News / UK rail freight looks on track for more growth, driven by retail

Changes in energy consumption masked the true state of UK rail freight in 2016-2017, with domestic intermodal and construction shipments taking centre stage as coal declines.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) reported the amount intermodal shipments moved by rail was up 6% on 2015-2016, with more than 6.8bn net tonne km covered.

According to the report, the sector’s growth was primarily down to an increase in consumer-focused industries, notably retail.

And with a 39% share of all freight moved by rail ...