Malcolm Rail Celebrates First Decade in the Rail Freight Industry

Malcolm Rail was officially launched in 2001 and is celebrating a milestone, 10 successful years in the rail transport industry. Since its launch, the Malcolm Rail service has delivered 'sustainable' rail freight development and growth, starting from a base of 4 trains per week between 2 terminals increasing to 70 per week just 7 years later between 6 terminals.

Initially, the service operated between Malcolm Logistics' Grangemouth and Crick terminals. In 2004, it was expanded with the development of the West of Scotland Rail Terminal at Elderslie, which is adjacent to Malcolm Logistics Linwood hub. Then in June 2008, Malcolm Rail in partnership with Prologis, took operational control of the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the largest single inland rail freight terminal in the UK.

Launching the Malcolm Rail service made Malcolm Logistics one of the first logistics companies to 'rediscover' rail and the benefits it can provide. Malcolm Rail now move more than 5 million container miles each year by rail and over the last ten years this has resulted in removing approximately 35 million miles from public roads. Operating the shortest rail service in the UK, at only 43 miles (69 km) in length has removed the need to operate road vehicles on the heavily congested M8 / M80 / M876 / M9 route.

Owning and operating 3 rail terminals in the UK, Malcolm Rail's freight services have grown and developed rapidly. Innovation has been key in this process and Malcolm Rail has been involved in many projects which have enhanced rail services for many involved in the rail freight industry.

Malcolm Rail has managed developments through the recession by prudent and controlled management, now operating some 56 trains per week between 5 terminals and with ongoing plans for cautious expansion to fit customer requirements.

The Malcolm Group has won a number of awards in Rail including:-

• Marketing Initiative, Rail Freight Group Awards 2008
• Business of the Year, Rail Freight Group Awards 2008
• Rail Freight Excellence of the Year Award, HSBC Rail Business Awards 2008
• Individual Contribution of the Year, Rail Freight Group Awards 2009

We applaud the Scottish Government's decision to extend the FFG's for another year and also the DFT's continuation of MSRS but are disappointed that the grant has been significantly reduced on many Anglo - Scottish routes.