The Royal Mail is to re-introduce rail services for the delivery of mail. The company has agreed a contract with GB Railfreight for four rail services between London and Scotland via Warrington, during December.
These new rail services will distribute 4% of the daily Christmas mailbag. As part of the contract, two rail services will continue to run between London and Scotland until March 2005 on a trial basis.
According to chief executive Adam Crozier, Royal Mail has been talking to GB Railfreight for some time about the provision of a small number of rail services to support the Christmas operation. “Rail has always been an important part of our distribution network during the festive period because it gives us additional flexibility, particularly in extreme weather conditions.”
John Smith, managing director of GB Railfreight said: “Everyone in the company is proud to be associated with mail being moved by rail again. We are confident the trial will be a success and prove to Royal Mail the benefits of rail to their supply chain. Rail has a clear advantage for the movement of mail and we will work hard to make sure we retain it.”
The services will run on weekdays from Princess Royal Distribution Centre at Willesden to Shieldmuir Royal Mail Terminal via Warrington Royal Mail Terminal.
