Tarmac boosts rail delivery capacity

868 Tarmac has boosted its capacity to deliver aggregates by rail to sites in central London, England, and the south-east of the country following an investment in a new fleet of state-of-the-art rail wagons by 4549 DB Schenker, the transportation and logistics company.

The 12 new freight wagons, manufactured by County Nottinghamshire-based company 4550 WH Davis, are each capable of hauling over 75tonnes of product and will allow Tarmac to deliver product more easily and efficiently to sites and terminals in the heart of London and the south-east, reducing the need to transport materials by road.

In 2009, Tarmac transported over 2.5 million tonnes of aggregate, lime and cement using its national rail freight network, saving over 7,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by reducing truck movements.

Mark Joel, executive director, Tarmac South-East Region, said: “These new, cutting-edge wagons form part of Tarmac’s long-term commitment to using its rail freight network where possible. This latest initiative ensures that our customers across the south-east will benefit from more efficient delivery of our materials to sites and reduced environmental impact with lower carbon emissions.”

The stainless steel wagons have been fitted with one of the most efficient suspension systems available, designed to reduce noise pollution as well as track impact and wear, resulting in both reduced track access and maintenance expenses. They are designed to allow material to be released onto a mobile conveyor system for unloading into areas with limited space.

Nigel Smith, managing director construction for DB Schenker Rail (UK), said; “These wagons meet the specific needs of this unique service to enable it be delivered by rail. They show that solutions exist to deliver by rail into city centres, even where space is tight for unloading.”