First GBRf steams into Multimodal

First GBRf, part of FirstGroup plc, has, since its start in 1999, earned praise for its innovative approach, flexibility, reliability and competitiveness as well as its customer service.

First GBRf’s wide ranging business portfolio includes intermodal services; bulk traffic, including coal; infrastructure materials; rail industry services; construction materials; petrochemicals and metals; general commodities as well as mail and parcels, including Royal Mail first class post.

From its launch First GBRf has demonstrated its ability to innovate. The company introduced the Train Manager concept, a title that reflects the enhanced responsibility and status of its drivers in delivering a top class service for its customers.

First GBRf has won the acclaim of colleagues and competitors alike winning a raft of rail industry awards in the nine years since its founding.

First GBRf, through flexibility and a willingness to innovate, has grown into a major contender in the multimodal container business to and from Britain’s ports. It’s a market that is forecast to experience phenomenal growth over the next 25 years - one that First GBRf is well placed to serve.

Currently First GBRf’s multimodal services range from long term, contracted movements from the Port of Felixstowe to spot booking services on a ‘turn up and go, book today for a train tomorrow’ basis.

Today, First GBRf runs daily 'turn up and go' services between the Port of Felixstowe and Doncaster and Hams Hall, West Midlands.

Around 60 to 70 per cent of all containers moved by the company are delivered ‘door-to-door’, direct to the customer. First GBRf’s expertise extends also to providing advice and assistance regarding the availability of and applications for grants.

First GBRf’s strategic vision for its multimodal network is to expand to other ports including Tilbury and Southampton, as well as those in the North West and North East.