Direct Rail Services (DRS) and Tesco have celebrated 20 years of partnership, a milestone that reflects their commitment to transforming the movement of goods across the UK through sustainable rail freight.
The partnership, which began with a single service, has grown into one of the UK’s most successful rail freight operations, with DRS now operating up to 10 services per day on behalf of Tesco.
Over the last 20 years, the collaboration has helped remove hundreds of thousands of lorry journeys from Britain’s roads, reducing congestion and significantly lowering carbon emissions. Each train removes around 40 lorries from the road network, meaning hundreds of lorries off the road network every day. Rail freight produces at least 76% less carbon dioxide than road haulage, helping Tesco and DRS support the UK’s net zero ambitions.
The milestone, celebrated on Tuesday 22 September, comes just a week after DRS and Tesco were named winners of the Freight & Logistics Achievement of the Year category at the National Rail Awards, recognising the success and impact of the partnership over the past two decades.
The occasion was marked with the unveiling of a new name for 88010 – Tesco 20 years of rail freight – at Tesco’s Daventry terminal. NTS’s co-CEO Ciara Middlehurst and Tesco’s Mathew Rhind, UK Transport Distribution Director, revealed the new nameplate.
There was also an extra special cake produced for the celebration in the shape of 88010 with a Tesco container in tow.
Speaking at the event, Ciara Middlehurst, Co-CEO of Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), owner and operator of DRS, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to celebrate this significant milestone. DRS has been Tesco’s trusted rail partner from the very beginning and together we have built one of the most recognisable and successful rail freight partnerships in the country.
“What started as a single service has grown year-on-year into a major operation that moves millions of miles’ worth of freight while delivering substantial environmental benefits.
“This partnership demonstrates the vital role rail freight can play in supporting the UK’s economy while reducing emissions and congestion. With the UK Government committed to increasing rail freight growth in the years ahead, partnerships like this will have an increasingly important role to play.”
Ciara also paid tribute to the employees across DRS whose efforts have underpinned the partnership’s success.
“The achievements of the last 20 years would not have been possible without the dedication and professionalism of our people. From drivers, planners and fitters to control staff and support teams, their commitment ensures products reach stores reliably and efficiently every day.
“Their work helps keep shelves stocked and products fresh for customers across the country, and I want to thank every colleague who has played a part in this success.”
Innovation has been a key driver throughout the partnership. DRS has continually invested in new operating models, wagon designs and technologies to improve performance and sustainability.
The company was also the first rail freight operator in the UK to introduce a mainline overhead-powered bi-mode locomotive with its Class 88 fleet. Capable of hauling up to 1,500 tonnes of freight with zero exhaust emissions when operating under electric power, the Class 88 has set the benchmark for sustainable and flexible rail freight operations for almost a decade.
Looking ahead, DRS and Tesco remain committed to growing the use of rail freight, identifying new opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and continuing to deliver efficient, reliable and sustainable supply chain solutions.
Ciara added:
“Tesco has worked alongside us every step of the way, helping drive greater efficiency, reliability and continuous improvement.
“Together, we have grown rail freight, overcome challenges, embraced innovation and demonstrated what can be achieved when organisations work towards a common goal.
“We are incredibly proud to have played a part in Tesco’s rail freight journey and look forward to continuing that journey together for many years to come.”