Direct Rail Services

Operating for over 25 years, Direct Rail Services (DRS) is one of the UK’s leading national rail freight operators

DRS has a uniquely flexible and efficient fleet of locomotives and rolling stock. Their fleet of Class 88, 68, 66, 57 and 37 locomotives offer unbridled flexibility allowing them to deliver freight services across the network.

The Class 88 is their state-of-the-art bimode locomotive, the only dual powered locomotive in the UK. It can run on overhead electricity and offers industry leading CO2 savings, but also up to 500 miles on diesel power when no overhead lines are available.

Unique amongst UK rail freight businesses, DRS is not only fully accredited to ISO 9001 quality management and ISO 14001 environmental standards, but has also achieved the occupational health and safety approval BS OHSAS 18001.

With a unique blend of skills and experience, the company offers a comprehensive package of rail transport and related services, tailor-made to match a wide range of exacting customer requirements. DRS’s award winning UK-wide operations are delivered from a national network of fully equipped depots and facilities, supported by a 24/7 control centre.

Supporting DRS’s core business of delivering safe, secure and reliable transport services for some of the most sensitive and demanding loads is an ever-expanding portfolio of key rail activities.

DRS operates a unique fleet of locomotives matched with a flexible team of highly trained, fully experienced staff, providing a comprehensive range of infrastructure support services including:

• Autumn Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTT).

• Winter snow clearance utilising DRS’ own MSP-fi tted locomotives and Network Rail Independent Snow Ploughs and Beilhack Ploughs.

• Overhead line ‘ice breaking’ service.

• MPV weed-spraying operations.

• S&C Video MPV Operation.

• A variety of Test Trains, including Network Rail Saloon services.

In addition to these key services, DRS also supports Supply Chain Operations for Network Rail with the extensive resources required to facilitate its infrastructure renewal requirements, including the provision of Network Services, Bulk Ballast Services, Delivery Trains and Possession Services.

Nuclear Transport Solutions

In April 2021, Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), a specialist nuclear transport organisation, was launched. NTS is part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group and specialises in the operational, commercial, engineering, legal, and regulatory expertise that underpin nuclear transport and logistics operations.

Operating from a network of more than thirty depots and sites, from Georgemas in the far north of Scotland to Devonport on the south coast, Nuclear Transport Solutions operate seven fully nuclear capable regional railheads that are positioned to support decommissioning and new build activities, and safe, high-security stabling facilities at strategic locations.

Key Personnel

Managing Director: Chris Connelly

Senior Business Manager: Sabrina Brannan

Senior Operations Planning Manager: Sam Dixon

Contact Information

Address: Direct Rail Services, Regents Court, Baron Way, Carlisle, Cumbria CA6 4SJ

Tel: 01228 406600

Email: communications@drsl.co.uk