In major UK freight rail deal, CGM is set to acquire Freightliner
Summary
CMA CGM has announced plans to acquire Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics, bringing the rail and road operations, inland terminals and the Freightliner brand into the shipping group’s portfolio. The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Several Freightliner operations — including Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding and businesses in Poland and Germany — will remain with their current owners.
Freightliner will continue to operate as a multi-user, multi-customer rail freight company and is expected to run independently with existing teams. CMA CGM says the move will help shift more cargo from road to rail, reduce carbon emissions and advance its decarbonisation goals.
Key Points
- CMA CGM to acquire Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics (rail, road operations, terminals and brand).
- Deal expected to complete in early 2026, pending regulatory approval.
- Freightliner Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding and operations in Poland and Germany are excluded from the sale.
- Freightliner to continue as a multi-user rail operator, operating independently with current teams.
- CMA CGM aims to move freight from road to rail to lower carbon emissions and support its decarbonisation strategy.
- Acquisition strengthens CMA CGM’s inland logistics footprint, linking ocean and rail transport more closely in the UK.
- Regulatory scrutiny and integration of commercial networks will be key next steps to watch.
Context and relevance
This is a significant vertical expansion for a major ocean carrier into UK rail logistics. The deal accelerates the trend of shipping lines integrating inland transport to offer end-to-end services, which can alter competitive dynamics among rail operators, hauliers and forwarders. For shippers and logistics planners the transaction could mean greater intermodal options, capacity shifts and potential changes to pricing and routing as networks are rationalised and coordinated.
From a sustainability standpoint, the stated aim to transfer freight from road to rail aligns with broader industry decarbonisation targets and UK policy incentives for modal shift — so this transaction is notable for both commercial and environmental reasons.
Why should I read this?
Short version: this is a big move. If you work in UK or European supply chains, transport planning, or sustainability strategy, this could change how inland links are sold and scheduled — and where capacity and pricing head next. We’ve read it so you don’t have to plough through the announcement: it matters for modal shift, carrier strategy and who controls the end-to-end freight experience.