In 2023, the share of rail freight transport in the UK stood at 8.3%. From 2024, forecasts show a gradual decline with values at 8.1% for 2024, 7.9% for 2025, 7.7% for 2026, 7.5% for 2027, and 7.3% for 2028. This indicates a year-on-year percentage decrease of approximately 2.5% between 2024 and 2025, and a consistent 2.5% annual decline thereafter. Over the last two years, the share has exhibited a downtrend. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years reflects an average annual decrease of around 2.5%, indicating a persistent reduction in rail freight share.
Future trends to watch for:
- Potential shifts to more sustainable transport options that might impact rail freight share.
- Technological advancements in rail infrastructure and logistics efficiency.
- Government policies and economic factors influencing modal choices for freight transport.
- Growth in e-commerce and its demands on the logistics industry.