Female-managed and operated freight train runs ahead of International Women’s Day

Four firms have come together to run a female-managed and operate freight train.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, more than 20 females were involved in the running of an aggregates service between Whatley Quarry and Theale on March 4 in a collaboration between Network Rail, Freightliner, Mendip Rail and Heidelberg Materials.

The aim of the project was to highlight the roles that exist in rail freight and inspire the next generation of women to consider a role in the industry.

Jess Lippett, Network Rail’s Senior Regional Freight Manager, Wales & Western, said: “The rail freight industry is essential to our daily lives. It keeps our supermarkets stocked, our builders building, and our medicines moving. But what many don’t realise is that the future of this vital industry is being shaped by a diverse group of professionals – including women who are leading the way.

“This is more than just a celebration; it’s a statement of the tremendous impact women are having across the sector. From the signallers and controllers working behind the scenes to the train drivers, operatives, and ground staff, women are at the forefront of rail freight, leading the charge in ways that ensure the industry’s future is as inclusive as it is successful.”

The train, the 0220 from Whatley Quarry, arrived at Heidelberg Materials’s Theale sidings 29 minutes early at 0600.

The roles and organisations involved were:

Senior Regional Freight Manager – Network Rail.

Senior Strategic Planner – Network Rail.

Senior Surveyor – Network Rail.

Freight Service Delivery Manager – Network Rail.

Resource Manager – Network Rail.

Assistant Rail Manager – Heidelberg Materials.

Senior Operations Controller – Mendip Rail.

Operations Controller – Mendip Rail.

Train driver – Freightliner.

Operations Support Manager – Freightliner.

Route Control Manager – Network Rail.

Train Running Controller – Network Rail.

Link 3 Signaller – Network Rail.

Link 2 Signaller – Network Rail.

Link 2 Signaller (trainee on Newbury workstation) – Network Rail.

Site Foreman – Heidelberg Materials.

Train planner – Freightliner.