CMA CGM to Acquire Freightliner UK, Expanding Intermodal and Sustainable Transport Offering
Summary
The CMA CGM Group has announced the acquisition of Freightliner’s UK rail and road operations, inland terminals and brand rights, with the deal expected to close in early 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding and Freightliner Poland/Germany will remain with their current owners. Freightliner will continue to operate independently under its existing management teams, preserving its multi-user, multi-customer model. The move strengthens CMA CGM’s intermodal footprint in Europe and advances a strategic push to shift freight from road to rail as part of decarbonising efforts across global supply chains.
Key Points
- The deal covers Freightliner’s UK rail and road operations, inland terminals and brand rights; completion is expected in early 2026, pending approvals.
- Freightliner will continue operating independently under current management, ensuring service continuity for customers.
- CMA CGM aims to expand integrated intermodal services (sea, rail, road, terminals) and improve connectivity between major European ports and the UK hinterland.
- The acquisition supports CMA CGM’s decarbonisation strategy by accelerating the modal shift from road to lower-carbon rail freight.
- CMA CGM already has a sizable UK presence — c.7,200 employees, 28 shipping services and significant rail/road TEU volumes — reinforcing the strategic fit of Freightliner into its portfolio.
Context and Relevance
This acquisition is a clear bet on intermodal growth and sustainability. By adding a well-established UK rail operator, CMA CGM gains direct control of a crucial leg in the supply chain between ports and inland markets — which matters as shippers and regulators push for lower emissions. It also reflects a wider industry trend: carriers and logistics integrators buying or partnering with rail and inland terminal operators to offer end-to-end, lower-carbon solutions and better port hinterland links.
Why should I read this?
No jargon — if you work in shipping, rail, warehousing or supply-chain planning, this changes the game. CMA CGM isn’t just buying assets; it’s plugging rail into its ocean and logistics network to give customers cheaper, quicker routes to decarbonise operations. If you’re deciding transport modes, renewing contracts, or planning capacity for 2026+, know this will shift capacity, pricing dynamics and sustainability options in the UK–Europe corridor.