DB Schenker Rail UK calls for more access to markets at key ports

DB Schenker Rail UK formally complained to the ORR in June 2013 regarding what it perceived to be very significant barriers to competition in relation to maritime container transport from key UK ports to key inland destinations.
The ORR’s preliminary findings can be found via this link: http://orr.gov.uk/what-and-how-we-regulate/competition/competition-issues/current-investigations
DB Schenker Rail UK CEO, Geoff Spencer, has welcomed and strongly endorsed the ORR’s analysis of the relevant markets. He said: “We want to see the relevant markets opened up and operating efficiently for the benefit of the industry and customers but we are concerned that the commitments offered by Freightliner in response to the ORR’s investigation will not achieve this. It is our view that changes should be made to the proposed commitments to ensure they are genuinely comprehensive in addressing ORR’s competition concerns, specifically with regards to rail access at the ports.
“We are grateful for the thoroughness and speed with which the ORR has conducted its investigation. Having achieved so much in the investigation to date, it would be a great shame if the investigation concluded with a decision that failed to resolve the competition concerns the ORR has identified.”
DB Schenker Rail UK will continue to provide its full cooperation to the ORR in this matter.