Royal Mail has signed a new rail freight deal with the UK's largest rail delivery firm.

Parcel delivery and letters firm Royal Mail is set to sign a deal with rail freight firm DB Schenker to deliver mail, it has been announced.

DB Schenker, which is the biggest rail freight firm in the UK, will send seven trains between London, the north and Scotland, with scope to expand should the demand for mail and parcel delivery rise.

The firm will take over from GBRf, which Royal Mail currently employs to look after its rail operations. DB Schenker's first train will run today and will start off in Willesden, London, before setting out to Glasgow via Warrington.

Commenting on the news, chief executive of DB Schenker Alain Thauvette said: "Rail forms an important component of Royal Mail’s distribution network and we look forward to delivering innovative, reliable and cost effective services for them."

Royal Mail could end up being at least part privatised under plans announced by the government recently.

Posted by Mark Moore.

Article Added: 02/06/2010 09:47:58