A rich history of
progress and innovation
Over our 58 years of service we have built a rich heritage as a business that we’re extremely proud of. From day one, we’ve been on a journey to deliver the
goods and services businesses throughout the country need, while
also connecting the UK to a global marketplace.
OUR HISTORY
A PROGRESSIVE JOURNEY TO BE PROUD OF
Freightliner are proud of the progressive journey that’s brought us to where we are today. We’ve spent decades perfecting our processes and carefully forming the solutions that our customers’ businesses can depend on.
When it comes to the logistics industry, Freightliner has always been setting the standard. Whether it’s pioneering new technologies to make the freight landscape a safer and more sustainable place, or cultivating a team that truly cares about safety and integrity – our heritage is steeped in occasions where we have proudly led by example.
ABOUT US
OUR JOURNEY SO FAR
In 1965 we made a commitment to deliver the goods Britain needs and have been delivering on that promise ever since. Here you can watch a video of our journey so far and learn more about our business.
OUR MOMENTS IN TIME
1965
The journey begins
Our first train ran from London to Scotland launching Freightliner as a contender in the intermodal haulage market, as an operating company of British Rail.
1972
Millionth container transported
Rapid growth in network terminals in major UK cities and ports, and continual business development, cumulated in the millionth container being transported by Freightliner.
1996
Privatisation
Freightliner was privatised through a management buyout and became part of the operating company Freightliner Limited, which later loses the ‘Ltd’ from branding.
1999
Moving bulk freight
Freightliner Heavy Haul is established and begins moving bulk freight by rail and operates as a separate entity from the rest of the Freightliner Group for over a decade.
2003
Coal trains rocket
After only 25 months of operating coal trains, Freightliner is responsible for almost 25% of UK coal movement. This figure rises over the years even as bulk freight services expand to cover a larger range of commodities.
2006
Maintenance Team established
Freightliner’s engineering division is launched, bringing a fresh approach to the repair and maintenance of our traction, rolling stock and infrastructure.
2007
Freightliner Poland commences service
As the first freight train in Poland, Freightliner PL starts operations with brand new rolling stock. Going from strength to strength, the company continues to expand its service offering.
2008
Acquisition by Arcapita
Private equity firm Arcapita takes ownership of Freightliner Group Limited and all subsidiaries.
2012
Freightliner Germany commences service
Building on Freightliner’s success in Poland, Freightliner DE begins operations. Initially transporting containers by rail, the company later offers bulk freight transportation by rail.
2015
Freightliner acquired by G&W
G&W acquires Freightliner, enabling their expansion into the European market.
2017
G&W acquire Pentalver
G&W strengthens their position in Intermodal through the acquisition of the road haulage company Pentalver.
2019
G&W acquired by Brookfield & GIC
Brookfield acquire Freightliner’s holding company G&W and all of its subsidiaries including Freightliner.