GB Railfreight Becomes Britain's Largest Rail Freight Operator After 25 Years of Growth

ORR figures confirm GBRf now operates the largest share of Britain's rail freight market, marking a significant milestone as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary.

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has become the UK's largest rail freight operator, according to newly published figures from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), capping a remarkable period of growth that has transformed the business from a start-up operator into the market leader.

The latest industry data shows GBRf now accounts for 31.4% of all freight train kilometres operated across Great Britain, while also recording the largest share of freight vehicle kilometres, at 33.3%.

The achievement coincides with the company's 25th anniversary, having operated its first commercial freight service in 2001.

Quarter of a Century of Expansion

Since entering the market, GBRf has steadily expanded its operations through sustained investment in rolling stock, infrastructure and workforce development.

Today, the operator moves freight to destinations across Britain, including Fowey, Fort William, Penmaenmawr and the Isle of Grain, transporting everything from shipping containers and construction materials to biomass, consumer goods and supplies for major infrastructure projects.

The company says its growth has been underpinned by long-term investment in modern locomotives, operational facilities and employee development, allowing it to increase capacity while responding to rising customer demand.

Recent investment has included the introduction of Class 99 hybrid locomotives, expansion of its wagon fleet and continued improvements to welfare, training and operational safety.

Supporting Jobs Across Britain

GBRf says its success has also created thousands of skilled, long-term jobs across the railway sector, many located outside London and the South East.

The company highlights the strength of its workforce, with many employees spending entire careers in the rail industry and, increasingly, multiple generations of the same families choosing to work for the business.

Growing Importance of Rail Freight

The milestone comes at a time when rail freight is playing an increasingly important role in supporting economic growth while helping reduce the environmental impact of freight transport.

According to industry estimates, rail freight contributes around £2.5 billion to the UK economy every year while removing thousands of heavy goods vehicle movements from Britain's roads, helping to reduce congestion, improve air quality and lower carbon emissions.

As businesses seek more sustainable logistics solutions, demand for rail freight services continues to grow across multiple sectors.

Industry Reaction

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight, said:

"If someone had told us 25 years ago, when we were preparing to run our first train, that we would one day become the UK's largest rail freight operator, I'm not sure many of us would have believed them.

"It's a fantastic achievement and one that makes me incredibly proud. What makes it even more special is that it comes in the same year that we celebrate our 25th anniversary."

He added:

"This milestone belongs to the thousands of colleagues, past and present, whose hard work, commitment and belief in the business have helped build GBRf into what it is today.

"We've come a long way, but we're certainly not standing still. Rail freight has a vital role to play in supporting economic growth, strengthening supply chains and helping businesses move goods more sustainably. We're excited about the future and remain committed to investing in our people, our customers and the railway."

Leading the Next Phase of Freight Growth

For GBRf, becoming Britain's largest freight operator is more than simply a market share statistic—it reflects the growing importance of rail freight within the UK's transport network.

With continued investment in cleaner traction, modern rolling stock and expanding logistics capability, the company is positioning itself to play a central role in meeting future demand for lower-carbon freight transport while supporting major infrastructure, construction and supply chain activity across the country.

As the Government looks to encourage a greater shift from road to rail, GBRf's latest milestone highlights the increasing role freight operators will play in delivering both economic growth and the UK's long-term decarbonisation ambitions.