Freightliner runs first Shortliner service

Designed to meet the demand of the evolving deep-sea container market towards 40ft containers, the 40ft deck length, two platform wagons are designed to maximise the number of containers that can be hauled per service yet minimise the under-utilised 20ft space.

By using these wagons the company can haul longer, heavier trains using PowerHaul locomotives, enabling it to extend port and inland capacity, reduce CO2 emissions and increase network utilisation.

Freightliner commenced its ‘Shortliner’ services at the end of October, running eight twin wagons (16 platforms) trains between the Port of Felixstowe and Manchester; to date, each platform has been fully utilised with a 40ft container. The delivery of all 86 units will be completed by the end of December.