Logistics and Intermodal sectors targeted for modal shift as EWS Network launched

The number of Intermodal containers being transported by rail is set to grow alongside a major increase in rail's role in the supply chain for the logistics sector. The projection is made by EWS Network, the new rail freight operator launched today providing dedicated and specialist services for the Intermodal and logistics markets.

The creation of EWS Network forms the biggest drive ever seen in the railway in Britain to provide the right service offering that will enable the logistics market to include rail as a significant part of its supply chain. The drive for growth follows detailed research to ensure products and services match the requirements of prospective customers, including retailers, distribution companies, shipping lines and manufacturers.

The move also follows industry demand for sustainable transport choices that help reduce emissions that cause climate change, whilst providing enhancements to existing distribution arrangements. All EWS Network services help its customers reduce the size of their carbon footprint and enhance transport options.

EWS Network has a clear blueprint for sustained growth. Network Rail's Freight Route Utilisation Strategy project that the movement of domestic and international traffic by rail is set to increase. Use of rail freight services in domestic intermodal, maritime containers and through the Channel Tunnel is set to increase by up to 400%, based on current traffic volumes by 2015. That traffic will only be won to rail if the right services are in place and EWS Network has been formed and structured to deliver that.

Focusing beyond the train service and providing tailor-made products that linked to customer's markets was the message from the logistics sector to EWS Network. In response, a whole range of additional services to support our rail haulage offer have been developed. These include a new design solutions team whose role is to show companies how rail can be easily be integrated into their supply chain, as has already been achieved by EWS Network for BMW at Swindon.

Intermodal customers need additional capacity, seasonal services, restitution and faster turnaround times. EWS Network has developed a package of services for its Intermodal customers to use and has increased operating capacity at the Port of Southampton, one of the busiest ports in Britain, in response to demand from major shipping lines for more train services at this location.

These service developments are supported by a sales and operational workforce from a broad range of distribution, and rail logistics backgrounds. This experience will enable EWS Network to continually provide customers with innovative and value-driven solutions that meet the haulage requirements of their business.

A new range of multi-user trunk network trains will also be launched this year for the movement of goods by rail. These include a wide range of services to and from major ports connected with a range of inland terminals, as well as new inland terminal to inland terminal services. Standard 9ft 6" containers will be moved from Aberdeen later this summer once the rail route from Mossend to Aberdeen has been cleared to allow these containers to be moved by rail for the first time on this route. Additional services throughout Britain are planned as well as the development of services to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.

Stuart Boner, Managing Director for EWS Network, said: "EWS Network is serious about growth. The Intermodal and logistics sectors have been waiting for the rail industry to develop the products that allow rail to be integrated into their supply chain. We have listened to their demands, developed the products, and are now targeting the sector to use rail. This move will win significant new volumes to rail for the very first time. We will not grow rail freight in Britain by only chasing traditional markets, and my team is passionate about the opportunities ahead in delivering for our customers."

EWS Network has over 1,600 employees across Britain and is based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.