12/01/06 EWS Acquires Wagons for Pallet Services

EWS, Britain's largest rail freight operator, has acquired 75 wagons with moveable floors for pallet services. The wagons will enable EWS to promote a range of new services across Britain targeted towards the requirements of the palletised goods markets.

The wagons, acquired from BMW, were originally used for carrying car components, and are a high cube rail van with a distinctive moveable floor capable of carrying loaded pallets stacked one above the other. With a gross laden weight of up to 59.5 tonnes these wagons will give EWS a competitive advantage against road in the palletised goods market.

The moveable floor enables pallets to be loaded on two tiers. Customers will be able to experience a quick "in and out" service, particularly useful for busy terminals.

Trains will be able to operate at speeds of 75 mph, enabling quicker journey times than road operations.

Andrea Rawling, EWS Sales and Development Manager General Merchandise, said: "These wagons will play a crucial role in EWS's programme to win 33 million tonnes of new freight traffic to rail. During the first months of 2006, EWS will be marketing these new services to the express pallet market, with a particular focus on palletised and bagged products to develop the fast moving consumer goods rail sector. The volume and weight achievable via these wagons will enable EWS to offer an economical rail solution for customers currently using road."