Being able to transport goods efficiently and reliably is critical for business success. Rail freight also has a number of key advantages over other methods of distribution.
Sustainable -
Rail freight produces only 10% of the emissions per tonne that road-based distribution produces.
Less impact -
Because railways are typically located away from populated areas the impact of emissions, noise and vibration are kept relatively localised.
Safer -
Unlike road freight, rail freight poses no danger to other transport users such as cyclists, pedestrians and car users.
Competitive -
It is generally accepted that rail is most competitive when the distance freight must be conveyed is at least 300 miles. Rail freight distribution can still be economically viable if there is a regular flow, regardless of distances.
Transport Scotland's rail freight team will be examining the issues that effect the establishment of a flow, such as -
- Regularity of the flow
- Physical accessibility to the rail network
- Availability of equipment
In addition, the team will be looking at the challenge of consolidating loads which have the same origin and destination but would usually be too small to travel by rail.
If you would like to discuss transporting goods by rail freight, please contact freight@transportscotland.gsi.gov.uk.
Grants to encourage the transfer of freight from road to rail and water are the responsibility of the Scottish Government. You can find out more about the Freight Facilities Grant (FFG), Rail Environmental Benefit Procurement Scheme (REPS) and Waterborne Freight Grant at the
Scottish Government website.
