Favourite Freight Operating Company

[jshaw]

I don't know if this has already been covered but I wanted to know which freight operating company are peoples favourite.

 

[rebmcr]

I don't send a lot of (any) goods by freight train, so I'm not really sure how I could have a favourite.

 

[DarloRich]

Not being a freight customer I cant really comment other than i like the Colas paint scheme and I am grateful DRS carefully move all those glowing coals about without problem!

On what are we basing this choice?

 

[AlterEgo]

I've never heard of Mendip Rail to be honest....

 

[fgwrich]

I've never heard of Mendip Rail to be honest....

Mendip Rail doesn't actually haul their own freight from the Mendips - DB Cargo is contracted by Agrigate Industries to haul the stone traffic from Somerset etc.

 

[ScotTrains]

I think DRS are the only ones who have an annual open day, open to the general public. They also have the best selection of locomotives (20's, 37's, 47's, 68's, etc). Therefore they can have my vote!
If I were a customer obviously my criteria for voting would be different.

 

[221129]

Mendip Rail doesn't actually haul their own freight from the Mendips - DB Cargo is contracted by Agrigate Industries to haul the stone traffic from Somerset etc.

Mendip Rail operate most of their own trains (albeit with DBC drivers I think.)

 

[Condor7]

To be fair this is posted on a Rail enthusiasts forum I don't think he was asking for our views as a freight customer, and I think one or two of you are being a little bit mischievous

As ScotTrains has mentioned we do perhaps have some views on this but maybe so long as we see a freight train we are happy whatever toc it is.

I am rather fond of GBRf but perhaps because they are not quite as common where I am and I like what they do with some of their locos such as 'Evening Star'

 

[Photohunter71]

Can't really vote since I have not directly used any services provided by those companies. However maybe the question should be, what is the future for railfreight? Since the coal dropped sharply and DB are shedding some staff, I'd say, unless there is a turnaround of decisions and fortunes,I reckon there's a bleak future for railfreight. Please someone prove me wrong.

 

[DarloRich]

To be fair this is posted on a Rail enthusiasts forum I don't think he was asking for our views as a freight customer, and I think one or two of you are being a little bit mischievous

As ScotTrains has mentioned we do perhaps have some views on this but maybe so long as we see a freight train we are happy whatever toc it is.

I am rather fond of GBRf but perhaps because they are not quite as common where I am and I like what they do with some of their locos such as 'Evening Star'

so we are choosing on who paints their locomotives a nicer colour? Some criteria for judging would be helpful.

 

[3141]

I've voted for GBRf, on the basis that
1) as I understand it, they arranged from the start a contract under which their drivers work more flexibly than those of other freight companies, which has probably been a contributory factor to their success;
2) their MD John Smith appears to have a very solid grip on affairs and an ability to come up with arrangements that win business for the company.

 

[E_Reeves]

I like DRS because they have a variety of locos of all ages... And they have the 68s

 

[class 9]

I've voted for GBRf, on the basis that
1) as I understand it, they arranged from the start a contract under which their drivers work more flexibly than those of other freight companies, which has probably been a contributory factor to their success;
2) their MD John Smith appears to have a very solid grip on affairs and an ability to come up with arrangements that win business for the company.

Freightliner Heavy Haul have comparable flexibility for their train crew/ground staff.

 

[507021]

I went for Direct Rail Services because I like the fleet variety, especially the Class 37s and Class 68s.

 

[leomartin125]

I do love Colas Rail, I must admit it was tough. But Colas operate the NMT for Network Rail and also have those super grids and 70's! Not to mention the Colnbrook to Lindsey 60 ... :P

 

[swt class 450]

This is a very hard question. I dont work in the freight industry or ever travel on board freight trains so it is hard to choose a favourite.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Mine would have to be Colas for the following reason.

A couple of years a go I took my two little nephews for a walk over Blea Moor and as we walked over to Ribblehead we a Colas class 66 and its train in the loop. We stood and waited for its departure and were rewarded with a cheery wave from the driver and three long blasts on the horn. We were thrilled to bits

 

[Condor7]

so we are choosing on who paints their locomotives a nicer colour? Some criteria for judging would be helpful.

As a trainspotters, yes that is exactly my criteria.

 

[Stevefish01]

I do love Colas Rail, I must admit it was tough. But Colas operate the NMT for Network Rail and also have those super grids and 70's! Not to mention the Colnbrook to Lindsey 60 ... :P

Sometimes we have 70`s arrive here too!