Porterbrook & WH Davis Partner for Freightliner Wagon Order

Porterbrook has placed a significant order for 150 newly designed intermodal wagons with British manufacturer WH Davis, a move set to bolster Freightliner’s operational capabilities. The agreement, signed on December 8, 2025, will see these advanced wagons leased to Freightliner, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in UK rail freight.

The introduction of these 150 state-of-the-art intermodal wagons marks a pivotal moment for both Porterbrook and Freightliner. Scheduled for delivery starting in the first quarter of 2027, the wagons are built on an innovative 40 ft (12.2 meter) platform. This design is engineered to optimize container transport, promising greater efficiency and a notable reduction in CO₂ emissions, estimated at approximately 7% when contrasted with older 60 ft (18 meter) platforms.

Strategic Impact and Operator Benefits

Chris Lawrenson, Managing Director of Freightliner Intermodal Logistics, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating, “The new 40-foot wagons will increase the efficiency of our services and contribute to the transfer of goods from road to rail, reducing congestion and emissions.” This sentiment underscores the broader industry goal of shifting freight from road to more sustainable rail-based solutions, thereby alleviating road traffic and its associated environmental impact. Max Ordish, Director of Freight & Commercial Projects at Porterbrook, echoed this, labelling the contract “a milestone for our portfolio” and emphasizing the wagons’ role in enabling superior performance and lower emissions for Freightliner.

Technical Specifications and Manufacturer Expertise

The newly designed intermodal wagons will feature advanced components, including Axiom TF20+ bogies and UIC brakes supplied by Wabtec. These components are recognized for their ability to extend wheel life, improve fuel economy, and decrease infrastructure access costs, further enhancing the operational and economic viability of the wagons. WH Davis, as the sole independent rail manufacturer in the UK, brings its extensive expertise in wagon design and manufacturing to this project. Their comprehensive service offering, including warranties and after-sales support, ensures long-term reliability and performance for these critical assets.

Industry Context and Future Outlook

This substantial investment by Porterbrook in partnership with WH Davis and Freightliner arrives at a time when UK rail transport is demonstrating robust growth. Data from the Office of Road and Rail (ORR) indicates that between April and June 2025, rail transport moved 4,088 million net tonne-kilometers, underscoring the sector’s crucial role in national logistics and emission reduction efforts. The integration of these modern, efficient intermodal wagons is poised to solidify rail freight’s position as a cornerstone of a more sustainable, efficient, and competitive logistics ecosystem for years to come.