Carousel Logistics has joined forces with Varamis rail as they work together to develop a fully electric rail route between Birmingham and Glasgow.

Following a successful trail since they first formed their partnership in February this year, it’s official, the electric route becomes part of Carousel Logistics’ pan-European delivery operations.

Varamis Rail is using former passenger trains and converting, allowing them to carry cargo between the Midlands and Scotland at speeds of up to 100mph.

Managing Director UK, Carousel Logistics, Andrew Lowery, said: “The introduction of this zero-emission route out of Birmingham, our primary UK hub, is a real win-win for us.

“Not only does this high-speed electric train drive our journey toward carbon neutrality, it is also faster than the diesel-fuelled alternatives.

“The game-changing train is powered by Network Rail’s overhead line infrastructure, with all electricity generated from environmentally friendly sources” he added.

Carousel Logistics is now running freight out of Birmingham on Varamis Rail’s midnight service and the electric route will save 1,350 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year under the current schedule. The schedule was designed by both teams carefully, calculating reduction of emissions and bringing about operational improvements for Carousel Logistics’ in-night deliveries.

Phil Read, Managing Director, Varamis Rail said: “Carousel Logistics has been instrumental in helping us design a route that meets the needs of time-critical delivery services – for this venture to be successful, it must serve the industry.

“Like ourselves, they’re pioneers – their team is innovative and exploring new, green alternatives in a bid to make cargo transport more sustainable” he added.

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