospect of faster, passenger-path-compatible freight services is likely to attract attention well beyond Britain’s established rail freight sector.