June 17, 2025
Rail Freight
When moving goods from one location to another, businesses have a few main freight options: road, air, sea, and rail. Each option has its strengths, but when you’re looking for a balance between speed, cost, reliability and sustainability, rail freight often stands out as a smart choice.
In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of rail transport compared to road and air freight. Whether you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint, cut transport costs, or improve delivery times, rail freight offers more benefits than you might think.
Rail freight can be more environmentally friendly
One of the biggest benefits of rail transport is how much more environmentally friendly it is than road or air freight. Moving goods by rail produces a lot less carbon dioxide: up to 76% less than road transport, according to Network Rail.
Trains are far more fuel efficient than lorries, especially when carrying large loads over long distances. Rail freight also creates less air pollution, as trains run on steel tracks and steel wheels, releasing fewer particles into the air. This helps improve air quality, especially in busy areas, making it a huge benefit of rail transport when considering which freight option is right for your business!
Rail freight can be cheaper for long distances and big loads
Another key advantage of rail transport is the cost. While road transport may seem cheaper at first inspection (particularly for short journeys), rail quickly becomes more cost-effective when you’re moving larger loads or going longer distances. A single freight train can carry the same amount as up to 129 lorries, significantly reducing fuel costs, labour requirements, and the environmental impact per ton of freight moved.
In other parts of the world, such as the US, longer trains and the use of double-stacked containers allow railways to carry the equivalent of up to 300 trucks in a single journey. This significantly reduces the number of trips required, cuts fuel consumption, and lowers overall transport costs. Fewer drivers and vehicles are needed, which also eases pressure on logistics and labour.
One of the key advantages of rail transport is its efficiency, particularly in fuel use. Unlike road or air transport, where fuel prices can be unpredictable, trains, especially those powered by electricity, are less vulnerable to sudden price changes. This stability gives businesses greater control over their budgets and helps prevent unexpected spikes in transport expenses.
Rail freight is reliable and on time
Another key advantage of rail transport is its reliability. Unlike lorries, which can be delayed by traffic jams, roadworks, or adverse weather conditions, trains typically adhere to fixed schedules. This predictability reduces the likelihood of unexpected delays when shipping goods by rail.
Many rail freight services also operate overnight or during off-peak hours, allowing goods to arrive on time without being affected by daytime congestion. This scheduling flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on just-in-time deliveries or need to maintain consistent stock levels.
Recent data highlights the benefits of rail transport in terms of punctuality. Between April and June 2024, the UK experienced a 7% year-on-year increase in rail freight volume, coinciding with the lowest cancellation and delay rates in three years, highlighting the growing reliability of rail freight operations.
Rail freight helps ease road traffic
A further important advantage of rail transport is its ability to reduce road congestion. By using trains instead of lorries, fewer heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are on the roads, benefiting not only companies shipping goods but also other road users.
This reduction in road freight can lead to fewer traffic incidents, contributing to a safer and more efficient transport network. By easing pressure on roads, rail freight supports both public safety and the long-term resilience of our infrastructure.
Rail freight supports the economy
Rail transport also offers advantages due to its substantial contribution to the UK economy. According to Network Rail, rail freight delivers approximately £2.45 billion in economic and social benefits annually. This encompasses job creation, reduced road maintenance costs, and alleviated congestion. Notably, 90% of these benefits are realised outside of London and the South East, highlighting rail freight’s role in regional economic development.
Rail freight also plays a pivotal role in connecting inland areas with ports and cities, facilitating smoother trade across the UK and beyond. For instance, a single freight train can carry enough material to construct 30 houses, supporting the UK government’s housing targets. Additionally, rail freight produces 76% fewer carbon emissions per tonne compared to road transport, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
Rail freight works in tandem with other transport options
Another key advantage of rail transport is its ability to seamlessly integrate with other forms of transport. Rather than operating in isolation, rail can be used for the long-haul portion of a journey, with goods switching to lorries for the final “last mile.” This combination, known as intermodal transport, offers businesses greater flexibility while still helping to cut both costs and emissions.
For instance, many companies now use rail to move containers from factories to ports, where they are then transferred onto ships or trucks. This maximises the efficiency of each transport mode and means that goods keep moving smoothly through the supply chain. By combining rail with other methods of transport, businesses can take full advantage of the benefits of rail transport, including reduced congestion, lower carbon emissions, and cost savings, especially when compared to air freight, across the entire journey.
Intermodal transport also helps balance the workload across the entire transport network, preventing bottlenecks and making the system more resilient. This multi-modal approach highlights one of the unique advantages of rail transport, making it a versatile and efficient choice for modern supply chains.
Rail freight is improving
Thanks to advances in technology, rail freight is constantly improving. Electric trains are becoming more common, helping to further reduce emissions, while high-speed rail services in parts of the UK are enabling goods to be delivered faster than ever. This technological progress is making rail a more competitive and sustainable option for businesses.
When deciding how to move goods, it’s easy to focus on speed or familiarity, but as we’ve seen, the advantages of rail transport go far beyond these basics. The benefits of rail transport (such as lower emissions, increased reliability, and the ability to support economic growth) are driving more and more businesses to choose rail. As rail continues to innovate and evolve, it becomes an even more attractive option for companies looking to improve their supply chains while reducing their environmental footprint.
Discover the benefits of rail freight for your business
If you’re looking for a smarter, more sustainable way to move goods across the UK or beyond, rail freight offers a reliable and cost-effective solution. With fewer delays, lower emissions, and the ability to carry large volumes in a single journey, it’s a freight transport option that’s built for the future.
Here at AGI, we offer tailored rail freight services to suit your business needs, backed by expert support and a network you can trust. Get in touch with our team today to find out how rail could work for your supply chain, and for all of the latest AGI news, don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!