Direct Rail Services

Freightliner 70011 negotiates Eastleigh station with the 0641 Crewe Basford Hall to Southampton Maritime on April 30, as GB Railfreight 66728 Institution of Railway Operators works the 1147 Southampton Western Docks to East Midlands Gateway. The two companies hold the biggest share of UK freight operations, with intermodal a growth area. MARK PIKE.

News

Year-on-year freight growth driven by increases in top three flows

Latest Office of Rail and Road statistics show growth in three areas has driven an overall increase in freight traffic.

Rail freight 4 Jul

News

DRS told to improve on nuclear material handling shortcomings

Nuclear regulator issues improvement notice on Direct Rail Services after identifying several shortcomings.

Direct Rail Services 3 Jul

The first Teesport-Manchester intermodal service awaits departure on February 3 behind DRS’ 68033. SIMON RICHMOND/DRS.

News

DRS and port operator review intermodal flow after trial "successfully demonstrates route"

A 12-week trial ended last month with both train and port operators reviewing its success.

Direct Rail Services 12 May

News

DRS begins 12-week trial of new intermodal service

New service between Teesport and Manchester is hoped to offer a 'new route to customers'.

Direct Rail Services 6 Feb

The first Shap-Drigg service hauled by DRS’ 68016 on January 31. SAM DIXON/DRS.

News

DRS begins new three-year aggregates flow - first phase to save more than 2,000 lorry journeys

Direct Rail Services ran its first train carrying 750 tonnes of material on January 31.

Direct Rail Services 4 Feb

DRS 68024 at Norwich on September 27 2016. RICHARD CLINNICK.

News

Pair of Class 68s rehired by DRS for short-term use are returned to owner

Two diesel locomotives were used on the Railhead Treatment Train

Direct Rail Services 4 Feb

Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390104 passing Rugby. MIKE BROOK.

News

Broken down Pendolino on West Coast Main Line for 33 hours after losing power

Avanti West Coast unit lost power after pantograph struck object on overhead line catenary

West Coast Main Line 20 Jan

News

DRS to start new intermodal service between Teesport and Manchester

New flow will operate five days a week from early February

Direct Rail Services 27 Dec

News

DRS Class 88 loco closer to return after two years out of traffic

The bi-mode locomotive has been seen running after two years out of traffic

Direct Rail Services 24 Dec

88010 in fridge wraps with the 0640 Daventry-Mossend at Golborne Junction. JO CLOUGH

News

DRS extends Tesco deal weeks after starting tenth route with supermarket giant

Freight operator DRS has signed a new deal with Tesco which runs into the middle of 2028

Direct Rail Services 28 Nov

News

Rail Partners: Trade body that representers passenger owning groups to be wound up

Rail Partners, the trade body that represents groups that own passenger operators, is to be wound up in early 2025.

Rail Partners 15 Nov

News

Stricken Class 66 ready to move

A month after its ran into issues at Blair Atholl, Direct Rail Services 66122 was still dumped in a siding at Dunkeld & Birnam.

Locomotives 28 Aug

News

Namings and nameplate sales at Direct Rail Services’ Kingmoor open day

Direct Rail Services staged its biennial open day on July 6, with crowds flocking to its Carlisle Kingmoor depot.

Direct Rail Services 2 Aug

68010 Chiltern Railways Hatton Bank 19-08-15

News

New contract: Chiltern invites proposals for rolling stock deal

New rolling stock contract sought in bid to boost reliability of services.

Class 68 5 Jan

News

DRS rumoured to be offloading Class 57/3s

Speculation surrounds the prospects for the remaining Class 57/3 locomotives on the books of Direct Rail Services

20 Mar

News

DRS cancels plan to sell and lease back locomotives

Direct Rail Services has confirmed to RAIL that it has decided to withdraw all bar one of the locomotives it had offered for sale in July.

22 Sept

News

DRS signs new Tesco deal

Direct Rail Services has signed a new three-year deal with Tesco to continue to supply and expand its rail operations with the supermarket giant.

26 Jan

News

Direct Rail Services disposes of heritage locomotives

Direct Rail Services has announced details of its much-anticipated plan to sell off some of its heritage fleet of locomotives and coaching stock.

15 Jan

News

New freight trips for Tesco and DRS

Tesco has partnered with Direct Rail Services (DRS) to launch a new refrigerated rail freight service from Tilbury to Coatbridge.

14 Jan

News

DRS targets growth in operations as part of NTS

Freight operator Direct Rail Services says it will get stronger and more competitive following the creation of Nuclear Transport Solutions.

11 May

Direct Rail Services

Year-on-year freight growth driven by increases in top three flows

DRS told to improve on nuclear material handling shortcomings

DRS and port operator review intermodal flow after trial "successfully demonstrates route"

DRS begins 12-week trial of new intermodal service

DRS begins new three-year aggregates flow - first phase to save more than 2,000 lorry journeys

Pair of Class 68s rehired by DRS for short-term use are returned to owner

Broken down Pendolino on West Coast Main Line for 33 hours after losing power

DRS to start new intermodal service between Teesport and Manchester

DRS Class 88 loco closer to return after two years out of traffic

DRS extends Tesco deal weeks after starting tenth route with supermarket giant

Rail Partners: Trade body that representers passenger owning groups to be wound up