CMA CGM: Reshaping UK Intermodal Logistics with Freightliner

The CMA CGM Group has confirmed the acquisition of Freightliner UK, including its rail and road operations, as part of a wider strategy to expand global logistics.

For procurement leaders, this move reshapes sourcing options in the UK freight market by aligning maritime, rail and road into a more connected supply chain network.

Intermodal integration for procurement flexibility

CMA CGM is already a global transport and logistics group operating across sea, air, road and land freight. The company’s integrated approach supports end-to-end procurement, allowing buyers to source capacity across shipping, rail and warehousing from a single provider.

Its existing UK footprint includes 7,200 employees, 28 shipping services linking the UK to international ports and the carriage of 802,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024.

Through its inland subsidiary CCIS, the group moved 200,000 TEUs by rail and road between January and July 2025.

By adding Freightliner UK into its portfolio, CMA CGM incorporates inland terminals, rail operations and the Freightliner brand itself.

Freightliner has operated in the UK since 1965 when it launched its first service between London and Scotland.

It now runs across the country with extended reach into Europe. For procurement managers, this history signals reliability in capacity and a stable network of services.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, explains: “The acquisition of Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator, 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. It is also a concrete step in expanding lower-carbon transport options, supporting both their needs and the decarbonisation of global trade.”

Sustainability impact on sourcing decisions

Rail freight reduces carbon emissions in comparison to road haulage by removing thousands of lorries from motorways each day. For procurement teams under pressure to meet corporate sustainability targets, this development widens the availability of lower-carbon options.

CMA CGM already invests in alternative fuels including liquefied natural gas, biomethane and biofuel. Its stated aim is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

Integrating Freightliner aligns with this strategy by offering more rail-based freight, helping companies shift their spend from road to rail without compromising on service levels.

The merger allows Freightliner to remain as a standalone brand but within CMA CGM’s intermodal network. This structure preserves operational expertise while enabling procurement professionals to access more competitive cross-modal packages through a single source.

Tim Shoveller, Chief Executive Officer of Freightliner Group, adds: “This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Intermodal and Heavy Haul, allowing each to focus on their distinct markets under separate ownership.

"The Intermodal business will become a stand-alone business within CMA CGM’s portfolio, with opportunities to collaborate with other arm’s length CMA CGM companies.

"Heavy Haul will continue its growth journey in the bulk materials sector under a new brand with a clear focus on strengthening its position as a key freight operator. Our customers will continue to receive the same high-quality leadership and operational teams, and we have robust plans in place to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.”

For procurement teams, this provides continuity of service while opening opportunities to reconfigure contracts to include combined sea, rail and road services.

Expanding connectivity in Europe

The merger, scheduled to complete in early 2026, sets the stage for a comprehensive intermodal offer that links the UK with European ports and inland hubs.

This expanded infrastructure supports procurement strategies requiring high-capacity freight corridors between the UK and mainland Europe.

The acquisition does not include Freightliner’s Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding or Polish and German operations. These will operate separately, meaning procurement teams can still source services from those businesses independently.

In focusing Freightliner Intermodal within CMA CGM, the combined network creates more resilient supply chains for UK-based buyers.

Inland terminals located near major industrial and retail centres improve the efficiency of multimodal procurement, while alignment with CMA CGM’s shipping services shortens lead times and reduces risk across extended supply chains.

The transaction positions CMA CGM as a leading player in the UK rail logistics sector.

For procurement leaders balancing cost, resilience and sustainability, this acquisition expands the range of reliable partners capable of supporting both domestic and international freight requirements.