Tesco celebrates 20 years of rail freight partnership with Direct Rail Services
Tesco marked 20 years of moving goods by rail after launching its first service between Daventry and Scotland in 2006. It now moves an average of seven million cases a week by rail, while 40 suppliers also use the network.
In 2024 Tesco added its 10th regular rail service, linking Manchester and delivering direct‑to‑store loads for the North West. Using rail lets Tesco deliver straight from terminals to stores, cutting road miles, handling time and the need for intermediate distribution centres. It works with suppliers near rail terminals to fill return journeys, reducing empty mileage, and says HGVs account for about 21% of UK domestic transport emissions.
Tesco launched its first rail freight service between Daventry and Scotland in 2006, working with Direct Rail Services. Since then it has greatly expanded its use of rail across its distribution network.
What we know
Tesco marked 20 years of moving goods by rail
The company launched its first rail freight service between Daventry and Scotland in 2006
Tesco now moves an average of seven million cases a week using rail, while 40 suppliers also use the network
Tesco added its 10th regular rail service in 2024, serving Manchester and carrying direct-to-store loads for the North West
Tesco currently operates 1249 electric home delivery vans in the UK, representing 21 per cent of its fleet