In the early hours of Wednesday 23rd February 2011, Freightliner ran the very first service to the port of Southampton conveying 9’6″ containers on standard wagons.
The 0120 departure from Trafford Park (Manchester) conveyed several laden high cube containers on standard wagons on the recently cleared W10 route to Southampton. Previously ‘high cube’ containers would need to be loaded onto specialist wagons.
Adam Cunliffe, Managing Director, Freightliner Ltd commented;
“I am delighted that Freightliner are now able to offer our customers real flexibility in our service offering from Southampton.
“Our range of destinations served remained constant throughout the recession and offered a consistent service to our customers providing the basis for further growth. Post gauge clearance this offering will be improved through the launch of two additional daily trains.”
Freightliner’s facility at Trafford Park in Manchester is the largest inland terminal in the UK. Moving circa 150,000 containers annually.
