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A leading multimodal operator says transporting chilled goods by train is a "huge opportunity" that the transport industry must embrace. Ken Russell, commercial and business development director at Glasgow-based John G Russell, says putting more HGV trailers onto freight trains - so-called "piggybacking" - is one option to ensure this happens.

"There could be benefits from the point of view of cost as well as convenience," he says.  "At the moment, it is not a big area in the UK, but we think the idea needs to be debated and looked at again."

He adds: "If we could get an appropriate body height and width agreed by the government to accommodate pallet size, and make sure the insulation is correct for chilled [products], it could unlock a huge opportunity. Consistency and predictability of service, as well as the equipment to support it, is vital."

Rail freight operator DB Schenker is currently looking at introducing a piggyback service after what it describes as "renewed interest from a number of customers".

Stuart Boner, managing director of the network segment of DB Schenker Rail (UK), says: "We are working hard to develop innovative solutions for customers to secure road-to-rail conversion during the economic downturn in order to reduce costs and carbon emissions."

Meanwhile, the  new 26-acre Telford International Railfreight Park (TIRP), which cost £8m, operated by John G Russell has opened. Building work on the terminal - constructed on land previously owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) - began in August 2006.

Funding has come from Advantage West Midlands and the EU's European Regional Development Fund. The terminal has been handling a number of one-off train movements, primarily for the MoD, since March this year, and offers direct access to the UK rail network.