Tarmac pledge rail commitment with new wagon deal

TARMAC have boosted their capacity to deliver aggregates by rail to sites in Central London and the South East following an investment in a new fleet of state-of-the-art rail wagons by DB Schenker, the transportation and logistics company.

The 12 new freight wagons, manufactured by Nottinghamshire-based company WH Davis, are each capable of hauling over 75 tonnes of product and have been put into immediate operation.

The wagons will allow Tarmac to deliver product more easily and efficiently to sites and terminals in the heart of London and the South East, reducing the need to transport materials by road.

In 2009, Tarmac transported over 2.5 million tonnes of aggregate, lime and cement using its national rail freight network – saving over 7,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by reducing lorry movements.

Mark Joel, executive director, Tarmac South East region, said: ‘These new cutting-edge wagons form part of Tarmac’s long-term commitment to using their rail freight network where possible. This latest initiative ensures that our customers across the South East will benefit from more efficient delivery of our materials to sites and reduced environmental impact with lower carbon emissions.’

The wagons have been fitted with one of the most efficient suspension systems available, designed to reduce noise pollution as well as track impact and wear, resulting in both reduced track access and maintenance expenses. The stainless steel wagons are also specially designed to allow material to be released on to a mobile conveyor system for unloading into areas with limited space.