Maritime Transport has announced that it has secured a new, three-year contract with long-standing partner, Tesco PLC. With effect from 29th October 2023, Maritime has been appointed by Tesco to manage, plan, and execute all rail operations at Tesco’s central distribution hubs within Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). The new agreement builds on Maritime’s 13-year history with the UK’s largest retailer of groceries and general merchandise, providing distribution services by road to Tesco sites nationwide, and strengthens Maritime’s position in the market as a leading provider of integrated road and rail freight logistics.
Under the new contract, Maritime will oversee the planning of seven daily rail services linking DIRFT with terminals in Mossend, Tilbury, Wentloog, Teesport, and Inverness, whilst completing final-mile road flow operations to distribution centres and Tesco stores in Yorkshire, Middlesbrough, the Midlands, and London.
Employees of Eddie Stobart Ltd. previously affiliated with Tesco’s rail operation at DIRFT have transferred across to Maritime under TUPE regulations after a consultation process took place.
John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal, Maritime Transport, said:
“This contract win with Tesco represents another step in our intermodal growth as we continue to reposition our business and focus in a more environmentally-conscious, carbon-cutting economy. DIRFT is a great fit for Maritime and our dedicated central management team now operating on site are doing a fantastic job leading day to day operations alongside our new colleagues who we are delighted to welcome to the Company. We look forward to further significant growth opportunities as a strategic partner of Tesco, and continuing to implement our strategy to own and operate the cleanest, most sustainable full-load supply chain in the country.”
Nick Potter, Transport Director, Tesco PLC, added:
“We are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with Maritime, using their extensive terminal network and expertise to support our commitment to efficient, low-carbon logistics. Rail freight is one of the many ways we’re reducing our emissions and the network will play an important role in achieving net zero across our operations by 2035.”
