Varamis anger at Royal Mail rail reversal

UK pioneering express logistics operator Varamis Rail is unhappy with the Royal Mail. The centuries-old company has decided to withdraw its fleet of dedicated mail trains. The founder and owner of Varamis, Phil Read, is on a crusade to highlight the decision and champion the cause of express logistics by rail. That includes the tradition of the mail train, which is in danger of being consigned to history.

Varamis Rail is the UK’s only high-speed, fully-electric freight train operating company. Their entrepreneurial founder, Phil Read, has called into question the decision by Royal Mail to sideline its rail service. The Royal Mail, which is currently the subject of an ownership bid from a foreign investor, is pulling out of transporting mail, parcels and light goods with its own fleet of electric trains. They say the ruling stock is life-expired, but the industry has questioned that because the fleet is being offered for sale.

Varamis expanding its own rail service

Varamis Rail has voiced its opposition to the recent decision by Royal Mail to cease its rail operations. The Royal Mail, founded in 1516, making it one of the oldest incorporated companies in the world, will discontinue the use of rail services for transporting mail by October of this year (2024). “It has been stated that this decision stems from a strategic shift favouring road,” says Phil Read of Varamis. “Given the need to reduce environmental impact and when all sustainable solutions should be on offer. It makes this decision even more astonishing.”

Varamis runs a fleet of repurposed passenger electric multiple units (EMUs) which have been stripped of their passenger fitments and mechanically overhauled to run fast on the West Coast Main Line, between Birmingham and Glasgow. The service was recently expanded to serve London out of Liverpool Street. The use of repurposed class 321 EMUs (which are actually older than the bespoke Royal Mail units) has proved so successful for the company that Varamis only just took delivery of a ninth four-car unit.

You cannot beat the laws of physics

“Basic physics explains that the ‘drag co-efficient’ of a 12-carriage train is much lower than that of the equivalent [heavy goods vehicles],” said Phil Read. “Electric rail transport is a much more environmentally friendly option. Discontinuing rail services contradicts broader environmental goals and commitments to reducing carbon footprints.

Varamis Rail currently utilises same-era but older trains than those being retired by Royal Mail. “With a more proactive and considered maintenance program in place, it is our opinion that there are at least 10 more years of productive life left for its fleet,” believes Phil Read. “With the ability to reach speeds of up to 100mph [160kph], their trains can deliver a quicker solution. This enables them to find capacity within the current rail network.”

The decision could impact the competitive landscape with retailers, stakeholders and investors all looking to move their products by more sustainable methods, explained Read. He says this will adversely affect not just Royal Mail but also other stakeholders in the logistics and transportation sector and argues for a diversified transportation approach that includes rail.