Aggregates movements by rail continue to strengthen

BDS Marketing Research publish first update to two-year old report on aggregates movements by rail

THE first detailed report specifically looking at the volumes of primary aggregates moved by rail from quarries to rail depots was published two years ago. Since then, both the number of operating rail depots and the total tonnage of materials moved by rail have increased. Rail is playing a stronger role in delivering crushed rock, in particular, from its natural sources to major construction markets elsewhere in Great Britain.

These are some of the findings in the first update to this report entitled ‘Estimated outputs of aggregates moved through rail depots in Great Britain’, published by leading industry consultants BDS Marketing Research.

‘Whilst the South East and East of England are the major focal points for rail depots, there is also significant activity in other markets, including the North West and Yorkshire & Humberside,’ said report author Andy Sales. ‘The growth in rail-borne aggregates traffic has continued over the last two years and there are plans in place by Network Rail, the rail freight operators and the aggregates producers to increase their commitment to this more sustainable activity in the coming years.’

In total, BDS estimate that well over 18 million tonnes of aggregates were transported from quarries and wharves to an expanded network of nearly 90 separate rail depots in 2017.

The report estimates the volumes and market shares of all of the companies operating aggregates rail depots by individual site, county, region and nationally. It also includes information on newly opened and planned rail depots.

The ability to transfer road movements to the rail network is attractive to both aggregates companies and the Government as they each continue in their efforts to improve their sustainability credentials and reductions in carbon emissions.

The report is part of a suite published regularly by BDS covering the major heavy building materials industry. For further details or to purchase a copy, contact Andy Sales, research director at BDS, by email at: andy.sales@bdsmarketing.co.uk; or call: (01761) 433035.