In honour of Railway 200 and the rail freight sector, a locomotive was named after the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT UK) during a ceremony at Doncaster Railport today (August 16) as part of the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations.
Freightliner, which is a long-standing partner of the institute, wanted to celebrate 200 years of rail freight and honour the important work of CILT UK over its 105-year history with the sector.
The plaque was unveiled by Anna-Jane Hunter, CILT(UK) Chair of the Board, who said: “Today is not only about the naming of a locomotive but also the remarkable history this represents. CILT UK have been supporting rail freight for over 100 years, and we are proud to be part of the Railway 200 celebrations. Freightliner is one of the biggest names in rail freight so it’s a huge honour to have our name across one of their trains.
“The event also gave us a chance to educate guests about the importance of rail freight and how CILT UK supports it – spreading awareness around the many roles involved in keeping goods moving across the nation.”
Freightliner is a logistics firm that focuses on intermodal and heavy haul rail freight services. They hold the title of the largest maritime intermodal operator in the UK. The celebrations also form part of the 60th Anniversary year for Freightliner, as they celebrate their place in delivering sustainable logistics since 1965.
David Turner, Intermodal Operations Director, was also on hand from Freightliner and added: “I want to take a moment to celebrate and remember the important work CILT UK do for our sector. They are the backbone of our industries and continue to fly the flag for all those working in logistics and transport. The institute offers a recognised and respected voice for all of us and that’s why we are here today, to honour them and create our own little piece of history. It was a pleasure to host so many guests at our Railport over the weekend. I want to thank all our visitors, partners and everyone involved in helping make the event a huge success.”
Railway 200 is a year-long, partner-led campaign to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway. It explores the past, present and future or rail, encouraging the next generation of pioneering talent to consider a career in rail. To mark the bicentenary, an additional train called Inspiration, joined the weekend celebrations - welcoming visitors from across the nation and industry leaders.
Inspiration comprises of four distinctive carriages, powered by a locomotive. Rail’s pioneering pedigree is explored in a ‘Railway Firsts’ coach, highlighting landmark moments in rail’s development. Alongside is ‘Wonderlab on Wheels’, inviting visitors to test their engineering skills with hands-on exhibits. Next is the ‘Your Railway Future’ carriage, showcasing some of the more hidden roles in rail and encouraging people to join the railway to shape the next 200 years. The final coach is a ‘Partner Zone’, offering free, flexible exhibition space.
Emma Roberts, Programme Manager, from Railway 200, explained: “We are proud to have our exhibition train, Inspiration, here today in Doncaster to celebrate the past and look to the future. Thank you to Freightliner, CILT UK and Doncaster City Council for hosting and supporting the event. Railway 200 covers both passenger and rail freight Modern day hubs like this one in Doncaster help to deliver the essential goods and services many people need and want. .”
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever. Under the banner of Railway 200, nationwide celebrations are planned throughout the year, showcasing how the railway shaped Britain and the world and how its pioneering pedigree continues today and is shaping tomorrow. Railway 200 encourages everyone to join in this once-in-a-generation opportunity, whether that’s by displaying the Railway 200 logo, organising events and activities, running competitions, or sharing rail stories.
ENDS
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is the membership organisation for professionals leading supply chain operations for the movement of goods and people. Members of the Institute are involved in the management and design of infrastructure, systems, processes and information flows, and in the creation, management and continuous improvement of effective organisations. The work of our members adds value to people and society and directly impacts the environment, business profitability and economic growth. Learn more about CILT UK here: www.ciltuk.org.uk
For more information on rail’s bicentenary visit www.railway200.co.uk