DRS to start new intermodal service between Teesport and Manchester

D Ports and Direct Rail Services are launching a new intermodal service between Teesport and Trafford Park Manchester.

Beginning on February 3 2025, it will operate five days each week.

A key feature of the service will be the use of IDA low- profile bogie flat wagons that can transport high-cube boxes across areas of the UK previously inaccessible by rail.

Without the use of IDA wagons, high-cube containers (which measure 9ft 6in in height compared with the standard 8ft 6in) can only be transported to many areas of the country by road rather than rail, because of low bridges, tunnels and stations.

Geoff Lippitt, PD Ports’ Group Commercial and Strategy Director, said: “This new service seeks to meet the demands of modern-day supply chains.

“High-cube containers enable customers to reduce their environmental impact and increase cost efficiencies, thanks to the economies of scale offered by rail over road and the extra capacity offered by these larger containers compared with standard boxes.”

Jo Edmenson, PD Ports Commercial Key Account Manager for rail, added: “This is a modal shift from road to rail predominantly, but we hope to pick up some new business.”