GoLink Advisory Group is looking to run a trial of a new high-speed railfreight operation designed specifically for the courier, express, parcel (CEP) sector.
The operation is planned to use trains hauled by Rail Operations Group (ROG) Class 93s and then electric HGVs to, it says, “create a fully integrated, low-carbon transport solution for long-distance linehaul networks”.
The operation will be run by working with DPD UK as a partner and will receive up to £130,000 from the Department for Transport’s Freight Innovation Fund.
GoLink has said: “We aim to prove that high-speed rail can provide a competitive, sustainable option for parcel operators and open up wider market opportunities across the UK logistics industry.”
It is the latest in a long line of trials for railfreight to tackle the high-speed, low-weight, logistics market with recent trains by ROG itself with its Orion Class 319/768s and more recently Varamis running from Mossend to Birmingham using Class 321 electric multiple units.
Both failed to reach the loadings envisaged with ROG scrapping its unit and Varamis operations paused since the summer.
GoLink said: “What makes our solution different is the combination of speed, digital visibility, standardised unitisation and seamless transfer between road and rail. Traditional railfreight is often slow, rigid and not trusted by parcel operators.
“Our approach is designed around their needs, offering faster ‘on rail’ performance, real-time tracking and reliable ‘to the minute’ arrivals. This gives delivery companies a genuine alternative to road and air freight that is both greener and more efficient.”
The firm believes the trial will “demonstrate that time-critical volume can move quickly and reliably by rail, while connecting smoothly into existing road-based networks.” It plans to test end-to-end journey times, the trans-shipment process between electric vehicles and rail wagons and the digital platform that allows customers to track end-to-end multi-modal network operations in real time.
RAIL understands the hope is for the trial to begin in March 2026.
Route plans are yet to be confirmed.
