CMA CGM has announced the acquisition of Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics, marking a significant step into the British rail freight market and reinforcing the group’s European intermodal strategy.
The deal, expected to complete in early 2026 subject to regulatory approval, includes Freightliner’s rail and road operations, inland terminals, and the Freightliner brand. Other Freightliner businesses – including Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, and Freightliner operations in Poland and Germany – remain under separate ownership.
Under the new arrangement, Freightliner will continue to operate as a multi-user, multi-customer standalone business, retaining its teams and brand identity, while benefitting from CMA CGM’s global reach in shipping and logistics.
Supporting Modal Shift and Decarbonisation
CMA CGM said the acquisition highlights its commitment to the modal shift from road to rail, a crucial element in cutting CO₂ emissions in global supply chains. By integrating Freightliner’s UK expertise with its own maritime and logistics operations, the French group aims to deliver end-to-end, lower-carbon transport solutions.
Rodolphe Saadé, CMA CGM chairman and CEO, commented:
“The acquisition of Freightliner strengthens our intermodal presence in the United Kingdom, a strategic market for CMA CGM. It enables us to connect sea, rail and road more efficiently, delivering better solutions for our customers while expanding lower-carbon transport options.”
Freightliner’s Future Direction
Tim Shoveller, CEO of Freightliner Group, described the sale as the start of a new chapter:
“The Intermodal business will become a stand-alone operation within CMA CGM’s portfolio, with opportunities to collaborate with other CMA CGM companies. Heavy Haul will continue to grow in bulk materials under a new brand. Customers will see continuity, with the same leadership and operational teams in place to ensure a smooth transition.”
The change is set to generate synergies by linking UK inland terminals more effectively with Europe’s ports, combining maritime and rail logistics, and driving innovation in decarbonised freight solutions.
CMA CGM in the UK
The French group already employs nearly 7,200 staff in the UK across its shipping, logistics, and inland divisions. Its shipping arm runs 28 services to and from Britain, carrying 802,000 TEUs in 2024. Through its CCIS subsidiary, CMA CGM moved 200,000 TEUs by rail and road in the first seven months of 2025.
Subsidiary CEVA Logistics employs 6,768 people at 103 UK sites, with 718,000 sqm of warehousing capacity, handling 33,800 tonnes of air freight and 69,400 TEUs of ocean freight annually.
With Freightliner’s intermodal network now under its wing, CMA CGM positions itself as a major player in UK rail freight, directly connecting sea, rail, and road to deliver sustainable supply chain solutions.
