The CMA CGM Group has announced the acquisition of Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics, one of the leading rail freight operators in the United Kingdom. The deal, which covers rail and road operations, inland terminals, and the Freightliner brand, is expected to close in early 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
This acquisition forms part of CMA CGM’s strategy to develop a more sustainable and competitive transport offering in Europe. By bringing Freightliner into its portfolio, the Group aims to accelerate the modal shift from road to rail – a key component in decarbonising supply chains.
Other Freightliner businesses, including Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, and Freightliner Poland/Germany, will remain under their current ownership.
Freightliner to operate independently
Freightliner UK will continue to operate as a standalone, multi-user and multi-customer rail freight provider, retaining its existing teams and management structure. This independence is intended to safeguard the operator’s expertise and market position, while also allowing it to benefit from CMA CGM’s global coverage in logistics and shipping.
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, commented:
“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.”
Tim Shoveller, Chief Executive Officer of Freightliner Group, added:
“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.”
Driving the shift to lower-carbon transport
Rail freight plays an increasingly important role in reducing CO₂ emissions across supply chains. CMA CGM has positioned the acquisition as a step towards offering integrated intermodal solutions that better connect European ports with the UK hinterland.
The addition of Freightliner will allow CMA CGM to expand synergies between maritime and inland transport, combining sea, rail, and road expertise. The Group highlighted opportunities to improve connectivity through strategically located inland terminals and to develop new value-added services. Innovation in sustainable logistics is expected to be a shared focus for both companies.
CMA CGM’s position in the United Kingdom
CMA CGM is already a major logistics player in the UK, employing nearly 7,200 people across maritime, inland, and logistics operations. Its shipping agency, with 286 staff, runs 28 services linking the UK to global destinations. In 2024, the Group carried 802,000 TEUs in and out of the country.
Through its subsidiary CCIS, CMA CGM transported 200,000 TEUs by rail and road between January and July 2025. CEVA Logistics, another subsidiary, employs 6,768 staff across 103 UK sites and manages 718,000 sqm of warehousing space. With annual volumes of 33,800 tonnes in air freight and 69,400 TEUs in ocean freight, CEVA provides end-to-end logistics solutions.
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