The new service is operated by Direct Rail Services and runs between Teesport’s container terminal and Malcolm Rail’s multimodal terminals in Grangemouth, which is home to Scotland’s busiest container port, and Elderslie near Glasgow.
The service was primarily set up to cater for the spirits trade but also carries other types of cargo.
It currently runs once a week, but Malcolm Rail aims to ramp the service up to five days a week.
The Malcolm Group CEO Andrew Malcolm said: "So far there has been a great response to the service as it offers a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to road transport.
“Because of the impressive response to the service, we are aiming to increase its frequency as soon as the demand is there.”
“Rail produces 80% less Carbon Dioxide, 20% less Carbon Monoxide, 5% less Fine Particulate and 10% less Volatile Organic Compounds per tonne carried compared with road transport,” Andrew added.
David Robinson, PD Ports Group CEO, said: “This country is dependent on rail and the value of rail freight is considerable.
“Rail freight can offer our customers a cheaper, quicker, more reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to road to transport.
“We are proud to be part of this initiative that offers our customers another modal option when they transport their goods.”
The service also links into Malcolm Rail’s other services. In total, the division offers capacity on 60 train services per week from six terminals nationwide, providing a crucial link between ports, production facilities and distribution terminals.
